Suspension upgrades vs. Bolt in kits?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Z11WEAVER

I've been searching for info to do a nice handling aggressive static drop on a round body blazer. I purchased a 74 suare body 5 lug front set-up. My initial plans were to instal 2.5 CPP Drop spindles and 3" drop springs. Maybe even 3" drop spindles and 4" drop springs. Tech guy said I should also update to their tubular upper and lower control arms and ad a front sway bar. Then I saw the stance on a Porterbuilt level 2 kit, that has the stance that Im looking for. The bad, this kit is very expensive and requires different hinges, oil pan (for LS) and different or modified inner fenders. I'm trying to convince myself, this is the kit to pursue, but is a guy really making any improvements with this kit vs. the much cheaper factory style upgrades? I do like the idea of improved ground clearance with the Porterbuilt crossmember. FYI, Going to run 20x 8's up front. If I just go with the 74 set-up, are there any real advantages of the CPP tubular control arms other that the cool factor?

That blue short-fleet truck pictured is drivable @ that height because the crossmember, other structural components, & body parts are relocated higher so it still has ground + suspension travel clearance. It has an engineered system that allows the aggressive drop.

Using CPP spindles & drop springs will get you an average, moderate drop. Trying to get it lower by utilizing 'more' drop w/the spindle & spring combo will kill ride quality because it will be bottoming out constantly. Once you go beyond 5"F/7"R drops, things need to start being changed to maintain ride quality:

*Front tires buzz the wheel wells (depending on tire OD).
*Front lower control arm pivot points make contact w/the road.
*Limited front shock travel (shorter shocks minimize travel which impacts ride quality).

*Rear axle tubes bottoming against the frame. C-notches help, but that leads to contact elsewhere.
*Rear differential housing can make contact w/the bed floor.
*Limited rear shock travel (shorter shocks minimize travel which impacts ride quality). Aggressive lowering can also impact shock geometry thus ride quality.

If you want that height, bypass the CPP springs/arms/etc & go w/a kit designed for your desired/specific/targeted height or be prepared to modify the existing platform vs how the factory set things up. Yes, it will be more expensive because more needs to be done. But, more needs to be done so the vehicle is more enjoyable for the driving experience.