Lowering a truck takes more than changing the stance. A properly designed suspension system needs to maintain ride quality, alignment control, and everyday drivability. When Truckin’ Magazine was still in print, its editors partnered with DJM Suspension for a 2010 GMC Sierra project featuring the DJM Suspension 4/7 kit.
This behind-the-scenes build gave truck enthusiasts a close look at how the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 lowering kit components are installed, prepared, and adjusted. With Jeremy Cook, editor of Truckin’ Magazine, and Anthony Soos working through the installation, the project showed the quality and details behind a successful truck drop.
Behind the Build: Truckin’ Magazine Chooses DJM Suspension
Truckin’ Magazine covered custom trucks and performance builds for 45 years before shutting down. At the time, this collaboration was a great opportunity to show how the suspension kit works and gets installed in the real-world environment.
The project focused on improving the look and stance of a 2010 GMC Sierra while maintaining the functionality expected from a daily-driven truck. The team selected the DJM Suspension 4/7 lowering kit because of its control arm-based design.
Unlike systems that rely heavily on spindle changes or spring modifications, DJM Suspension uses engineered suspension components that provide a controlled drop while keeping important suspension geometry in mind.
The build was performed at Truckin’ Magazine’s Tech Center in Irvine, California. The installation process was recorded through multiple videos, giving viewers a detailed look at the preparation, installation, and adjustment steps involved with the kit.
Preparing the 2010 GMC Sierra Lowering Kit Installation
Before installing any suspension components, proper preparation plays an important role in the quality of the finished build. The Truckin’ Magazine team began by removing the factory suspension parts and inspecting the truck’s existing setup.
During the inspection, the team discovered that the previous owner had used spring spacers to lift the front of the truck. While these spacers changed the truck’s height, they were not the ideal solution for long-term suspension performance.
A professional lowering setup starts with removing outdated modifications and installing components designed specifically for the vehicle. For this project, the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 lowering kit replaced the factory control arms with purpose-built components designed for the GMC Sierra platform.
The installation process also highlighted proper suspension techniques, including safely removing ball joints and preparing mounting points before installing new parts. These steps help create a reliable foundation for the new, lowered stance.
Installing DJM Suspension Calmax Control Arms
The front suspension installation centered around Calmax control arms, one of the key components that make DJM Suspension lowering kits unique. These control arms are designed to lower the front of the truck while maintaining proper suspension movement and alignment adjustment.
The Truckin’ Magazine team prepared the lower Calmax control arms before installation by adding grease fittings and lubricating the moving components. This preparation makes future maintenance easier and allows suspension parts to receive proper lubrication throughout their service life.
DJM Suspension's twin-tube design was another important feature discussed during the installation. The design allows the control arms to be torqued correctly without crushing the urethane bushings. Proper bushing function helps maintain a smooth ride and reduces unnecessary suspension noise.
During installation, the team also transferred important factory components, including the anti-lock braking systems (ABS) brake sensor guide and sway bar connections. Keeping these details in place helps maintain the truck’s original safety systems and suspension functionality.
How the DJM Suspension 4/7 Kit Changes the GMC Sierra Stance
When a GMC Sierra drops with a properly designed lowering kit, it delivers a completely different appearance. The DJM Suspension 4/7 kit lowers the front of the truck four inches and the rear seven inches, creating a more aggressive and balanced stance.
The front setup uses upper and lower control arms, while the rear uses a flip kit to achieve the desired drop. This combination gives the truck a lower profile without relying on extreme modifications that can affect everyday driving.
If you are looking for a similar setup, you can shop all Sierra lowering kits from DJM Suspension. Here, you can find options designed for different GMC Sierra models and years.
A successful truck drop is about more than appearance. The right suspension components help maintain proper handling characteristics, alignment adjustability, and ride comfort. DJM Suspension designs its lowering systems around these factors so you can enjoy a customized truck that still performs on the street.
A Look Inside the Truckin’ Magazine Installation Process
The Truckin’ Magazine installation gave enthusiasts a realistic look at what goes into a professional suspension upgrade. Jeremy Cook explained that the front and rear installation could be completed within a day by someone with mechanical experience and the proper tools.
The team started by removing the factory control arms and preparing the DJM Suspension components. The new arms arrived with bushings installed, grease fittings prepared, and replacement hardware ready for installation.
During the build, the team also discussed alignment preparation. DJM Suspension provides alignment components that help suspension technicians properly adjust the truck after installation. Setting the alignment correctly after lowering is an important step for tire wear, handling, and overall driving performance.
The installation videos also showed that all lowering parts by DJM Suspension are designed with serviceability in mind. Replacement components such as ball joints and bushings can be maintained or replaced when needed, similar to factory-style suspension service.
Why Truck Enthusiasts Choose DJM Suspension Lowering Kits
DJM Suspension has been building lowering solutions for truck enthusiasts since the early 1970s. The company started with a passion for aftermarket vehicles and grew from Mini Truck USA into a recognized American manufacturer of lowering suspension components.
Truck owners choose DJM Suspension because the company focuses specifically on lowering applications. We have spent decades developing components for drivers who want improved truck styling and dependable performance.
The Truckin’ Magazine 2010 GMC Sierra build represents the type of project that shows the difference between simply changing ride height and building a properly engineered lowered truck.
With products like Calmax control arms, flip kits, and complete lowering systems, DJM Suspension provides solutions for enthusiasts who want a professional-quality truck build.
What You Can Learn from This 2010 GMC Sierra Build
The Truckin' Magazine project highlights several important lessons for anyone planning a truck suspension upgrade. First, you should choose vehicle-specific components. A lowering kit designed for your truck helps maintain better suspension function compared to improvised modifications.
Second, installation details make a difference. Proper lubrication, correct torque settings, and alignment adjustments all contribute to the final driving experience.
Finally, the right lowering kit should match your goals. Whether you are building a show truck, improving your truck’s appearance, or creating a sportier daily driver, DJM Suspension offers suspension systems designed around those needs.
The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 lowering kit featured in this build demonstrates how the right components can transform a factory truck into a customized ride without sacrificing the qualities that make trucks practical.
Final Thoughts: Building a Better Lowered GMC Sierra
Truckin’ Magazine’s installation of the DJM Suspension 4/7 kit on a 2010 GMC Sierra showed what goes into creating a quality lowered truck. From preparing the Calmax control arms to completing alignment adjustments, every step contributed to the final result.
Remember, a properly lowered truck combines style, performance, and reliability. With over five decades of suspension experience and American-made manufacturing, DJM Suspension continues to provide truck enthusiasts with lowering solutions built for real-world driving.
If you want a GMC Sierra dropped or any other truck for that matter, DJM Suspension is where you will get the components designed for your truck. We offer lowering kits that help you create the stance and driving experience you are looking for.
Browse our latest range of suspension lowering kits and parts.
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