2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Lower a 4x4 ?

[Archive]

Okay... I realize this is somewhat of an unusual proposal. Let me explain... I work in a business that requires me to drive frequently in San Francisco. Those of you who have been there understand the difficulty of finding parking. The problem is further compounded by the fact that I only fit in about half of the underground structures. Don't get me wrong. If I could, I would leave the ride height the way it is. Unfortunately I have to seek other alternatives. Does anyone make a kit to lower the 4x4 cummins? Would I need a kit?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[The patriot]

How high are the parking garages there?
In Atlantic city, theyre around 6'6". You could get away with removing the blocks between the rear and rear springs to fix this amount.
Front? I dunno. I think the rear alone will accomplish this, besides it sits a little higher in the rear, w/o a load in it anyway.
Eric
BTW My stock truck with the 245's(now have 275's) was an extermely close fit. I believe the newer trucks are a little taller, or at least they look it.

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98 Quad cab 4X4 2500 12 valve,5 speed,3. 54 rears, 8' bed. Michelin 275 75 16 lr-E. Boost and egt gauges but basicly stock except for a "properly adjusted" AFC. Cat in the garage. Uniden HR 2510, