hey guys.  i have finally got in a postion where i finally got my first mini-truck a 2002 GMC Sonoma SLS ext. cab.  I have ran into a problem with the suspension and could use some advice.  The truck has been dropped quite a bit in the front. When you hit a small pot hole it feels like the control arm is slamming into something.  the front bearings are constantly going out on it.  I suspect that someone just cut the springs on the front and it is bottoming out.  Am i Wrong?  what should I do?  And How can i fix the problem?  Had a estimate done at a shop to get a 3-4 drop put on it using belltech parts and they wanted 1500.00 to do it.  i just want a nice simple drop for now.  Any help would be greatly apreciated and if i have said something wrong please keep negative comments to yourself..  thanks guys..  

You are prolly right about the control arms hittin something . They are prolly hittin the frame . About the best way i can think of to help ya out is to get ya some stock or lowered front springs and drop spindles   and  blocks out back . Then after you get it all on , get an alignment . The reason the bearings keep going out is the top of the tires are tucked in a bit at the top putting extra stress on them .All the parts are bolt on and you could do it in a weekend (prolly just a day) with common hand tools , a jack and a set of jack stands . Parts shouldn't be more than a couple hundred bucks too .  

Thanks a lot man.  Nice knowing that I was right about the control arms.  The people that have it right now (trading truck for it) have been eplacing the bearings like once a month and I am not going to waste my money replacing bearings when it seems like a pretty simple solution and would pay off in the long run.  So is there any drop kits you would suggest? I was looking in minitruckin mag and found the d and for 258.00 you get the drop spindles, coils and blocks.  Does'nt seem to expensive but a lot cheaper then 1500.00.  Also is there a step by step DIY for lowering trucks anywhere?  thsi is my first Mini so I would like to do it myself?  Thanks man.  feedback is greatly areciated.  

Well , sounds like a good price . As far as a step by step thing , go to your local auto parts store and pick up the Haynes manual for it and go by the steps they use for removing and reinstalling the spindles and/or springs up front  and the rear is a lil different . Basically with the rear , all ya do is unbolt the axle from the leaf springs , raise the axle up to clear the springs and blocks , insert the blocks (making sure to put the bevel the right direction taller to the rear) and bolting the axle back to the spring using the longer U-bolts that should come with the blocks . Sounds easy right ? Well you are in luck , it pretty much is that easy . Basic hand tools , a good floor jack and a pair of jack stands is pretty much all ya need . And a tape measure , to kinda align everything before ya snug everything up .  

i picked up all the stuff for a 5" drop on my 95 ex. cab from aim industries(www.airbagit.com). Many people have a bad opinion about the place, but i haven't had a problem with anything(45,000+ miles). I paid $250 total including tax for 2" drop spindles, 3" drop srings, 5" blocks with u-bolts, and new cusions for the springs. easy install, it took about an hour and a half.  

I have heard good and bad about AIM , but from the people that actually have their stuff i have heard nothing bad . I have one of their DC5000 compressors and love it . Yea it is a lil big and not as fancy and chrome like the Viars or Air Zeniths , but it does the job  , and it does it pretty fast too . From 110 to 145 in under a minute on a 5 gal tank while i am airing up the bags from bein layed out . It just won't restart at higher pressures , so head pressure relief valve is needed . Besides , i'm goin old rat rod themed with my ride so the more black and natural metal colors , the better . LOL .  

sounds like the people that have it may not know how to repack and replace bearing b/c even a bad alignment shouldnt wear out the bearings that fast unless its really really bad at that point they should't be driving it but yeah any thing these guys suggested will make it a whole lot better than cut/heated springs  

I appreciate all the feedback guys.  Will post more later.  Project is kinda at a stand still right now due to the failing Automotive Industry. (Yeah I just happen to work at a Automotive Supplier Company)  

hey!
just asking - what does the automotive industry have to do with your decision to delay the project? Just curious. Lack of $$?