Lowering a D100

Want to lower my 78 D100 and I have a 91 B300 van and also a 92 D250 for parts. Can I use those LCA's and if so what all do I need to do?
Thanks

Yes, those control arms should work. Same part number for all classes of vans from 79-03. This thread will cover the process. It really should be made a sticky.

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthread...o-lower-your-1972-1993-dodge-pickup.html

Awesome, many thanks. Just what I was looking for I tried searching for it with no luck.

ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE A STICKY!

I’m doing my 74. Started with a 8.75 flipped. That took care of the rear. Rebuilt the front end and installed the van lower cal arm. Dropped the front some but needs a bit more. Found out the front springs for a 94-01 1500. Ordered springs with a 2” drop. Haven’t installed as of yet.

Looking good John. Love the 72-3 Grill.

My old truck...

Dart4forte,
Are you saying that you found drop springs for a 94-01 and you are using those? What model 8 3/4" are you using. I read that A-body car's spring pads are 43" on center like the D100's but they are more narrow. I'm trying to figure out if B or E housings will be a better match.

Edit: I found that an E or B would be better for width but the perches would have to be relocated. Now I am thinking a 9" might be a better choice if I have to relocate springs. Also, I am seeing a few different suppliers of drop shackles for dodges. In the popular thread that is linked to regarding lowering D100's it recommends using Chevrolet shackles when doing an axle flip. Are they "drop" spindles in effect or do they contribute to the lowering? I'm just wondering if it will be lower in the rear if I do the axle flip AND put drop shackles on it in conjunction with van lower control arms.

I also want to check out these drop springs for the front. Link? Here is some springs for an extra cab V6 https://spindle-source.com/1994-2001-dodge-ram-1500-v6-ext-cab-2-lowering-drop-coils-springs-kit/
Don't know the weight differnces between an older SWB D100 and later model ext cab V6.

https://www.speedwaymoors.com/Western-Chassis-2104-Rear-Leaf-Flip-Kit-1973-87-Chevy-C10,292563.html?sku=91073870&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=CjwKCAiAv4n9BRA9EiwA30WND3OZEuVwkPyaurdjzUQtGLDQuzVFz_vkpUA8hLD4hmetMA7NAMf4nxoCYN8QAvD_BwE


Something like this "flip kit" might work on lowering the rear axle you wouldn't have to remove or modify the existing spring perchs on your axle you have in it now, just install the axle above the leaf springs and use these brackets and bolt it back together? I haven't done this but this might be an option?

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Western-Chassis-2104-Rear-Leaf-Flip-Kit-1973-87-Chevy-C10,292563.html?sku=91073870&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=CjwKCAiAv4n9BRA9EiwA30WND3OZEuVwkPyaurdjzUQtGLDQuzVFz_vkpUA8hLD4hmetMA7NAMf4nxoCYN8QAvD_BwE

Link only works if you copy and paste it into an address bar.




On the lower control arms, I just want to make sure MOOG RK641515 and MOOG RK641516 will work. They are lower control arms from a 2002 1500 van.

www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/dodge,2002,ram+1500+van,5.2l+v8,1391374,suspension,control+arm,10401

Yes, another member suggested using the later model springs. However he advised me not to use the springs with the van lower control arms. Causes loo much pitch which would tear up the grease boots. He’s using the Dakota dropped spindle. On the rear end I used the correct truck housing. I used B body perches with no problem

I’m have a pair of those springs that I ordered that I don’t plan on using. I also have a pair of drop shackles that I never used.

So I should just use D100 springs with the B300 LCA's?

Sounds like Van LCA’s with D100 springs ,or alternatively, drop springs from a 94-01 with D100 LCA’s. Correct?

Could Belltech Dakota drop spindles be used for either of those options?

The use of the Van LCAs was the first step. It dropped the front about 3 inches. On the rear the 8.75 axle flip lowered it about 4-5 inches. Now, the truck sorta squats in the rear. On the fron it was suggested that a coil be cut off the front springs. Just not sure how much that will drop the front. The problem is if it’s dropped too much you have issues with the upper ball joint. I’m toying with the idea of leaving the front alone and installing a spring that will level the rear with the front. I think that will probably give me a stance similar to the green truck posted earlier.

