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    Nostalgia Rod

    Old-style rods, nostalgia rods and rat rods are increasing in popularity across America, and we are beginning to see a growing number of them at car shows outside California, where the movement seems to have set strong roots. These styles are generally seen in large numbers at shows such as NHRA’s Hot Rod Reunion (in Bakersfield), the West Coast Kustoms Show (in Paso Robles) and even the L.A. Roadster show (in Pomona). For the last two years there has been a special room for such cars at the Detroit Autorama (held at Cobo Hall), and this year was the biggest display yet. 

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    The Crown Jewels: Meet the Top 6 Winners of the 2025 Triple Crown of Rodding

    When it comes to prestige in the custom car and truck world, nothing shines brighter than the Triple Crown of Rodding. With over 50 state-of-the-art billet-machined aluminum and show-chrome-plated trophies on the line, the competition is fierce. But at the top of the heap are six elite titles—the ones every builder dreams about, the ones that truly define “best of the best.”

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    POCKET ROCKET

    The very concept of a V-8-powered Ford Focus isn’t as new as it is novel. In fact, we introduced Jerry Kugel’s install kit some years ago and then ­followed it up with the mod-motor install. But that was then, and now ASE master technician Donny Seyfer, from Wheatridge, Colorado’s Seyfer Automotive, decided to tackle the building of such a hybrid.

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    Colorado Drop Kit

    Story and Photography by Marshall Spiegel

    DJM Introduces a Slick 3X4 Chevy Colorado Lowering Kit – Here’s How to Install It

    Since its incorporation in 1985, DJM Suspension in Gardena, California, has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of lowering kits for a wide variety of trucks. The company’s goal has always been to design and manufacture drop kits that help preserve the factory ride quality, and that goal was a big consideration when DJM set out to create a kit to lower the new Chevy Colorado (and the GMC Canyon). The DJM engineers created a 3-inch front drop, based on a specially designed lower control arm, and a 4-inch rear drop, which was achieved with DJM’s new, stronger steel lowering blocks. DJM strongly recommends that its new steel lowering blocks be used on vehicles with high-output engines.

    The new 3×4 drop kit turned out to be relatively easy to install. The stock ride height measured 19-1/2 inches in front and 20-1/2 inches in the rear (measured from the center of the wheel to the fender lip). After the installation, the front and rear measured 16-1/2 inches, showing a 3-inch drop in front, and 16-1/2 inches in the rear for a 4-inch drop. At the new ride height, our test 04 Colorado had a ride and handling that seemed nearly as good as when the truck was at the stock ride height, but the new stance was far more aggressive and the looks were much improved.

    DJM informed us that the stock shocks would work fine with this new drop kit for those on a budget; but it is recommended that the stock shocks be replaced with higher-quality, high-performance gas shocks to further improve the ride and handling. DJM owner and company president Jeff Ullmann performed the installation himself as we followed along so that we could witness for ourselves just how straightforward the swap is. Our test vehicle is a white 04 Colorado, and the accompanying photos show the highlights of the installation. 

    1 The stock front ride height of the '04 Colorado measured 19-1/2 inches from the center of the wheel to the edge of the fender lip.
    2 The stock rear ride height measured 20-1/2 inches.
    3 The secret of the 3-inch front drop is in the design of the new DJM lower control arm (left), shown here beside the stock Colorado lower control arm. The comparison is obvious.
    4 After removing the wheels, our installer, DJM chief honcho and drop kit designer Jeff Ullmann, removed the tie rod at the driver's front corner.
    5 He then removed the brake caliper.
    6 The lower ball joint nut was removed.
    7 Ullmann then prepared to remove the spindle and lower ball joint from the lower control arm.
    8 The pivot bolts were removed.
    9 Ullmann then removed the stock lower control arm.
    10 The stock ball joint was unbolted.
    11 The stock ball joint was then removed from the stock lower control arm.
    12 Ullmann reinstalled the stock ball joint on the DJM lower control arm using all stock hardware.
    13 After tightening the ball joint bolts, the DJM control arm was then installed.
    14 The strut was installed to the control arm (making certain the strut bolt was facing correctly so it doesnÕt hit the wheel).
    15 The ball joint nut was reinstalled using original hardware.
    16 The brake caliper was reinstalled.
    17 The tie rod was installed.
    18 Here's a look at the new, stronger DJM steel lowering blocks recommended for all vehicles with engines of six cylinders or larger.
    19 Ullmann began the rear drop by removing the original rear shocks (retaining the stock hardware to be reinstalled).
    20 He removed the spring plate.
    21 Ullmann checked the 1/2-inch adapter for the axle pin (unique to the DJM lowering block kit and included in the kit), which gives the kit greater versatility.
    22 He then inserted the lowering block in position, making certain that the angle correctly faced forward.
    23 Here's a comparison of the stock U-bolt (top) and the much longer DJM U-bolt.
    24 The original spring plate was reinstalled.
    25 The U-bolts were retightened to the original torque specifications.
    26 The original rear shocks were reinstalled. (To improve the ride, DJM suggests changing to an upgraded shock.)
    27 The lowered '04 Colorado measured 16-1/2 inches at both ends, indicating a 3-inch front and a 4-inch rear drop for a more sporting and aggressive-looking stance.

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    ARTICLE SOURCES

    DJM Suspension, Inc.

    Dept. TB
    580 W. 184th St.
    Gardena, CA 90248
    800/237-6748
    310/538-1538 (Tech)

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