lowering the rear end
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
i've seen it posted on here where some blocks were removed from under the leaf springs, necessitating 4x2 leaf spring bolts to be installed over the 4x4 ones. I think this is a more asthetically pleasing setup than raising the front to meet the rear. Keep in mind, that the truck will sag when significantly loaded, but how often does that really happen?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
I did it on a 2004 SCAB. As Reforder mentioned you will need 4X2 ubolts. Support the chassis high enough to remove the rear wheels or to allow the rear end drop a few inches. Place a jack under the side of the axle you first want to start with. Undo the ubolt nuts and remove the bolts. Lower your jack enough to get the cast iron block out from between the axle housing and the spring. Raise the axle up to the spring making sure the pin aligns the spring and housing. Insert the shorter ubolts and tighten enough to assure the pin will not fall out of the hole. Duplicate on the other side. Set the truck on the ground and torque the nuts making sure everything lines up.
Make sure you find a way to note your headlight and fog lamp adjustment before you remove the blocks. You will need to match the adjustment after you drop the rear.
Good luck.
Make sure you find a way to note your headlight and fog lamp adjustment before you remove the blocks. You will need to match the adjustment after you drop the rear.
Good luck.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Bangor, ME
I saw one with the rear lowered the other day, and while it might be more practical for loading and unloading, it looks terrible. The Whole truck looks like a low-rider...all you need is some 22inch crome wheels, a giant subwoofer and some cheesy window tint and graphichs and you will be in business.
Trucks are supposed to be imposing and menacing---Lift the Front....it looks much better.
Trucks are supposed to be imposing and menacing---Lift the Front....it looks much better.
New User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by EMB135Driver
Trucks are supposed to be imposing and menacing---Lift the Front....it looks much better.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
I hardly think lowering the rear a touch makes it a low rider, perhaps you saw a 4x2 with a lowered rear. I've seen a Lariat Supercrew in person with the rear lowered and it looked fantastic. Still "menacing", high enough, but no wacky wheel well opening in the rear. Raising the front is great for off-roading, but regardless of what people might say, it will adversely affect the handling of the truck, maybe just slightly. Raise the vehicle=raise center of gravity=dimished handling.
Bruce..how long did it take you to do this? including the headlight re-leveling? Thanks.
Tony
Bruce..how long did it take you to do this? including the headlight re-leveling? Thanks.
Tony
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
the reason i want to lower the rear is just so i can reach in a get something out and off the bed. i'm 5' 9 and still can't touch the bed.
does lowering change the way it drives, or anything like that?
does lowering change the way it drives, or anything like that?
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
I did not time it, but it was no more than a couple of hours. I did it on the garage floor (no lift) but a did use an impact to remove the the ubolt nuts and run them to save some time. The headlights were a little time consuming as I do not have a socket (4mm?) that fit the adjuster.
I will also guarantee that the back end of my truck is not anywhere near a low rider. There is still a significant gap between the tire and wheel opening and there is a slight forward rake to the truck. At least with the blocks out I can grab (barely) items in the front of bed if they are not too far to the center.
I will also guarantee that the back end of my truck is not anywhere near a low rider. There is still a significant gap between the tire and wheel opening and there is a slight forward rake to the truck. At least with the blocks out I can grab (barely) items in the front of bed if they are not too far to the center.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
I got my ubolts naked, so I do not know the part number ( part of the deal when I bought the truck). There may be different bolts for the heavy duty package. I believe for mine we requested the ones for a shortbed 2wd XLT SCAB and received the right ones.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
4ced air lightning
Lightning, Harley-Davidson F-150, Roush F-150 & Saleen F-150
4
Dec 4, 2007 09:41 PM
FTE Ken
Lightning, Harley-Davidson F-150, Roush F-150 & Saleen F-150
3
Aug 6, 2001 12:07 PM