I’d start conservatively. On the front use the van LCAs. I got mine from Rock Auto with the ball joints for $80.00. On the rear just use a reverse shackle with your existing springs and rear. The pair I have have three adjustments. From those changes you’ll get an idea of a ride height. It will also give you some time to find a D100 8.85 housing and axles.

On the 8.75 housing for your truck the width is 64 3/8”, the 73-74 C body used a housing that was 64 3/8”

the real Q is why everyone wants to lower their trucks.......

They look cooler and handle better. Why does everyone raise their 4wd? it's just what you do.
Plan is using the van LCA's which I have
Flipping the perches on a truck 8.75 rear which I have.
Mini tub the rear for 15" meats
Adding sway bars, have a front one, and maybe adjustable UCA's.

I’m running 15x10 cop wheels on the back of mine with a 275/60 tire. Fills the wheel well with no rubbing. I bet that with a custom offset you could run a 15x11.

Which front sway bar are you running?

Just a factory one that is one a 78 parts truck.

Where did you get a 15x10 cop car wheel?
I have 15x8 cop car wheels with 275/60/15 and there is about a 4" space to the springs. I haven't set a bed on it yet but pretty sure the tub doesn't go to the springs.

No, like I said the 15x10 fits withe 275/60. Got the wheels from Summit.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-69-5012052

I am seeing some discrepency with this thread and the thread that people are saying should be a sticky. That one is written like a story and not like instructions (like How To articles) so it's kind of confusing. I appreciate that there is good info in the "How to lower your 1972-1994 Dodge" but the OP, Kevin I, says to use 72-93 van LCA's and to not use the Van ball joints but to use D100 ball joints.

This thread suggests you can use up to a 1994-2001 Van LCA and there is no mention of having to switch ball joints. Do you have to swap ball joints on these later, 1994-2001, Van LCA's or not?


Thanks.

No, I said you can use the front springs from a 1994 to 2001 Dodge 1500. You can use the van LCAs 1973 to I belive 1978 or maybe later however not both together. I chose using the LCAs from a 1974 B100 instead of going to springs. That lowered the front approximately 2 inches. I was told that adding the lowered springs and using the van LCAs would create a bind at the upper ball joint.

Also, from what I’ve read on using the Dakota dropped spindles there’s some tie rod issues that would need to be addressed.

So, to sum up what I just said I would go ahead and use the B100 LCAs on the front. That will give you that 2 inch drop. From there you can experiment by cutting one coil at a time to see how much more drop you can get before running the risk of binding the upper ball joint. If you went that route I would have a spare set of stock springs so you can go back if you went too far.

Bottom line, not easy to lower our trucks as it is with the Chev C10s

I forgot to mention another warning. With lowering the front end two inches you have to take into consideration tire height along with wheel width. You may create another set of problems. I run a 15x7 cop wheel with a 255/60/15 and have not experience any rubbing. However, with adding the larger wider wheel/tire I need to address possible frame cracking in the vicinity of the steering box.

Been there..

Ok, the original thread from Kevin I says up to 1993 van LCA with a D100 ball joint. Thanks for the input.

the "looks cooler" part is debateable.

I guess it can be said that driving a Volare is cool and that too would be debatable

Different strokes for different folks.

Sweet looking truck jstollfu.

It is. That is why I've always said the only one you need to impress is yourself. Your impressed with Volares and I am with lowered 72-80 trucks.

Don is a sad, sad person. He comes into forum posts on the internet to let people, who don't care about his opinion of truck stance at all, know that he doesn't like the subject matter. Good for you Don! Nobody cares.

Every forum has a Don

I hate lowered trucks, if you want something low buy a freakin' car...

What is it with these losers coming into forums and being Karens? Nobody asked your opinion Karen (Rhinodart and Don). The title should have let you know that nobody is going to care what you have to say in regards to lowering a D100. Literally, nobody in this chat cares that YOU don't like lowered trucks.

Do you really think anyone in here is going to say to themselves, " You know what? These two random losers don't like lowered trucks. I think I won't lower mine now."?

It's like walking into a sporting goods store and getting on the loudspeaker and proclaiming to all the sports enthusiasts shopping there, " I don't like sports.". Nobody here cares what you think.

