Rear leaf spring bumper?
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Rear leaf spring bumper?
I put some lowering shackles on my '04 f150 supercrew 4X4. I'm going to have to put shims on it to take away the vibration. But after being under the truck I noticed that there is about a 2.5 inch spacer between the leaf spring and the axle mount. It has an arm that contacts the rubber bumper on the bottom of the frame (if you were ever to load the truck that much). Why coudn't I take that spacer out and drop the truck (to a more level position) that way?
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE Georgia
that is what alot people do
the F-150 4x4 gets a 1-5/8" block from the factory that sits between the axle and rear leafs. guys looking to level it out usually remove that block
you may need to buy 2wd u-bolts though. I don't know if you'll be able to retighten your stock u-bolts with it removed
the F-150 4x4 gets a 1-5/8" block from the factory that sits between the axle and rear leafs. guys looking to level it out usually remove that block
you may need to buy 2wd u-bolts though. I don't know if you'll be able to retighten your stock u-bolts with it removed
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Michigan
You will need to get new U bolts since the 4x4 bolts don't have enough threads to tighten them without the block. You may or may not need the shims. Remove the spacer and see how the driveline is. If it's bad, then add shims. I'm actually thinking of getting the GF shackles to lower my rear 2 inches as well.
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Just thought about this....... Why would you want to lower a 4X4 Truck for? You should have just purchased a 2X4 F-150! I'll understand then but a 4X4 I think you would want the clearance when you well you know "Go Off Road" Unless Iam missing something I dont get it why you want to lower a 4x4? Is it to level it or what? If leveling it wouldn't you want to lift up the front? 4x4 should be up for clearance not lower then stock, unless of course you never plan on 4x4'ing, still dont get it. Why buy 4x4 then? I just never heard of this on a 4x4 and I live in Arizona where 4x4 trucks are up not lower then stock.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2007
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Just thought about this....... Why would you want to lower a 4X4 Truck for? You should have just purchased a 2X4 F-150! I'll understand then but a 4X4 I think you would want the clearance when you well you know "Go Off Road" Unless Iam missing something I dont get it why you want to lower a 4x4? Is it to level it or what? If leveling it wouldn't you want to lift up the front? 4x4 should be up for clearance not lower then stock, unless of course you never plan on 4x4'ing, still dont get it. Why buy 4x4 then? I just never heard of this on a 4x4 and I live in Arizona where 4x4 trucks are up not lower then stock.
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I'm only interested in leveling it. I think they look kinda dorky with the rear raised 3 inches higher than the front. If it was easy to raise the front without changing angles on the driveshaft etc. I would do it. But it seems easier to me just to lower the rear about 2 inches. This has no effect on clearance. I'm only lowering the body and the lowest thing in the rear will stil be the rear pumpkin (with the possible exception of the hitch).
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From: Loveland, CO
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't he install a body lift on the front only, instead of lifting the entire front, therefore changing the angles of the driveline? Might cost more, but is it an option at all?
Cargo Master
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"Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't he install a body lift on the front only,"
That would only lift the cab, and the bed wouldn't match.
There really isn't a reason to care about performance if a slight rake is so important for style when parked. Yank the blocks, swap the bolts, all's well.
That would only lift the cab, and the bed wouldn't match.
There really isn't a reason to care about performance if a slight rake is so important for style when parked. Yank the blocks, swap the bolts, all's well.
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i was planning on asking this same question. I think the *** end of the truck is way too high for loading and unloading ... im 5'10" and its still a major pain, esp with heavy objects. I doubt that i could put a toolbox in the back and get to the center either. I like having 4x4 for winter, but i dont ever do any off roading in it.
Im going to look into pulling those blocks out.
When doing so, will anything need to be supported, or can the ubolts be undone, pull the blocks out, and replace the U's?
Im going to look into pulling those blocks out.
When doing so, will anything need to be supported, or can the ubolts be undone, pull the blocks out, and replace the U's?
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
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From: SE Georgia
i was planning on asking this same question. I think the *** end of the truck is way too high for loading and unloading ... im 5'10" and its still a major pain, esp with heavy objects. I doubt that i could put a toolbox in the back and get to the center either. I like having 4x4 for winter, but i dont ever do any off roading in it.
Im going to look into pulling those blocks out.
When doing so, will anything need to be supported, or can the ubolts be undone, pull the blocks out, and replace the U's?
Im going to look into pulling those blocks out.
When doing so, will anything need to be supported, or can the ubolts be undone, pull the blocks out, and replace the U's?
put the frame on jackstands with the rear tires barely on the ground (unsprung weight). slowly loosen the 8 nuts on the u-bolts. when you're sure nothing is going to pop loose, go ahead and fully remove the u-bolts and that block.
at this point you'll need the 2wd u-bolts and a floor jack. use the floor jack to lift the rear axle back up to the leafs and bolt her back up. make sure to get the alignment pins correct and torque it down properly.
test drive and see if you've got any vibration. if so, you'll need to repeat the process and shim until vibration goes away.
hope this helps. best of luck. I don't see the point of lowering a 4x4 either, but hey it's your truck. have fun with it.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
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From: SE Georgia
most lift kits get rid of the rake and go for the leveled stance.
a normal 4" lift is 4" front, 2" rear
a normal 6" lift is 6" front 4" rear
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got 'er done
Well I did the deed. I removed the spacers and imo the truck looks better. It was just about too far though, but I'm satisfied. Some more info: I thought I would just use the old bolts and thread them a little further. That idea doesn't seem to work; I think the shank of the u-bolt is narrower where it's unthreaded. I did use the same u-bolts by making up some spacers to put under the nuts. so far so good. No vibrations noted.
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