The objective here is plain and simple: a lower stance and better handling. And that's exactly what we got with Belltech's tried and true lowering components for the second-gen Blazer/Jimmy. The list of parts represent a simple install—spindles and 2-inch coil springs for the front, and leaf springs and 2-inch blocks out back giving us a respectable 4/5 altitude drop. To add increased steering response while minimizing body roll, we just had to order Belltech's front and rear anti-sway bars, and to absorb the bumps in the road, Street Performance shocks completed the package perfectly.
At the end of an afternoon's work, we got just what we were after—better looks, a sportier, way more fun-to-drive suspension, and best of all, quality components underneath us. This combo is perfect for a daily driven beater that couldn't be left looking and performing like an ordinary L7 weenie. Follow along step by step on how you can easily turn your ride into something you actually look forward to driving every day.
1. The goods that will get...
1. The goods that will get us closer to the ground: A front-to-back drop kit from Belltech complete with spindles, coil and leaf springs, blocks, Street Performance shocks...
2. ...front and rear anti-sway...
2. ...front and rear anti-sway bars.
3. While we were at it, we...
3. While we were at it, we ordered a set of 18x9 B/G Rod Works Gasser wheels wrapped in Yokohama 245/45/18 YK580 rubber that were shipped mounted, balanced, and ready to bolt on from Discount Tire Direct.
4. To start, George of GO...
4. To start, George of GO EZ Customs unbolted the brake components and shock, as well as the factory sway bar. The spindle was separated from the tie rod, and the castle nut securing the spindle to the upper control arm was undone. To get the spindle to come loose, a few love taps of a mallet were in order.
5. From here, the floor jack...
5. From here, the floor jack that was supporting the upper arm was slowly lowered, and the pressure from the spring pushed itself right on out. (Notice the brake caliper was hung securely and not left hanging)
6. The dust shield and wheel...
6. The dust shield and wheel hub were then removed from the factory spindle and attached to the new Belltech spindle.
7. The stock upper andl ower...
7. The stock upper andl ower rubber spring boots were reused on the Belltech spring, and it was put into place.
8. The floor jack was then...
8. The floor jack was then raised to keep the coil in place and to allow the spindle to be secured to both the upper and lower arms.
9. The hub assembly with our...
9. The hub assembly with our EBC Brakes rotor was then reattached.
10. Next, the front factory...
10. Next, the front factory sway bar was removed...
11. ...and set beside the...
11. ...and set beside the Belltech anti-sway bar. There's no argument how much beefier the Belltech bar is in comparison.
12. The poly bushings included...
12. The poly bushings included with Belltech's bar are also far superior to the weathered OEM bushings.
13. Moving to the rear, the...
13. Moving to the rear, the shock was removed, the factory leaf spring was unbolted...
14. ...and the Belltech 3-inch...
14. ...and the Belltech 3-inch drop leaf spring was bolted right into place.
15. But before everything...
15. But before everything was tightened up, the Belltech 2-inch drop blocks were secured with the included u-bolt kit. (it's a good idea to grind the bottoms of the bolts down since they are super long)
16. To finish up the job,...
16. To finish up the job, Belltech's anti-sway bar was bolted in where the puny stock one once was.
17. Back to front, Belltech's...
17. Back to front, Belltech's drop components were inspected once more before being tightened down. Bumpstops were trimmed or removed completely.
18. An alignment was done...
18. An alignment was done early the next day, and after testing out the travel on the streets, we realized that a rear frame notch was a definite must. Even without weight in the back, the rear bottoms out at dips and when accelerating at certain corners. This was something we had anticipated but didn't execute while we had the suspension blown apart, but we'll get around to it.
19. But for now, the handling is much more responsive, the truck looks way better, and most importantly, it's a blast to drive.