How To Lower Silverado Rear? [8 Easy Steps]
If you’re a proud owner of a Chevrolet Silverado and you’re looking to enhance its appearance and achieve that perfect stance, lowering the rear of your truck is an excellent option.
To lower the rear of your Silverado, you can follow these steps: install lowering blocks or shackles, upgrade to shorter rear shocks, and consult a professional for proper installation and alignment. Ensure compliance with local regulations.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to achieve the perfect stance for your Silverado, ensuring that your truck stands out from the crowd and turns heads wherever you go.
How To Lower Silverado Rear?
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can enhance its overall appearance and improve its handling on the road. If you want to give your truck a sleeker and more aggressive stance, follow this step-by-step guide to achieve the desired results.
Materials Needed:
- Drop shackles
- Jack stands
- Wrench
- Socket wrench
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Step 1: Prepare The Truck
Park your Silverado on a level surface and engage the parking brake to ensure stability. Place the jack stands under the front and rear of the truck, securely on stable points of the frame.
Step 2: Raise The Truck
Use the jack to raise the truck’s rear until the tires are off the ground. Ensure the jack is correctly positioned and the truck is stable.
Step 3: Locate Old Shackles
Find the old shackles on the rear suspension near the leaf springs, which connect them to the frame.
Step 4: Remove Old Shackles
Use a wrench and socket wrench to remove the bolts securing the old shackles. Be cautious not to damage surrounding components.
Step 5: Install New Drop Shackles
Install the new drop shackles in place of the old ones. Ensure proper alignment and that the bolt holes match the mounting points on the frame and leaf springs.
Step 6: Secure New Shackles
Insert bolts through the shackles and tighten them using the wrench and socket. Ensure they are securely fastened, but avoid over-tightening.
Step 7: Lower The Truck
Slowly lower the truck off the jack stands by carefully operating the jack. Ensure the truck is stable on its own before removing the jack stands. Then, safely remove the jack stands from under the truck and set them aside.
Step 8: Test drive
Test drive the truck to check for abnormalities or issues. Pay attention to the ride’s smoothness, and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations.
If everything feels and sounds normal, then the installation of the drop shackles is complete.
What Are The Benefits Of Lowering The Rear Of Your Silverado?
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can provide several benefits. By altering the suspension setup, you can achieve a sleek and aggressive stance that enhances your truck’s overall appearance.
Here are some advantages of lowering the rear of your Silverado:
Improved Handling
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can enhance its handling characteristics. It lowers the center of gravity, reducing body roll during cornering and improving stability.
This results in improved traction and overall responsiveness, making your truck feel more agile on the road.
Enhanced Aerodynamics
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can improve its aerodynamics. By reducing the height, you minimize air turbulence and drag, allowing the truck to slice through the air more efficiently.
This can lead to better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise at higher speeds.
Customized Appearance
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can give it a custom and aggressive look. The lowered stance adds a sporty and sleek aesthetic to your truck, making it stand out from the crowd.
Whether you prefer a subtle drop or an extreme drop, lowering the rear can transform the overall appearance of your Silverado.
Improved Towing Capability
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can improve its towing capability. By reducing the rear suspension height, you can achieve a more level towing position, resulting in improved weight distribution and stability.
This can enhance your truck’s ability to handle heavy loads and trailers more effectively.
Easy Access and Loading
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can make it easier to access and load cargo. With a lower bed height, reaching in and out of the truck bed becomes more convenient, reducing strain and improving overall usability.
This can be particularly beneficial if you frequently use your truck for hauling or loading equipment.
What Are The Risks Of Lowering The Rear Of Your Silverado?
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can be an appealing modification for many truck enthusiasts. However, it’s important to consider the potential risks associated with this alteration. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Compromised Towing and Hauling Capacity
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can negatively impact its towing and hauling capabilities. By altering the suspension system, you may reduce the vehicle’s ability to handle heavy loads, leading to decreased performance and potential safety hazards.
Ground Clearance Reduction
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can result in reduced ground clearance. This may lead to scraping or damage to the undercarriage when encountering speed bumps, potholes, or uneven terrain.
It can also limit your off-road capabilities, making it challenging to navigate rough trails.
Handling and Stability Issues
Altering the suspension by lowering the rear of your Silverado can affect its handling and stability.
Lowering the center of gravity can improve cornering performance but may also compromise the truck’s overall stability, particularly when carrying loads or driving at higher speeds.
Increased Wear on Suspension Components
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can put additional stress on suspension components such as shocks, struts, and springs.
The modified suspension setup may not be adequately designed to handle the increased load, leading to premature wear and potential failures.
Voided Warranty and Insurance Concerns
Modifying your Silverado’s suspension system, including lowering the rear, may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Additionally, insurance providers may view such modifications as an increased risk, potentially affecting your coverage or premiums.
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
Lowering the rear of your Silverado may raise concerns with local regulations and laws.
Some jurisdictions have specific restrictions on vehicle modifications, including suspension alterations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, or even vehicle impoundment.
Frequently Asked Question
Looking to lower the rear of your Silverado? Lowering your truck can enhance its appearance and improve handling. Here are some quick and clear FAQs on how to lower the rear of your Silverado:
What Are the Benefits of Lowering My Silverado Rear?
Lowering the rear of your Silverado improves its aerodynamics, enhances stability, and gives it a sleeker, more aggressive stance. It can also improve traction and reduce body roll during cornering.
How Can I Lower My Silverado Rear Suspension?
To lower your Silverado’s rear suspension, you can use lowering blocks, lowering shackles, or adjustable coilover shocks. These aftermarket components allow you to lower the rear of your truck while maintaining a comfortable ride.
Can I Install a Lowering Kit Myself, or Should I Seek Professional Help?
Installing a lowering kit on your Silverado is possible to do yourself if you have the necessary tools and mechanical expertise. However, if you’re unsure or inexperienced, it’s recommended to seek professional help to ensure proper installation and avoid any potential issues.
Will Lowering My Silverado Affect Its Towing or Hauling Capabilities?
Lowering the rear of your Silverado can impact its towing and hauling capabilities. Choosing a lowering method that maintains the load-carrying capacity and retains the proper suspension travel needed for your specific towing and hauling needs is crucial.
Are There Any Additional Modifications Required When Lowering the Rear of My Silverado?
Depending on the lowering method used, you may need to consider other modifications, such as adjusting the front suspension to maintain a level ride height, upgrading the shocks for improved performance, or aligning the wheels to ensure proper tire wear.
Conclusion
Lowering the rear of your Silverado is a smart move to enhance its appearance and performance.
You can achieve a sleek and sporty stance by employing expert techniques and using quality lowering kits.
Embrace the transformation and enjoy your lowered Silverado’s improved handling and head-turning looks.
