How much taller is the ride height of a 4x4 compared to a 2wd? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hazieview · 02-09-2012, 07:46 AM

Hey guys I have an '81 chevy with drop spindles and hangers. I was thinking about replacing the drop and picking the truck back up a bit.

I would like my truck to sit more like a truck. I dont mean like a jacked up 4x4 but with a nice working truck stance.

How much taller are stock ride height 4x4s compared to a stock 2wd?

Thanks!

Goldfinger · 02-09-2012, 08:01 AM

just a lift up front really to level it out for clearance. can be done with heavier springs.

Hazieview · 02-09-2012, 09:52 AM

Will this put it at the same ride height as a stock 4wd? I really dont have anything to compare to because my truck was lowered when I bought it.

Is there any other way to level it without using heavier springs? I'm afraid if I get heavier springs it will make my truck ride more like tank.

Your41Plague12 · 02-09-2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hazieview

Will this put it at the same ride height as a stock 4wd? I really dont have anything to compare to because my truck was lowered when I bought it.

Is there any other way to level it without using heavier springs? I'm afraid if I get heavier springs it will make my truck ride more like tank.

The stock 4x4's sit about 2-3" higher in the front and maybe an inch higher in the rear. The stock 4x4's also rode like tanks, so it kind of comes with the territory. Lifting the front of a 2wd is no small feat on one of these, because no manufacturer makes a dedicated lift kit for it. Easiest thing to do is use some heavier springs, like was already suggested. I forget his username, but someone on this board retrofitted an 88-98 2wd lift kit to work on a 73-87 C20. It was very informative and his results were great. I think his was a bigger lift than you're looking for (somewhere around 4"), but I'm not sure what size lift kits they make for the 88-98's. Maybe you can find something there.

RandyP · 02-09-2012, 10:34 AM

I'm not sure mine is the same height as a real 4x4, but we replaced the front springs with HD springs and it really raised the front up. I was going after a "level" look without lowering the back. I am pleased with it.

rwhit57 · 02-09-2012, 01:19 PM

Put stock spindles and hangers back on it, and like RandyP did you could put heavier springs in it while it's apart. Should set up good. I'll bet you could find someone to trade you stock stuff for yours and help you do it just to get your lowering stuff.

Tucson38 · 02-09-2012, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyP

I'm not sure mine is the same height as a real 4x4, but we replaced the front springs with HD springs and it really raised the front up. I was going after a "level" look without lowering the back. I am pleased with it.

Good looking truck.

cory d · 02-09-2012, 04:06 PM

i believe this guy used 1 ton coils and then put taller tires on it. loks like a 4x4.....but its not

02-09-2012, 07:46 AM	#1
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	How much taller is the ride height of a 4x4 compared to a 2wd? Hey guys I have an '81 chevy with drop spindles and hangers. I was thinking about replacing the drop and picking the truck back up a bit. I would like my truck to sit more like a truck. I dont mean like a jacked up 4x4 but with a nice working truck stance. How much taller are stock ride height 4x4s compared to a stock 2wd? Thanks! __________________ 1981 Chevy short/wide. SB400 350th

02-09-2012, 08:01 AM	#2
Goldfinger Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: laurel hill Fl Posts: 645	Re: How much taller is the ride height of a 4x4 compared to a 2wd? just a lift up front really to level it out for clearance. can be done with heavier springs. __________________ 1985 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 305/700r4 [ Goldfinger ] 1999 k3500 crew cab dually 6.5tdi/4l80e

02-09-2012, 09:52 AM	#3
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	Re: How much taller is the ride height of a 4x4 compared to a 2wd? Will this put it at the same ride height as a stock 4wd? I really dont have anything to compare to because my truck was lowered when I bought it. Is there any other way to level it without using heavier springs? I'm afraid if I get heavier springs it will make my truck ride more like tank. __________________ 1981 Chevy short/wide. SB400 350th

02-09-2012, 10:34 AM	#5
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: How much taller is the ride height of a 4x4 compared to a 2wd? I'm not sure mine is the same height as a real 4x4, but we replaced the front springs with HD springs and it really raised the front up. I was going after a "level" look without lowering the back. I am pleased with it. Attached Images __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

02-09-2012, 01:19 PM	#6
rwhit57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tulsa,Okla Posts: 590	Re: How much taller is the ride height of a 4x4 compared to a 2wd? Put stock spindles and hangers back on it, and like RandyP did you could put heavier springs in it while it's apart. Should set up good. I'll bet you could find someone to trade you stock stuff for yours and help you do it just to get your lowering stuff. __________________ "Whoever said money can't buy happiness has obviously never seen a speed shop!

02-09-2012, 04:06 PM	#8
cory d Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Arlington WA Posts: 1,728	Re: How much taller is the ride height of a 4x4 compared to a 2wd? i believe this guy used 1 ton coils and then put taller tires on it. loks like a 4x4.....but its not __________________ GMC C15 355 SM465 3.73 80 C10 cruiser build thread 79 short stepside crew cab. big and ugly. build thread

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