Currently in the process of lowering my 88 base model, the GF called it Truck Norris and the name stuck because I've used and abused this thing for 12 years and it refuses to die. Anyways, I'm replacing the ball joints(upper and lower) and installing Belltech 2" drop spindles and Nitro Drop 2 shocks along with 3" blocks for the rear. Thought i would share a few photos of the process so far.

Yoda1 by SteveWippins posted Jan 22, 2024 at 5:20 PM

Yoda2 by SteveWippins posted Jan 22, 2024 at 5:20 PM

Yoda3 by SteveWippins posted Jan 22, 2024 at 5:20 PM

Yoda4 by SteveWippins posted Jan 22, 2024 at 5:20 PM

Yoda5 by SteveWippins posted Jan 22, 2024 at 5:20 PM

Yoda6 by SteveWippins posted Jan 22, 2024 at 5:20 PM

 

NAPA brand ball joints in case anyone was wondering

 

That's going to ride nice. Someone else is experiencing issues with this same setup.. positive camber I believe.. all info is welcome.

 

Close to what I did when I started my build with bagging it in the plan, I used dropped rear leafs along with angle blocks.
This lead to installing the 8 piece rear notch ahead of schedule ,as the third member was hitting the frame!

 

Positive camber huh? that's odd. the only other thing i've ever lowered was a 350z and ended up with negative camber.

 

The front is done and put back together. Went ahead and put new rear seals in the hubs as well. I'll be test fitting the 14s in a little while.

 

I saw a few people saying that with drop spindles, you are required to run larger wheels. 16" or larger. I just test fit these 14s and don't see any sort of clearance issues. Am i missing something here?

Testfit1 by SteveWippins posted Jan 27, 2024 at 2:36 PM

Testfit2 by SteveWippins posted Jan 27, 2024 at 2:36 PM

Testfit3 by SteveWippins posted Jan 27, 2024 at 2:36 PM

Testfit4 by SteveWippins posted Jan 27, 2024 at 2:36 PM

 

The issue pops up if you get wide wheels that still tuck in, inside the fenders. Because your wheels' offset is so low, or even negative (?), you won't have any clearance issues.

Either the lower ball joint or lower arm, and, I believe the brake backing plate, will contact the wheel if it has a lot of backspacing.

 

that makes perfect sense. I can definitely see the lowers being a potential issue.

 

If you never go with larger brakes you will need to go with a larger dia. wheel.
And with that the wheel will hit the inner fender & limit travel & causing tie rod damage!!

 

I don't see myself using bigger brakes, not like this thing can go fast anyways.

 

And it's done! You most certainly can run 14s with the belltech 2" drop spindles

Low6 by SteveWippins posted Jan 28, 2024 at 3:44 PM

Low4 by SteveWippins posted Jan 28, 2024 at 3:44 PM

Low3 by SteveWippins posted Jan 28, 2024 at 3:44 PM

Low2 by SteveWippins posted Jan 28, 2024 at 3:44 PM

Low1 by SteveWippins posted Jan 28, 2024 at 3:44 PM

 

Just dropped it off for a front end alignment
Going to give it a well deserved wash afterwards and hopefully do a little cruising today. I haven't been this excited about a vehicle in a long time and it's SUCH a good feeling.

 

That's what's all about! Enjoy it.

 

I'm definitely enjoying it!! I washed it after the alignment was done, and i've driven it work the past 2 days. Reached out to someone about welding up some seat brackets for the 1st gen MR2 seats i've had forever, so hopefully that will be getting done soon.

 

Once the new seats are in, maybe even before that, I'm thinking about tinting the windows. I have a 96 tacoma 4x4 with tint, and honestly like the difference it makes in hot weather. Also currently in the market for new wheels. I found a set of Appliance Diamags but they sold before i could get to them.

 

Definitely keep us posted on those MR2 seats. I have some. Others have wondered as well. I know our trucks differ from Gen to Gen but still the same concept.

 

Those wheels are nice. Not surprised someone snatched em up quick!!

 

I'll definitely keep the thread updated. Supposed to be meeting up with a guy this week for a quote. The seats i have are black/blue and still have the sliders on them. I'm also not surprised the wheels sold quickly, just wish i could've been there sooner! Oh well

 

I'm about to go look at some 14x7 "aluminum slot mags" as the guy calls them. I have a feeling i'll end up purchasing them. Will post pics later on today.