Dropping a Blazer Xtreme

[SupremeSlacker27]

So I'm looking to drop my Xtreme Blazer. I need some advice on a few things:

How low can I go without getting a smaller tire size than stock?

What kits have people bought, that would fit what I'm looking for?

Where can I find that kit?

How much will this cost? My goal is $300 but I'm not sure if that's realistic, if not how much?

[XtremelyYellow]

Well....
The spindles alone cost about $300
you can do a 2/3 drop with spindles, coils and blocks
or a 3/4 drop with spindles, coils and blocks

I got all my parts from www.summitracing.com
The spindles, coils and 3" blocks are Belltech and my 4" blocks are DJM
Look to spend around $500-$600

2/3 Drop


3/4 Drop

[SupremeSlacker27]

That 3/4" drop is more so what I'm looking at doing. It looks about as low as you can get before you'd start making contact between tire and wheel well. Thanks for the advice.

[GOTDUBZ]

You definatly will have to flip the brake lines and Im sure you'll need at least a bolt in notch.

[BlazerX01]

I did a 2/3 with spindles and 3" blocks. So total I had a 3.5/4.5 cause stock springs and leafs are already a 1.5 drop.

[SupremeSlacker27]

I was told I needed to find a kit for an Xtreme because the ones for regular Blazers don't work with it. Is that true?

[kdh]

no its not.

I'm using beltec 2" drop spindles and 3" blocks all from belltec. I've been rockin it almost 2 years with zero issues. did all the work myself, yes you'll have to flip your rear break lines.

[SupremeSlacker27]

Ok, well will this kit be what I need? Or will I still need more?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/S10-Lowering-Kit-3-4-DROP-BLAZER-SONOMA-S15-JIMMY-82-03_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33586QQihZ013QQitemZ 230247739385QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V#ht_2201wt_0

[XtremelyYellow]

NO...don't get that. The blazer and s-10 have different spindles. Blazer require Belltech 2102 I think

[SupremeSlacker27]

Quote: Originally Posted by XtremelyYellow

NO...don't get that. The blazer and s-10 have different spindles. Blazer require Belltech 2102 I think

It says it works for S10s, Blazers, Sonomas, S15s and Jimmys. Now I know that ebay sellers like to put anything that will make you buy their stuff but also you coulda just missed the part about the other vehicles. Either way you know more about this stuff than I do so if you say no then I'll keep looking...

[BanginJimmy]

98+ blazers use a different spindle than a 83+ S-10 or 83-97 blazer.

Other than the spindles all other lowering parts will work.

Easiest way to get what you want will be Spindles and Blocks. Dont forget to get drop shocks for the front when you do.

Spindles: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=BEL%2D2102&N=700+ 115&autoview=sku

3" Blocks: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

[XtremelyYellow]

BanginJimmy is correct. If you want a 3/4 drop add a 3" coil To the 2" Spindle and change the block to a 4" one

[K Dawg ONE]

just get 2" springs and 3" blocks....

[XtremelyYellow]

Quote: Originally Posted by K Dawg ONE

just get 2" springs and 3" blocks....

2" springs will only drop you about half an inch on a Blazer X. They come stock with a 1.5 in spring.

[BanginJimmy]

Quote: Originally Posted by XtremelyYellow

If you want a 3/4 drop add a 3" coil To the 2" Spindle and change the block to a 4" one

that would be a 5/5.5 drop on an X blazer.

what you mean is a stock spring and a 3" block.


Dana, you planning on showing the truck at all this year? I still havent seen it.

[XtremelyYellow]

Quote: Originally Posted by BanginJimmy

that would be a 5/5.5 drop on an X blazer.

what you mean is a stock spring and a 3" block.

Well yeah... if you count the stock drop.
3/4 meaning on top of the stock drop.
My Blazer had 3" coils... 2" spindles and 4" blocks

[SupremeSlacker27]

Quote: Originally Posted by GOTDUBZ

You definatly will have to flip the brake lines and Im sure you'll need at least a bolt in notch.

What's all involved in notching it and flipping the brakes?

