Why Lower Your Silverado? Unveiling the Benefits
Improving the Look: A Sleeker Stance
The most immediate and obvious benefit is a more aggressive and streamlined appearance. Lowering a Silverado brings it closer to the ground, eliminating the factory gap between the tires and the wheel wells. This creates a much more balanced and visually appealing stance. A lowered Silverado looks lower, wider, and more athletic. It’s a classic modification that instantly modernizes the truck’s aesthetic, giving it a more contemporary feel. You’ll notice a difference in how it sits, drawing the eye and commanding attention. Additionally, lowering often complements larger wheels and tires, enhancing their presence and creating a cohesive, customized look.
Boosting Performance: Enhanced Handling and Stability
Beyond the visual transformation, a lowered Silverado experiences tangible performance gains. Lowering the truck lowers its center of gravity. This seemingly small change has a significant impact on handling. With a lower center of gravity, the truck is less susceptible to body roll during cornering. This results in sharper, more responsive handling, making the Silverado feel more planted and controlled, particularly during turns and quick maneuvers. This can be a welcome benefit for both daily driving and spirited performance on the open road. The lower profile can also contribute to improved aerodynamics, though the effect is smaller than in a car, it can still add to the overall improved performance.
Considering the Ride: The Influence on Ride Quality
One important consideration is how a lowering kit impacts ride quality. The ride experience will depend greatly on the specific components of the lowering kit. Some kits are designed with ride comfort in mind, using specially tuned springs or shocks to maintain a comfortable experience. Others, particularly those focused on maximum performance, might offer a firmer ride. The specific manufacturer and kit quality are also key. It’s crucial to evaluate the options carefully and select a kit that aligns with your priorities, considering the ride quality you desire.
Personalizing Your Truck: Unleashing Your Individuality
The world of truck modification is all about self-expression. Lowering your 2017 Silverado is a fantastic way to customize your vehicle and make it truly yours. It allows you to express your unique style, whether you prefer a subtle drop for a clean look or a more aggressive stance to turn heads. With a lowering kit, you’re not just upgrading your truck; you’re making a statement. You’re creating a vehicle that reflects your personality and driving preferences. It’s a chance to build something that’s uniquely yours.
Understanding the Options: Different Lowering Kit Types
The Simplicity of Drop Springs
Drop springs are often the most accessible and affordable option. They replace the factory springs with shorter, stiffer springs. This simple swap directly lowers the truck’s ride height. Drop springs are relatively easy to install, making them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. However, the ride quality might become firmer, as the springs are designed for a lower stance.
Lowering with Struts and Shocks
Another common approach is to replace the factory struts and shocks with specially designed lowering struts or shocks. These components are often paired with drop springs. Upgrading to these components can bring improved handling and provide greater control over the truck’s movements. Some lowering struts offer adjustable dampening to fine-tune the ride quality.
Complete Coilover Kits: Performance and Adjustability
For the ultimate in performance and adjustability, consider a complete coilover kit. Coilovers integrate the spring and shock into a single unit. They offer a range of ride height adjustments, enabling you to fine-tune the truck’s stance to your exact preferences. The adjustable dampening also allows you to fine-tune the ride quality. Coilover kits are a premium option, typically used by drivers that want the best performance available.
Control Arms and Their Benefits
Control arms, located between the wheels and the chassis, are a crucial part of your Silverado’s suspension. Replacement control arms with a lowered design change the geometry of the front end. They can improve ride quality, handling, and alignability, allowing for better performance. Control arms are a more involved and time-consuming modification, requiring more specialized knowledge during installation.
Flip Kits: Lowering the Rear Effectively
To lower the rear of your Silverado significantly, a flip kit is a popular choice. These kits typically involve relocating the rear axle from underneath the leaf springs to the top. This allows for a substantial drop in ride height. Flip kits are often combined with other lowering components, allowing for a well-balanced drop. The change in ride height can alter rear ride characteristics, and the overall impact should be considered before installing.
Making the Right Choice: Selecting the Perfect Lowering Kit
Defining Your Desired Ride Height
Start by considering how low you want your Silverado to be. A slightly lowered look might be ideal for daily driving, while a more aggressive stance may require a significant drop. Measure the current ride height of your truck and take a look at what wheel and tire setup you have now. This allows you to have a baseline to help visualize the final result. Always consider the functionality of the vehicle, such as the ability to travel over road hazards, curbs, etc.
