Lowering a 4wd?

[TwoSmoke]

Has anyone successfully lowered a 4x4 square? I don't need it to lay frame but wanted to keep it some what low. I need 4wd but don't want a truck that sits up to high.

Thanks in advance

Oh the truck is 84 crew cab dually
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[LONGHAIR]

Being a dually may give you some room for lowering, but part of the height is the taller frame......which you can do nothing about.
There isn't much room for lowering the suspension either because of the space between the oil pan and the front axle housing.
You might get a couple of inches out of it, but not a lot.

[dieseldawg142]

4x4 lower???...

[INSIDIOUS '86]

I've though about this myself. To get a somewhat low 4x4 truck you would have to raise the engine alot and get the driveshafts sized right. Then try a body drop or such if you want it low like a 5-7 drop. I wanted to do this someday with a beefy turbo small block and a beefy drivetrain to make a sleeper truck that can out launch a dragster haha almost I guess.
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[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I think he wants his 4x4 maybe 2-3 inches lower like a level 2wd truck. So he can get in, and out of his truck easier.

The OP lives in Alaska, and from what I know it does get a couple inches of snow there every now + then.

I am not a 4x4 guy, but wouldn't a flip kit with lift shackles get you close.

Or maybe a bit of de-arching the springs.

Beyond that your into frame mods.

[76C10Stepside]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

Or maybe a bit of de-arching the springs.

What's the "right" way to de-arch leaf springs (safely)? One guy said he put a LOT of weight on the springs. Sounds dangerous! I assume you have to pull the leafs and do them one at a time in a really big press? Is this better than removing a leaf?

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Raising the spring hangers two inches per side should do it
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[KQQL IT]

Always wanted an eldorado front clip 4x4 or a '88 up front clip low and IRS In on shot
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[b454rat]

Couple ways to lower a 4wd. Local spring builder did this to his truck.

1. De-arch the springs. Need to take them out, take them to a spring shop. They should have a machine there kinda like an English wheel that will flatten them out correctly.

2. Move the rear spring hangers up in the frame like mentioned. But this will only work on the rear, front are as short as they can go. You could take 2wd spring hangers and put them on.

3. Take springs out of the pack. Again this will only work on the rear, might have 3 springs on the front. Rears have like 9-12 in them, but in doing this, if you haul heavy stuff or tow heavy, it will affect it's carrying/hauling capacity.

4. Smaller tires. Prolby the cheapest and easiest, but will also be the "goofiest". These trucks have too small a tire anyways, and could affect highway speeds.

If you have a hard time getting in and out, I suggest nerf bards or side steps. I have these on my truck, and it does make it easier to get in/out.

[Rubble]

Like others have posted,the rear can be dropped fairly easy.It's the front that doesn't have much room to work with.Years ago on my old 80 I dropped it in a rat run & the front diff came up & wacked the starter.This was factory,but sagged springs.If your not getting off road much it might be ok.I would do like b454rat & put on some side steps instead,lots easier & probably cheaper too...
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[TwoSmoke]

I just wanted to keep it a modest height since the truck will have a sled deck on it and just the ease of not having a lifted truck that will be hauling.

Thanks for the inputs.
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[cory d]

seams reasonable to me. 2" lower all around would be neat