[BanginJimmy]

for a 2/3 drop on top mof the X package you need to cut down the bumpstops, but you shouldnt need to notch it.

If you look at the brake caliper in the rear. You see where the line bolts into it, you just need to turn the line around. It should take 10 minutes to flip the lines and another 15 to get both sides bled if you ahve a little help.

[GOTDUBZ]

Yeah you only need a notch if you went with a 3/4 on top on the xtreme drop. You will bottom out on a 2/3 too especially with someone in the back but it's not too bad. I had a 2/3 with spindles and blocks for a couple years.

[OnE SiCk XtReMe]

yea blazer spindles 98 and up use the 2102. Older ones use the other spindles

[kdh]

Quote: Originally Posted by SupremeSlacker27

Ok, well will this kit be what I need? Or will I still need more?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/S10-L...1V#ht_2201wt_0

totally wrong, you need the beltec 2102 spindle and a 3" block. I'm using 3" flat blocks. 2 years later no issues. I got everything from summit racing.

As for the brake lines? Crawl under your blazer and look at the line that runs to the caliper, its in a u shape pointing up. You'll need to unbolt it, and make it point down. If you don't do it, it'll rub the frame and with in a few months it could burst leaving you with no brakes.

Its really not that hard, take it from me. I use computers all day, its my day job. I lowered my truck by myself in my garage over the weekend. Just make sure you have a deep socket set up to 26mm and a tie rod remover to pop the spindle off the upper and lower control arm you should be able to get it all done. Some people will tell you to whack the spindle with a large hammer to make it pop off the upper and lower arm, but it didn't work for me. a tie rod remover did the trick for me in less then 30 seconds. I also flipped my brake lines and then had a shop flush my brake lines and realign my truck.

And to be totally honest? I wouldn't have been able to lower my truck if it wasn't for this site, and reading all the threads related to it.

btw, make sure there is a shop in your area that will align your truck for you. some people have had issues with shops not able to do it.

[kdh]

Quote: Originally Posted by BanginJimmy

for a 2/3 drop on top mof the X package you need to cut down the bumpstops, but you shouldnt need to notch it.

If you look at the brake caliper in the rear. You see where the line bolts into it, you just need to turn the line around. It should take 10 minutes to flip the lines and another 15 to get both sides bled if you ahve a little help.

I removed the front bumpstops and replaced them with a 1" and in the rear, i took the factory ones and ground them down 3". I figured 3" drop, should remove 3" from the stops. Worked so far and it keeps me from bottoming out. I *didn't* notch my frame either.

To be honest? With a big stupid stereo in the back, i don't like having anyone ride in the back anymore.

My truck also has 90k in miles on it, its about time to replace my zq8 shocks with another pair and that should help with the ride.

Personally I wouldn't go any lower then 2/3 on top of the zq8 package. Its a bitch being on pot hole partrol all the time. The only way I'd go lower is if I bagged it, and thats in another 2 years or so.

best of luck!!

[luilui812]

i have a question for those who has HAD stock (xtreme) suspensions along with a 2/3 drop. ever since i bought my blazer xtreme, i've always felt that the suspensions on the car are VERY STIFF . my blazer hits even the smallest bumps on the road HARD. i never liked this. so my question is simply this, does a 2/3 drop help the suspensions on the car(make ride smoooother)? using the 2" spindles and 3" blocks. if not, is there ANYTHING i can do to make ride smoother and lower it at the same time? other than bag it cuz i dont have that kind of money.

[OnE SiCk XtReMe]

I got air shocks in the back of mine with the 2/3 drop rides great now. or if you drop it just notch the back it should ride better than.

[XtremelyYellow]

My notch made all the difference... I have to hit something pretty hard to bottom out now.

[benjamin86]

What sort of notch did you end up running, Yellow?

[XtremelyYellow]

I got the bolt on one from suicide doors... but had it welded on.

[Bad4Pt3]

hmm i dont know if i ever flipped the brake line in the rear but i did have to shave off some of my upper control arm cause at full lock it would rub on it. Anyone else get that issue up front?