Setting a Budget for Your Project
Lowering kits come at various price points. It’s essential to establish a budget that considers both the cost of the kit and any associated installation expenses. Drop springs are typically the most affordable option, while coilover kits often represent a higher investment. Professional installation adds to the cost, but it is recommended for those without experience.
Driving Habits and Your Intended Use
How you use your Silverado should also guide your kit selection. If you frequently haul heavy loads or engage in off-roading, a more robust kit with a focus on ride quality and durability may be best. For daily driving, prioritize a kit that offers a balance between a lowered stance and a comfortable ride.
Researching Trusted Brands
The quality of a lowering kit directly impacts its performance and longevity. Research reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Look for brands that have a history of manufacturing high-quality suspension components. Reading reviews can provide insights into the kit’s performance and durability.
Reading Reviews and Ratings
Before purchasing a kit, take the time to read customer reviews and ratings. These firsthand accounts can provide valuable insights into real-world experiences with the kit, including its installation process, ride quality, and overall performance. Pay attention to any recurring issues or concerns mentioned by multiple reviewers. This can help you evaluate each kit’s pros and cons and ensure the kit matches your expectations.
Installation Insights: Considerations for a Successful Lowering
Safety: Prioritizing Safety First
Always prioritize safety when working on your truck’s suspension. Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and sturdy work boots. Use jack stands to support the vehicle securely during the installation process. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Be mindful of pinch points and moving parts.
Tools You Might Need: Preparing for the Task
Having the right tools is essential for a successful installation. You will likely need:
* A jack and jack stands
* Wrenches and sockets (metric and standard)
* A torque wrench
* A spring compressor (if using drop springs)
* A measuring tape
* Penetrating oil (to help loosen bolts)
* A good set of hand tools
Steps in Installation: An Overview
The installation process will vary slightly depending on the kit type, but the general steps typically include:
* Elevating the truck safely.
* Removing the old suspension components.
* Installing the new lowering components.
* Tightening all fasteners to the manufacturer’s specifications.
DIY Versus Professional Installation: Weighing Your Options
Lowering a Silverado requires mechanical knowledge and skill. If you have experience working on vehicles and feel comfortable with the task, you can attempt a DIY installation. However, for those who are not experienced with vehicle suspension, it is best to utilize the services of a professional. If you are not 100% confident in your ability, consider professional installation. It can save time, headaches, and ensure the job is done correctly. A professional installer will have the experience, tools, and knowledge to complete the job safely and efficiently.
Alignment After Installation: An Absolute Necessity
After lowering your Silverado, an alignment is absolutely crucial. Lowering the truck alters its suspension geometry, which can cause the tires to wear unevenly or cause the truck to pull to one side. An alignment ensures the wheels are properly aligned, optimizing handling and extending tire life. This is a critical step that should be performed at a reputable alignment shop.
Keeping Your Truck in Top Condition: Maintenance and Care
Regular Inspections
Regularly inspect the suspension components for wear and tear. Check for any signs of damage, such as leaks, loose bolts, or worn bushings. Any problems should be addressed promptly. Inspect components after any hard use, such as towing or off-roading.
Tire Wear: Monitoring Tire Condition
Monitor your tires for uneven wear patterns. These patterns can indicate alignment issues or other suspension problems. Address any wear concerns promptly to maintain optimal handling and safety. Have an alignment done periodically.
Dealing with Noise
Unusual noises from your suspension system can indicate problems. If you notice any squeaks, clunks, or other noises, investigate the source immediately. Address the issue promptly.
Common Issues and Potential Fixes
Tire Rubbing and How to Solve it
Tire rubbing is a common problem with lowered trucks. If your tires rub against the wheel wells or other parts of the truck, you may need to adjust the ride height further or install different wheels with a different offset. It’s also possible that you may need to roll your fenders to create more space.
Addressing Ride Quality Concerns
If the ride quality is not what you expected, investigate the cause. Is the kit the best for your purposes? Consider changing shock absorbers or springs to get a smoother ride.
Troubleshooting Noise and Vibrations
Noise and vibrations can have multiple causes. Check all suspension components, including bushings and ball joints, for wear and tear. Make sure all bolts are properly tightened.
Conclusion: Lowering Your 2017 Silverado – A Transformation Awaits
Lowering your 2017 Silverado is a transformative modification that enhances both its aesthetics and performance. By understanding the benefits, kit types, installation considerations, and maintenance requirements, you can embark on a successful lowering project. The result is a more aggressive, better-handling, and personalized truck.
