Lowering a 4wd
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2020
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Lowering a 4wd
Hey guys looking at a 1996 F150 thats 4wd and want it to be lower sort of like a lightning, I know you can only get about 3 inches in the front before I get into problems and maybe 5 at max. I got a 4wd and thats what im gonna lower no remarks please. Im looking to get anywhere from 3-4 inches for the front but dont know where to start besides cutting the springs :/ any help is appreciated
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 585
From: Chillicothe
I'm not sure you can get a drop like that without running into issues with the front axles. They only travel so far and I would think that they are more designed to travel downward like unloading the suspension not upward in a lowering application. You may run into binding, I do not know. That may be why nobody replied, they arent sure how to lower a 4wd truck
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
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From: Kentucky
Your project scope is analogous to pushing a rope up a hill. Everything is probably going to need custom made. Not too many folks try to slam a 4x4 OBS truck.
Overcoming the suspension geometry limitations is going to seriously thin your wallet.
Overcoming the suspension geometry limitations is going to seriously thin your wallet.
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Freshman User
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im not trying to slam it or anything, like I said up there I know you can go about 3 inches before problems so thats what I'd like to do but I dont know how to go about, different type of suspension? anything helps
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,717
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From: Chillicothe
Read this.
https://www.f150forum.com/f88/option...189907/index2/
Apparently a 2front 4 rear is pushing it with the 4x4 parts. A 3/5 requires swapping in 2wd beams
https://www.f150forum.com/f88/option...189907/index2/
Apparently a 2front 4 rear is pushing it with the 4x4 parts. A 3/5 requires swapping in 2wd beams
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Tuned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 304
Likes: 28
From: Gladwin, MI
Do you have the truck already or are you still shopping? My first step would be to pull the front coil springs and shocks, and then drop the truck on the bump stops to see what you're working with. You'll need to make sure you have clearances for the differential and driveshaft when you go lower, if it looks ok on the bump stops, pull the bump stops and check again. Figure out the up travel and then work from there to establish ride height and overall travel numbers. The TTB won't lend itself to easily going low without frame clearance, if the real goal is a low 4x4, you might be ahead to look at a 97+ F150.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2020
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Found some shocks from that option forum so Ill probably go with that and get the 2 inches all the way around and then see how much room I have to work with and then maybe do springs I guess in the front until I cant go anymore 
thanks for the help guys
edit: heres the shocks im talking about for any future people seeing this https://www.belltech.com/products/be...ered-9231.html
also if anyone has any comments about them id like to know too
thanks for the help guysedit: heres the shocks im talking about for any future people seeing this https://www.belltech.com/products/be...ered-9231.html
also if anyone has any comments about them id like to know too
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 641
Likes: 3
From: Umicorn UtopiaFantasyLand
I read about the shocks and like what I read about the OEM shocks. I have a 96 F350 4X4 and I'm sorry I can't help you out on the one's you are looking at. All I can say is talk to their tech support and wish you the best!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,717
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From: Chillicothe
Well, camber issues aside, your best bet would be to get a engine hoist and chain and use that to lower to the height you want after pulling the springs. I think the front diff is going to be your problem.
Now I know my springs are worn, but my truck only has about 2.5 inches between the top of the diff and the engine cradle... maybe 3. So if you are wanting to drop 2/4 then you will have less than a half inch to work that area. Granted that's inset so wheel travel will probably be around 5 inches, but that's just a unnoticed pothole before slamming hard parts into each other.
Now I know my springs are worn, but my truck only has about 2.5 inches between the top of the diff and the engine cradle... maybe 3. So if you are wanting to drop 2/4 then you will have less than a half inch to work that area. Granted that's inset so wheel travel will probably be around 5 inches, but that's just a unnoticed pothole before slamming hard parts into each other.