Why does it sit so low?
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Raleigh, NC
Why does it sit so low?
The '84 (in my signature) we have is making me wonder a little. First the GVWR is 4900lbs. Isn't that a little low for a truk equipped like that? The main question I have though is why does it sit so low? It has small tires on it, so I know that contributes, but why doesn't it have like the 2" blocks in the back to raise the rear up to help with trailers and loading stuff up? Also, it has new shocks on it too. I'm just wondering why a truck would sit so low, stock.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 543
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From: Tulsa
Why does it sit so low?
Mine's doing a really similar thing. It's an '86 f250, but only has about 3-4 in. of clearance between the rear fender and tires. Also, when I hit speed bumps or any bump for that matter, the rear bounces all over God's half acre. I have new shocks so I know they're not the problem. I figure the springs are sagging and the bushings are gone. -sound right? I was thinking that if I replaced the bushings and put in 2in. blocks or hangers it'd be good as new. What do you think?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
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From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Why does it sit so low?
Originally posted by MW95F250
why doesn't it have like the 2" blocks in the back to raise the rear up to help with trailers and loading stuff up?
why doesn't it have like the 2" blocks in the back to raise the rear up to help with trailers and loading stuff up?
If you think your truck is low, you should see my 80 F100... Dead stock, 60,000 miles(suspension isn't saggy), and 205/75R15 tires... It came out of the factory with 195's.... They weren't made to sit high off of the ground.
As for the GVWR, that's the lightest you could get in 84, being that the F100 was dropped... My 80(reg cab long box) has a 4700# GVWR, my 81 has a 4750 GVWR as does my 82(both SWB FlareSides)
But, trucks have gotten taller, my F250 4x4, which is a tall truck compared to a half ton of the same vintage, isn't as tall as a new F150 4x4.
Evan
Last edited by 82F100SWB; Apr 22, 2003 at 05:54 AM.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Raleigh, NC
Why does it sit so low?
Why would the rating be so low then? What was the highest? And what were the differences in the frames/suspension systems in the F-150's? Would it be possible to put in 2" blocks to help the height? The way it looks now is extremely close to that of a low rider (rice).
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 513
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From: Lincoln NE
Why does it sit so low?
You could always get your rear leaf springs re arc'd at your favorite local suspension shop. I'm actually gonna have this done to my 85 f150 this week. Just an idea if you're not happy with how it sits with a trailer. I can let you know how it turns out if you wanna let me be the guinea pig
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 58
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From: Seattle USA
Why does it sit so low?
My 84 King Cab was riding very low after 222k miles and towing a 28ft travel trailer all over the NW. I replced the rears with a set from a place back east who made them special for the truck. Only cost about $150 for the rears. In the front I bought a pair of aftermarket springs with a little higher rate. Trucka rides like new now and handles heavy loads much better than it ever did. Even New!
If anyone wants the name of the palce back east I can look it up. They specialize in leaf srings, anything from a pickup to a locamotive.
Kraig
If anyone wants the name of the palce back east I can look it up. They specialize in leaf srings, anything from a pickup to a locamotive.
Kraig
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Seattle USA
Why does it sit so low?
Remember that when you adjust the height the rear end you will need to have the front end realigned. At least this is true on the I-Beam suspension.
So factor that into the cost of new springs or re-arching existing ones.
Kraig
So factor that into the cost of new springs or re-arching existing ones.
Kraig
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 513
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From: Lincoln NE
Why does it sit so low?
I've opened my mouth and now I must insert my foot. 
Took it in today and instead of re-arcing the springs, they recommend that I add a leaf(helper spring), so I couldn't tell you how much $$ it would cost. It must be cheaper than buying new springs if it's worth the hassle of arcing them.?
Took it in today and instead of re-arcing the springs, they recommend that I add a leaf(helper spring), so I couldn't tell you how much $$ it would cost. It must be cheaper than buying new springs if it's worth the hassle of arcing them.?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 513
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From: Lincoln NE
Why does it sit so low?
I'll do it my self. They want $215-225 to do it for me. I'll just go to my favorite parts store (NAPA) and pick a set up. Beside's, it'll get me out of the house so I'm not pestering the wife.
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From: Raleigh, NC
Why does it sit so low?
I asked this earlier, but I didn't get an answer. Could I get a set of 2" blocks like on a 4x4 and just put them in the back to help with it sitting so low?