So long running boards. You'll be missed.

swshawaii · Jun 21, 2010

I've got Steve M's back regarding the excellent lowered ride quality, and haven't bottomed out yet.

Handling improvement is unbelievable.

Dropped my front 2 inches using a combination of torsion lowering keys, "untwist", and a camber kit for proper alignment.

Rear was lowered 3 inches using cast iron blocks. Replaced the rear anti sway bar with the Addco 633, ES greasable bushings,

all Sensa-Tracs, and Moog end links.

Front anti sway bar, tires, and rims remain stock. Can't imagine more improvement.

Kevin Lang · Jun 21, 2010

Front anti sway bar, tires, and rims remain stock. Can't imagine more improvement.

Considering the world-changing difference in upgrading the front bar, I can see how you could have difficulty imagining the improvement it'd bring :grin:

...in fact, I'd also say it was unbelievable :supercool:

Though ya'll with lowered trucks seem to have so many issues that, despite wanting the handling, I can't do that to my truck...I like being able to get underneath.

BTW I thought you were upgrading from the heinous stock tires?

I don't know how everyone here is living without running boards--yes, mine are starting to rust to death and are warping, and the ST does look better without them, but running boards have almost as many uses as duct tape.

Shaun Tucker · Jun 21, 2010

I got rid of em after I bent a bracket while offroading..

Those darn things were in the way more than they helped me. And you are right about them only really being useful to reach the top of the truck.

Now when I see stock STs around London, I can't help but notice how retarded the step bars look, as they stick out a lot farther than the OEM wheel set-up (and that is something I personally can't stand.)

[Broken External Image]:

Anyone with a gen 2, remove the running boards? Not sure if I've seen it done... kinda like the looks of the truck with them off.

I've seen it done once. I didn't mind the fact that the frame is somewhat visible underneath the body of the Gen II's. IMO I kind of like it.

swshawaii · Jun 21, 2010

Kevin (KL)- After seeing only positive feedback regarding my Front Anti Sway Bar post on 6/14,

it seems like a no brainer. My tires were brand new when I bought the Trac used, 7K ago.

Your ST is ready for lowering, the ultimate handling upgrade. 2 to 3 inch blocks, torsion un-twist, camber keys, and alignment, that's all you need.

Get a floor jack, stands, and creeper for any undercarriage work needed.

Have yet to see a negative review from dropping, with the upgrades you've already performed.

Mark K 2 · Jun 26, 2010

I finally got around to removed the rusty step bars. I paid a guy $10 to do so because the mounting bracket bolts were so rusted that I couldn't break them with a 1/2" drive rachet. He had a rough time using air tools.

I got to really examine them after they were off and they were so badly rusted that they weren't worth refurbing. He asked if he could have them and so he took them off my hands.

The truck definitely looks different without them.

BTW... Anyone wanna buy a quart of Rust Bullet?