2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Why Does Overload Springs Have to be Removed With DC Lowering Kit

[bdaniel]

I bought the lowering kit for the rear of my 2002 4x4 from the dealer. The kit has blocks that are 2" shorter than the originals, new shorter shocks, u-bolts and various linkages for the brake proportional systems.



The instructions state that the overload springs can not be used with the kit and must be removed. My question is why?



The metal block goes underneath the springs. The shorter blocks shorten the distance between the rear axle and the springs but nothing else. The distance between the overload springs and the stops on the frame does not change. So why do I have to remove them?



My guess is that DC was too cheap to include another set of u-bolts in the kit. If they allowed the overloads to remain, one length of u-bolt would be required for those trucks and for those trucks without the overloads, another length of u-bolts would be required.



What do you think? I think I may put the overloads back on.



Thanks,

Bobby

 

[BV]

Lowering Kit/Overloads

Good question - If your 2002 is like the 92 and the 99 I had with factory overloads then I don't see a problem with putting in shorter blocks without removing the overloads. They are at the top of the spring pack (like you said already) and their position should not change with the shorter block.



Maybe someone can answer this - Can you get factory overloads on a 2x4 and if so then what is the difference between them and 4x4?

 

[Dane]

Bobby,

Can you measure those new shorter blocks and tell me if they are the same height front and back. I'm wondering if the blocks are tapered for driveline angle or not? Thanks!

 

[RedRam1]

Bobby,



All you need is some longer U-bolts in order to retain your overload springs. I made some homemade 2" shorter blocks & kept my overload springs. Seems like the new U-bolts cost me around thirty bucks.

Did your factory kit include new shocks? I was concerned that I may need shorter shocks, but so far have not had any problems, I've hauled some fairly sizeable loads too, certianly more than 8800 lb gvw.

 

[bdaniel]

Thanks for the answers.



The blocks in the kit are 2" shorter than stock. They do not appear to be angled. The top and bottom appear to be 90 degrees to the sides. However the stop on the side is angled. This is the thing the rubber thing hits when the truck is severly overloaded.



The shocks that come with the kit are shorter than stock. I've read on this web site that others have made homemade blocks and left the stock shocks on the truck and have not had a problem.



Thanks,

Bobby

 

[POSTCARS]

someone looks at things the same as me. what does the overload got to do with a spacerblock. they dont even know they are there.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Overloads on 2wd

I got my '01 ETH 4x2 with overloads, it had a 1" spacer between the spring perch and spring assy.



I removed my spacers and had custom U-bolts made for only $5 each, I also moved up a size while I was at it (went from 1/2" to 9/16" I believe).



Vaughn