[dale_jr082003]

So I'm looking into do this mod with my tax rebate $2500. I'm thinking about belltech lowering springs and QA1's for the rear, and the QA1's up front with djm arms. I wanna run with 3 inch front drop that the djms have. Now im wondering, If I use a set up like twgiffin's to keep it around 3" up front do I need DJM arms? I wanna keep the best geometry I can. Guess what I'm asking is Should I do the DJM arms and QA1's or just use the qa1's to get the right drop. Thanks in advance guys, Brian

 

[DBNissan]

I don't think you have to have the DJM arms to maintain a 3" drop.

I have a ZQ8 with the Belltech coils and have the front QA1 coilovers set at 2.25" lower than my stock ZQ8 ride height. Compared to your Z85, that would be equal to a 3.25" drop on your truck.

 

[turbizzy]

You don't need the arms, just use the coilovers for a drop. Youll be so low youll be like me, rubbin tire on top of inner front fenderwell.

 

[kerad11]

i sure wish id have kept the djm arms.

i say go for it.

but thats me....

 

[dale_jr082003]

Well I want about 3" for now, I was thinking of using the spacers like twgiffin(sp sorry) to retain the stock spring assembly height, but use the djm arms to keep the geometry as correct as possible. I have a wad of cash burning a hole in my pocket and i just got back into my rado' from building my Jeep, So im in a 4wd state of mind. I wanna make this truck ride like its on rails, this seems to be one of the keys to this. But you guys are the experts on this so I think I'll do the coils on stock arms for now. Thanks as allways for your continued passion and progression of these trucks! You Guys Rock!!

 

[DBNissan]

That's what I'm tellin ya.

If my truck was a Z85, it would have a 3.25" drop with the stock lower control arms, 1" drop coils and no coil spring spacers. There's still room to go lower if I remove the bump stops

My front geometry sits good and I have no problem getting aligned.


However, now that the 1" springs are gone, all you have available is the Belltech Procoil kit which includes 2" drop springs, 1" spacers and several 1/4" spacers to correct the Chevy lean.

 

[dale_jr082003]

I was thinking of using the upper spacer and qa1 spring still like twgiffin, I really like the way his turned out. Plus the idea of adjustable spring rates by swapping the coils is something I like. Like him I'm kinda nervous about the stud mount upper. I'll have to get everything here and bolt it up to see how I feel about it.

 

[DBNissan]

If you use the Belltech coil spring, you will re-use the factory spring cap. I've been rinding on the QA1s for over 30k miles and have not had any issues with the top mount.

Once you have the proper spring rate, you won't need to change the coils. You compensate the ride attributes (stiffness/softness) with the valving on the QA1 shocks.

 

[turbizzy]

Dan you can still buy the Belltech 4201 and 4205 springs seperately from StylinTrucks i just looked.

 

[DBNissan]

Cool, Good to know. Thanks Iz!

 

[twgiffin]

Dan..

Regarding your comment "I've been riding on the QA1s for over 30k miles and have not had any issues with the top mount.",
I would like to point out that you shouldn't see a problem because you continue to use the stock spring.

The top stud issue, or more specifically the top rubber bushing splitting problem was when I used the QA1 springs and the top spring cap in the classic coil over config.
The lower rubber bushing that came with the stud from QA1 split and their washer had cupped.

I see no reason for this, except they were not strong enough to carry the load involved.
This was the ONLY reason I went to the top adapter, to continue to use the QA1 spring, but have the load supported just like the stock spring was being supported.

I offer this only to clarify the circumstances surrounding my use of the top adapters.

 

[DBNissan]

That is correct Terry as I stated in the sentence prior to the one you quoted.

That is why I recoomend the Belltech drop coil springs as I have been running them with the QA1s since day one and my AIM Ind. coilovers prior to the QA1s.

 

[red_rocket]

I need to confirm what parts I need for this setup on my standard cab. I am placing an order soon, so I want to have my ducks in a row.
(2) DR5855B Proma Star Shocks
(2) 9029-146 4" Stud Mount Conversion
(1) COM8T-102PK Spherical Bearing Kit
Belltech 4201 1" drop springs for the standard cab
(I have access to all the bolts, washers, etc)

My main question is if I need to order the DR5855B AND the COM8T-102PK bering kit, or just the shocks since they are listed with spherical bearings.

Also, I see most people are maching spacers or at least something better for the proper lower spring seat. Is this mandatory? I planned on it, but wanted some opinion.

Thanks for your help!