[luilui812]

Quote: Originally Posted by OnE SiCk XtReMe

I got air shocks in the back of mine with the 2/3 drop rides great now. or if you drop it just notch the back it should ride better than.

by the way. right now i have stock suspension on my blazer xtreme. so if i drop it 2/3 with rear air shocks, it will ride smoother than stock? and what air shocks are you talking about?

[OnE SiCk XtReMe]

it will ride pretty good man mine doesn't hit at all. Unless I let air out for a show then on the way home I gotta refill them. I have gabriel air shocks.

[loweredime]

I have spindles and 3" coils, 3" blocks with one leaf out. My truck rides good the front bottems out alot thats about it.

[SupremeSlacker27]

Do you guys notice an increase in gas mileage after dropping your truck?

[XtremelyYellow]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bad4Pt3

hmm i dont know if i ever flipped the brake line in the rear but i did have to shave off some of my upper control arm cause at full lock it would rub on it. Anyone else get that issue up front?

Yes... Mine actually needs to be shaved more. I lose my brakes at full lock

[greencactus3]

Quote: Originally Posted by XtremelyYellow

Yes... Mine actually needs to be shaved more. I lose my brakes at full lock

probably wanna get on that soon

[OnE SiCk XtReMe]

Yea I had to do that too.

[BanginJimmy]

My calipers hit the UCA if I am turned at lock and hit a large bump when I'm riding low. Scares the shit out of me sometimes.

[bwhitfield24]

Quote: Originally Posted by XtremelyYellow

Yes... Mine actually needs to be shaved more. I lose my brakes at full lock

Hmm... Do you lose them after turning like even when you're going straight the first time you touch the brakes after turning hard? Mine do that, it is kinda scary! You fix it from cutting more off of the Upper Control Arm? We had to cut some during installation, maybe we need to cut more?

[XtremelyYellow]

Quote: Originally Posted by bwhitfield24

Hmm... Do you lose them after turning like even when you're going straight the first time you touch the brakes after turning hard? Mine do that, it is kinda scary! You fix it from cutting more off of the Upper Control Arm? We had to cut some during installation, maybe we need to cut more?

Yeah... they go out after turning to full lock or close to it. Pump them once and they came back. It is scary but I can tell when it's going to happen. I don't let anyone else drive my car though... they would probably wreck it if it happens while they are driving it. I think they need to have a slight notch cut in them... some was cut off of my control arms during install too. Happened to both my blazers

[BanginJimmy]

I have about 1/2" taken off the lip now, I am going to do some more grinding here pretty soon to get mine taken care of.

[bwhitfield24]

Interesting... Dad thinks it might be stretching the brake lines and that we may need longer lines....? I've only had mine 2/3'd since Memorial day so I'm still getting used to it. I can tell as well when it's going to happen, thankfully it usually happens at low speeds cause you don't turn much when driving faster. I also need to get my rear lines flipped shortly as well.

We cut quite a bit off of the bump stops in the back, but not enough. It bottoms our hard some times...

[BanginJimmy]

remember this is only when you add spindles. It will not happen with just springs.


Just shave a bit off the UCA and it should correct it.

[OnE SiCk XtReMe]

yea tru after you do that its perfect.

[BlazerX01]

I had the same problem with mine untill I took the grinder to the upper control arm and fixed the problem. I had the same sort of problem the with the rear calibers after I notched and put 4" blocks in. I fix the problem by moving the calibers to the frontof the axel.

[BanginJimmy]

I havent had any issues with the rear calipers

[OnE SiCk XtReMe]

me ethier

[bwhitfield24]

I've figured out that if I turn the wheel one complete revolution there's no problems. But if I turn the wheel 450degrees then there's a problem. 360+90.

[bwhitfield24]

Just an update.... We took some more off of the UCA and I don't have any brake problems in the front. I'm still going to get longer brake lines though, it get's stretched a bit on the passenger side when making left hand turns. I've bought a set of SD bolt in notches for the rear but haven't installed them yet to get rid of the back jarring bottoming out that happens occasionally.