z'ing the frame

[joehalford01]

as i continue dissembling my truck i've been doing more research on lowering it. z'ing looks like a pretty good option. a decent amount of work but practically free. I'm considering getting it down to the frame and then attempting this (after lots of planning and measuring). I think 3 inches is about how much i want to take. I'm also thinking i'd like to z the rear as well as the front and maybe even shorten the frame a little bit. i know enough to know i need to make my cuts and welds on a level surface- can i do it on concrete with jackstands as long as it is level? or do i need something more elabrate? also, any suggestions or past experience is welcomed from you guys, thanks!

 

[Bonehead]

I used to alot of work off the back of my welding truck, a couple of saw horses, and some adjustable stands and you are good to go.

 

[24dodge]

if you are going to shorten the frame consider just putting the frame rails on top of each other , then all you have to do is box it and get a shorter drive shaft , it will lower it the width of the frame rails which will be more than 3" , but its simple....24

 

[joehalford01]

ok, good to know it can be done simple if i take my time.

24 dodge, it seems like a good idea to stack the frame like that as it would be simple enough to match up but it seems like such a huge z would create more suspension headaches for me. It might be the way to go though for the back as i would only have to deal with the suspension unlike the front where i would have to deal with steering linkage, firewall clearance, etc.

So i'm wondering, if i do a 3" z in the front and a 6" z in the rear (width of the frame rail), will i have issues with max height on bags? I would like to be able to raise it up to at least almost stock height for huge speed-bumps, my driveway, etc. Thoughts?

 

[24dodge]

To be honest I don`t have any experience with bags at all , I`m sure someone can answer your question , as it seems to be a valid point, i`ll look around for articles on how others have done it .......24

 

[Psycho Kustoms]

ok, good to know it can be done simple if i take my time.

24 dodge, it seems like a good idea to stack the frame like that as it would be simple enough to match up but it seems like such a huge z would create more suspension headaches for me. It might be the way to go though for the back as i would only have to deal with the suspension unlike the front where i would have to deal with steering linkage, firewall clearance, etc.

So i'm wondering, if i do a 3" z in the front and a 6" z in the rear (width of the frame rail), will i have issues with max height on bags? I would like to be able to raise it up to at least almost stock height for huge speed-bumps, my driveway, etc. Thoughts?

on your 'bag question...yea,you should be fine a 2600 'bag get aprox 8 in of lift.now to get more lift you can mount the bag on the lower bars,the closer you get the bag to the piviot point of the lower bar the more lift you get.are you baggin the front also??

 

[joehalford01]

yeah, the front too. I hadn't thought about moving the bag location. so your saying to move it up the trailing arm to get more lift? That would affect my total drop though wouldn't it? or would it matter with a full z in the rear? My main concern is making it so low static that an average set of bags won't get it up up high enough to clear my driveway-etc. 8" up from a full drop seems like it would work well enough though.

 

[Psycho Kustoms]

it wont effect the total drop because you set it up fully laid out,so the farther you get that bag up the trailing arm the more lift you get.dont go too close though,then you start effecting the ride.and with a setup like this DONT overlook a GOOD set of shocks.if you have any questions you can call my shop and i will be happy to explain it to you over the phone.401-490-0062.
Pete

 

[joehalford01]

sweet, thanks guys. I'll get cracking as soon as i get the vette rolling again and i can get my engine picker over to the truck.