Building a truck usually includes a suspension mod, whether in the form of a static-drop or with airbags, for a ground-scraping stance. When we decided to lower our '07 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab, we took the moderate approach to bring the truck closer to Earth. We contacted Belltech and told them we wanted our truck as low as possible but with a better than factory ride. We were told that this could be achieved rather easily by using Belltech suspension components. So, to bring the Colorado down a total of 5 inches in the front, Belltech's 2-inch drop ball joints were used with its 3-inch adjustable coilovers. In the rear, all that was needed was Belltech's 3-inch lowering leaf springs with a set of performance shocks-valved specifically for the Colorado.
We suggest that prior to starting the job, you should familiarize yourself with the parts to be replaced, as well as how the new parts should be installed. Carefully read all instructions, referring to any illustrations or photos provided. Also, have the required tools handy and a friend to assist with the heavy work. The vehicle should be placed on secure floor jacks at each corner. A clean and level work surface is a plus. You should allow at least a day to do the job. When finished, do not drive the vehicle, except to the alignment rack.
Follow along, as we show you the install.
1. With the truck safely on...
1. With the truck safely on the lift, we removed the front tires. We unbolted and removed the brake caliper (15mm), the tie rod (21mm), the sway bar end links that were connected to the lower control arm, and the wheel sensor wires.
2. With a 21mm socket and...
2. With a 21mm socket and impact, we loosened up the bottom of the strut. Three 15mm nuts were removed to release the strut from the top mount. One is accessible from the wheelwell, the other two were accessible from the inside of the engine compartment. Once removed, the strut was free to come out.
3. (a and b) On the lower...
3. (a and b) On the lower control arm (LCA), we loosened the four bolts that secured the ball joint, but we didn't remove them. Next, we used a 21mm socket to loosen the nut on the ball joint, then removed the ball joint from the LCA. With a large hammer, Semon hit the side of the spindle two to three times, until it released itself, then removed it from the spindle. With the lower ball joint removed from the LCA, it was easier to remove the upper ball joint following the same process we did for the lower.
3b.
4. In order to install the...
4. In order to install the lower ball joint, the sway bar connector arm tab had to be removed. This tab was welded onto the stock lower control arm and was easily removed using a Sawzall with a metal cutting blade. We removed the tab, then cut it flush to the top of the lower control arm. Once removed, a grinder was used to smooth the area. We wiped the area down with a cleaning solvent and spray painted the surface black.
5. Next, the Belltech lower...
5. Next, the Belltech lower ball joint was mounted atop the LCA. The bottom lower ball joint spacer was sandwiched between the cavity of the LCA. This spacer supports the LCA from collapsing when tightening the lower ball joint onto the LCA. We then installed the provided mounting hardware and secured the ball joint to the LCA.