 

[DBNissan]

I need to confirm what parts I need for this setup on my standard cab. I am placing an order soon, so I want to have my ducks in a row.
(2) DR5855B Proma Star Shocks
(2) 9029-146 4" Stud Mount Conversion
(1) COM8T-102PK Spherical Bearing Kit
Belltech 4201 1" drop springs for the standard cab
(I have access to all the bolts, washers, etc)

My main question is if I need to order the DR5855B AND the COM8T-102PK bering kit, or just the shocks since they are listed with spherical bearings.

Also, I see most people are maching spacers or at least something better for the proper lower spring seat. Is this mandatory? I planned on it, but wanted some opinion.

Thanks for your help!

You will not need the bearing kit if you orderh the shocks with the "B" at the end of the part number. They will already come with the Spherical bearings.

Ron - The Wolf! - Sin Sity Kustomz is who machined the bearing adaptors for us. I'm not sure if he's making more or not though.

 

[red_rocket]

DB - Sorry for any confusion. I was talking about the lower spring perch mount where the belltech spring isn't exactly the same size as the QA1 spring. I know that some of the lower perches people have machined are actually spacers, but I was wondering if something like this is necessary, or if I can get by without it on the Belltech spring and QA1's. I don't plan on running the needle bearings from the kit too....

A pic for reference

[/quote]

 

[The Wolf!]

its not necessary, i just didnt like how the coil fit on the adjustment collor.

 

[artistin805]

QA1 Front Spring and shock-

Hey Tech's--Help me please--THnX

Can I purchase just the front QA1 Spring and a possible QA1 front shock-?

I dont want a adjustable coilover -too much $$$

Possible..?

Im getting the Rear single adujstable shock- TC1661P - for a stock ride Z85--

any info on the front and rear is Very Appreciated.

 

[The Wolf!]

not sure about the fronts. i would call mike and ask him.

 

[DBNissan]

I don't recall seeing a "fixed" spring perch on a QA1 shock.

If QA1 did make a shock with a fixed perch then they would have to make them for the specific vehicle. Last I looked, they don't make a shock specificaly for these trucks.

The reason the coilovers have adjustable height is not only to have the ability to raise/lower vehicle ride height but to have the ability to fit a wider range of vehicles.

If you want a fixed perch non adjustable shock, look into Bilstein, Monroe or Belltech.

 

[schardbody]

i wanted to throw in my review on these too. granted i just installed them today i feel the need to express my opinion.

first off i'd like to thank Dan, Izzy, and Ron for the added help outside this thread with my setup.

my truck is an 04 zq8 crew cab. i was running belltech 4203s cut to give me 2" of drop (so 1" lower than stock 4203s) i was pretty sure they would be too short to run on the qa1s so i grabbed a set of stock z85 springs just incase. i also cheated a little. i ordered some monroe struts from the part store and stole the lower spring seat from them and returned (thanks paul). the monroes are built flat on the bottom like the qa1s so they include the lower spring seat thats tapered just like the spring. after modifying them to sit on the qa1 spring seat it was pretty clear they where basically 3/4" spring spacers.

first attempt was with the stock z85 springs, modded spring seat. install was easy, but even with the adjustment all the way down i was still about 1" higher than i was before. i was getting ready to cut them shorter and i remembered Dan, Izzy, and Ron all suggested using the stiffest spring possible so i grabbed the cut 4203s and set the adjustment at halfway. installed and was about 1/4" from inner fender (not a fun test drive). i ended up about 1" down from the top of the adjuster and sitting about 1" or so from inner fender.

initial setting was about 7 and the ride was actually very descent, im used to slammed hondas so my truck was VERY mushy before even with the belltechs. i actually left the setting there and i'd compare the ride to a BMW m3, responsive, firm, yet not jarring or aggrivating. i'd have NO problem daily driving it with my 4 month old daughter in the back seat on this setting. i can only imagine how good it would ride on a lower setting.

im still rubbing inner fender on hard corners like interstate off ramps at 40mph so i may lift it another half inch or beat my inner fenders up to get rid of this, otherwise i cant come up with a complaint PERIOD.

i also took a co-worker for a ride 215 lbs guy, he bet me $10 it would rub with him in the passenger seat going over a set of railroad tracks near our shop. he lost the bet and also commented on how controlled the suspension was.

so now im sitting at 3.5" drop in the front from my factory zq8 stance and rarely rub inner fender, so im loving it.

i'd recommend this mod to ANYBODY not just the lowered guys. like Dan said my only regret is not doing it earlier.

thanks again Dan, Izzy, and Ron! also all the others that have contributed to this thread.

forgot to mention im running the 5855's