Don't be a Karen!

This is Don.

This is Rhinodork

Keep your change. Nobody asked you.

Like I use to tell my ex-wife. Yes honey your entitled to your opinion but I'm entitled not to hear it if I didn't ask for it.

Actually Rinodart is a friend and he is probably just getting back at me for the blowing a tranny post I made on his thread. He's not a loser. He is just from Chicago .

Blowing a tranny?

So back on topic, I would like to hear from anyone who has simply used 1994-2001 drop springs. If these are an option I don't see why there wouldn't be some feedback or pics, but I don't see any. I just bought some 1992 B250 Van lower control arms from Rock Auto so I'll start heading down that path for now.

Just stay away from anything from Mid America Customs. The guy will take your money and will never deliver. Total - Jack [censored]..

The bottom photo I posted of the suspension is Fab lower control arms with 1st gen Dakota dropped spindles. It's the best ride and the geometry is good. I suggest doing it right the 1st time, cut springs are OK for awhile but you will get tired of them after they fully settle and it leans hard to one side and rides like a turd. Ask me how I know?

Yeah, not into cutting the springs. You've gotta know what the spring rate is. If you cut them you'll never really know and it'll inevitably be off and they will be unequal and unbalanced.

I have not found these fabricated lower control arms anywhere. Are th from Mid America Kustoms? Mid America Customs is a golf cart place out of Paducah, KY. The Mid America Kustoms place doesn't mention any Mopar or Suspension components on their web site. Is that the company that makes them or you just tried to buy them from there? Any links? I don't want mine quite in the weeds as yours but I would like the 2" drop. Probably not going to do a comb of lowering parts, i.e. Van or fabricated LCA's + drop splindles. Just looking for one component for a touch lower. I've got a sway bar on it already and ordered Van LCA's. If that lowers it 2" and an axle flip get's 3" in the back it will sit nice and level. If the fabricated LCA's lowers it a little more in the front it will have a nice rake to it.

My main goal is optimal handling performance ( not an autocrosser but as good as you can get a truck), not looks, perse. 17x8's in front and a fast ratio steering box and it'll be [censored].

Found them. X2 Industries

https://www.x2industries.com/produc...oil-spring-control-arms-pair-lower-arms/

I think you’ll like the the van LCAs. It will drop the front where you won’t have any other Frontenac binding problems. On the axle flip, you’ll probable look at a maximum of a 5” drop depending on your leaf springs. If you look at my truck you’ll see a slight squat in the rear. I need to pull the springs and replace them with correctly arched springs.

That is my opinion, don't like it, don't post a thread on it! You can just FO if you don't like it! You are only a caretaker of a nice vehicle, the next guy will fix your mistakes....LOL

Now, now Karen. You need to follow your own advice. Don't like the subject matter, don't post on it! You knew this thread was all about lowering D100's, right? Nothing made you click on this thread. You just wanted to tell people how much you don't like lowered trucks. Guess what, nobody cares!
Furthermore, it's just funny (sad, really) that you're getting huffy and telling people to FO if they don't like it. YOU are the one that doesn't like people's favorable opinion of lowered trucks, posting in a thread that is all about lowered trucks, and telling people to FO. I hope you get better and quit being so angry.
My truck is for sale. You can buy it and keep it from being ruined. I was just wanting to rebuild the front suspension and throw on some 17" wheels to get a good stance on it. Got a new AVS2 carb too. Thinking about some shorty headers too. Price will go up with modifications so act now before it's ruined! Don't have to sell but if I do the $$$ will be helping me ruin my 'cuda some more.

Buy it before I ruin it, Rhinodork!

My build thread from a few years ago, maybe some information you can use
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthread...ttle-truck-small-block-more-updates.html

I recently picked up a 1987 D100. The truck runs great, but needs some suspension work. I'm going to replace all bushing and ball joints and while I'm at it going to install the B150 LCA for a modest drop. For the rear I'm going to install the drop shackle and spring mount relocation bracket from X2 industries. Looks like I can run the stock length shock in the front, but I think I'll need a shorter shock in the rear. What shocks are your running in the rear?