[melman]

I recently brought my built motor back to the house from storage and started work on prepping the truck to accept the power.

I'm doing everything here at the house and am sure I will have plenty of questions and need plenty of advice. Its been 10 years since my last Lightning.

Progress so far:

 

[slo50stang]

Awesome! Good luck, im sure there's plenty of guys here willing to help. Im starting to collect parts for a build hopefully next year.

 

[melman]

I'm starting to look at the suspension while everything is right in front of me.

Just wanting to level it out and drop it an inch or two. Does anyone have any first hand experience with the Hotchkis TVS system or something else one might want to look at?

It will be a once in a while street truck with an occasional trip to the track.

 

[Dusten]

For your goals the hotchkis tvs is a wonderful setup. Make sure to get the shocks.

 

[Charco18]

For your goals the hotchkis tvs is a wonderful setup. Make sure to get the shocks.

The Hotchkins TVS is truly a great setup, just takes a while to get it in when you order it. When I had mine installed it was night and day difference on the ride. The suspension is built for the lightning and make sure you get the shocks as well to complete the package. I highly recommend this suspension setup.

 

[melman]

For your goals the hotchkis tvs is a wonderful setup. Make sure to get the shocks.

The Hotchkins TVS is truly a great setup, just takes a while to get it in when you order it. When I had mine installed it was night and day difference on the ride. The suspension is built for the lightning and make sure you get the shocks as well to complete the package. I highly recommend this suspension setup.

Thanks gentlemen!!! I will go ahead and get this ordered.

 

[Dusten]

Here is a picture of mine with just the hotchkis on it before I lowered it more. I had the hotchkis on mine with some random ass shocks and my buddy had it on his with the hotchkis shocks and they were night and day difference. I have them on my truck now.

 

[melman]

Here is a picture of mine with just the hotchkis on it before I lowered it more. I had the hotchkis on mine with some random ass shocks and my buddy had it on his with the hotchkis shocks and they were night and day difference. I have them on my truck now.

Nice, that's what I'm looking for. Hits on driveway if I go any lower.

 

[slo50stang]

I have Hotchkis on mine and its great. Last I checked the shocks were backordered and Hotchkis was unable to tell when they'd be back in stock. It was a vendor issue. I also have JLP shackles on mine and Im super happy with the stance.

 

[melman]

I have Hotchkis on mine and its great. Last I checked the shocks were backordered and Hotchkis was unable to tell when they'd be back in stock. It was a vendor issue. I also have JLP shackles on mine and Im super happy with the stance.

I'll start calling vendors and see what's available. Thanks!

 

[slo50stang]

I'll start calling vendors and see what's available. Thanks!

If i remember correctly, the shocks are built by Bilstein. So although Hotchkis may not hhave hands on a set, you may want to reach out to Bilstein directly. I would call Hotchkis first. I put my TVS system on about a year ago so things could have changed by then. I do know the site didn't show they were backordered until I got the purchase order, so definitely give them a ring. You'll love the TVS kit!

 

[melman]

If i remember correctly, the shocks are built by Bilstein. So although Hotchkis may not hhave hands on a set, you may want to reach out to Bilstein directly. I would call Hotchkis first. I put my TVS system on about a year ago so things could have changed by then. I do know the site didn't show they were backordered until I got the purchase order, so definitely give them a ring. You'll love the TVS kit!

I did see that the kit with the shocks on Hotchkis' website is on back order. Gonna check with Bilstein like you suggested.

Thanks!!

 

[Dusten]

Summit has 1 front shock in stock lol

 

[melman]

Summit has 1 front shock in stock lol

That's a start. Hate to have to piece a set together but I would.

 

[Dusten]

You could take the part numbers from hotchkis or summit and do some looking. Them buy the kit without shocks.

 

[blacklaser94]

The TVS is awesome. I ditched the front springs and went with Belltech shackles. Traded the slightly reduced turning radius for the better from end geometry.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[Dusten]

The TVS is awesome. I ditched the front springs and went with Belltech shackles. Traded the slightly reduced turning radius for the better from end geometry.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Depending on how you use the truck you also have up drag wheels.

 

[melman]

Ordered the TVS kit from Hotchkis yesterday.

Coil and Leaf springs were in stock and should ship right away.

Both sway bars are suppose to be ready in 3 - 4 weeks.

Shocks are discontinued and "updated version" should be available between January and March?

I still need to get in touch with Bilstein to see if they have the shocks.

Everything has been pressure washed, pulled off the trailer hitch drained the gas and am looking at the Evap canister delete.

 

[melman]

Well, I've managed to make some progress on my build. Removed everything off the back half of the frame, did the Evap delete(very easy with the bed off) stripped the frame down, cleaned everything up, wiped it down then treated it with Loctite Rust Neutralizer and sprayed it with 3 coats of VHT Roll bar and Chassis paint(satin black).

Only received springs from the TVS kit so far. I installed the leaf's in the back and have the "front" passenger side torn down to the frame. Ready to prep and paint that then start replacing all of the front suspension parts (including lower control arms) and install the TVS coil springs.

Before During After

 

[Fast Willy]

Looks great! keep us posted with how the project goes. Good Luck