Which route should I take?

[driftinblzr]

Hi!

I'm sorta new here. I registered several years ago and finally have some $$ to give to my '02 2Dr, 2wd Blazer. I want to lower it about 3"-4" all the way around.

I plan on using 4" angled blocks in the back, temporarily, until I can do the calculations for another type of rear suspension i.e. torque-arm or triangulated 4-link.

Where I'm stuck is what's the best/least expensive way to lower the front but I want a decent ride and good handling. I plan on budgeting about $500 for the front lowering components.

From what I've read on here I have a couple options...
1) Lowering Coil-spring and stock spindle
2) Lowering Coil-spring and lowering spindle
3) Coilover (QA1 or Varishock)
4) Speedway Coil-spring with adjuster

Option 1 is the cheapest but the ride quality can suck.
Option 2 can get me close to a stock ride but the spindles alone are $329.
Option 3 is about the same price as option 2, has shock adjustablity, but to get the best ride can only lower the truck about 1.5".
Option 4 I have little info on but someone on here (can't remember who) has done it.

Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Later, Doug

[LowBuckX]

Hey Doug. Im out here in Kent Ohio one exit past SummitRacing.

Cant help you on your question because I dont know the ins n outs of the Blazer suspension.

Lot of room for a proper 3 link and can be done fairly cheap. (you asked about rear suspensions in another post) Also what is your skill level... can you Weld are you willing to cut n fab. is this a daily driver or can you afford to have it down for a while while you do these steps.

[driftinblzr]

Up until a week or so ago this was my second ride, but I totalled my WRX so now this is my DD. I do have some fabrication skills but the only welding I can do is tack welding. I would prefer not to cut if possible but I know that in some cases that is not always possible.

BTW, I'm off the Grant St. exit on 76/77 near the central interchange.

Later, Doug

[bbcc]

If you want to do this on the cheap check out your local classifieds for dudes selling drop spindles and springs. You should be able to pick up both for around $200-300 quite easily. I'm personaly going with spindles and hypercoils with adjustable cup. Combined with the tall upper and lower bj's the front end should be about 3.5" lower than factory but with better geometry, especialy with the sc&c arms. Good plan on the rear, just don't get lazy and leave the blocks in there. You will really hate them in the corners and hard launches.

Sucks to hear you lost your wrx. Throw some pix up of the truck though. Always pumped to see another s-series guy.

Cheers, Ryer

[driftinblzr]

Used spindles for my year Blazer are very hard to come by or I would go that route. Stupid hub/bearing setup! What specs do you have on the Hypercoils and adjustable cups?


I don't have any other pics that I know of except this one which is sad since I've owned this truck for almost 5 years.

Later, Doug

[bbcc]

Oh, my bad. I didn't even register that it was an '02. Ya, those are hard to come by. I'm running hypercoils 18z0650 which is 650 lb/in with a 9.5" free length. The cups are afco 20191. The whole setup cost me under $200 cdn. I went this route because guys like hotchkis and beltech will not tell you the spring rate of thier springs, and I was very set on having this rate. The adjustable cups are not necisary, but I feel they will allow me to easily adjust the corner weight of the truck, and to a certain extent dial in my ride height.

GL with your project dude. Let me know if you have some more questions on my setup.

Cheers, Ryer

[driftinblzr]

I decided to go with the single adjustable QA1 coilovers with 550lb/in springs for the front. I'm also going to use 3" Belltech angled blocks until I can do something better with the rear suspension system.

Later, Doug

[MonzaRacer]

http://www.ridetech.com/products/Chevy_S10_82_03_AirBAR_RoadGrater_system-1098-955.html
http://www.ridetech.com/products/82_03_S10_Level_1_Package-1612-955.html
http://www.ridetech.com/products/82_03_S10_Level_2_Package-1613-955.html
http://www.ridetech.com/products/Chevy_S10_82_03_Street_Challenge_Kit-1334-955.html

[driftinblzr]

Well, I got my QA1's installed and have to say I'm not impressed but it could be my fault. I ordered them with 550lb/in springs instead of the recommended 350lb/in springs. I have the spring seats 4.25 turns from the bottom and the ride height is the same as before. So I either have to buy softer springs or get another setup such as drop coil/spindles. It really sucks since I spent two full evenings and close to $500 (coilover kit, spanner wrenches, and thrust washer kit) to basically ended up where I started.

I guess I should just get the 350lb/in springs and install those. Any other suggestions?

Later, Doug

[Adam@Autoloc]

2) Lowering Coil-spring and lowering spindle


This option is your best bet. In the rear you can use lowering leaf springs...Id use belltech nitro shocks. I had those on my sonoma had they rode smooth.

Only draw back to using aftermarket drop spindle is you have an 02' and the spindles are kinda expensive.

check out www.s10truckforum.com