How much further down can I go on the stock setup....I only need about 1-2 inchs in the front after I do the rear shackles


Do I need lowering keys to get it down further then it is now?

You can lower the keys until they touch the crossbolts. You should get 1-2" of drop. If not, then you will need to get the special keys.

Sorry to jump in, I was thinking of doing the same. Does this affect ride quality on the front end or create excess wear on the ball joints?

Let me say from the start. I have never looked into lowering the truck. But i agree with "afp1" you will need special keys to lower more than 1-2in. Your ride will get softer...but should not hurt the ball joints! IMO no extra wear!

You can machine the "flat" of the OE keys to further lower the truck, but the bump springs will also likely need to be trimmed. Have a machinist mill about 1/8" off of the flat on the key itself. The pocket will remain so you can still turn it back up and now have a greater range of adjustability.

Zibby,

If he puts the lower-arms at an angle the ride will not be softer. The softest ride comes form perfectly horizontal a-arms.

John,

In messing around with lift components I had to cut the flat of my t-bar keys. I cut off about a 1/4" then redrilled the pockets. I also ground some off the adjuster bolt cross piece. I wasn't excited about doing any of that, but it has held up well.

Great info guys, thanks!

Couldn't lower mine more than 1/2" on stock keys. Installed the McGaughys Keys and got 3" out of them. Trimmed my bump stops and managed to allign it to factory specs (although there is no more adjustment past this height.) Ride is very much like stock. Even on stock shocks.

you can pull the bolts out as well

Zibby,

If he puts the lower-arms at an angle the ride will not be softer. The softest ride comes form perfectly horizontal a-arms.

I could be wrong but I don't think the a-arms can reach perfect horizontal with the stock keys. I have never looked at it that way So i'm not sure. But you are correct the softest ride would be perfect horizontal a-arms. And the ride will get stiffer if you go past horizontal much like cranking up the t-bars.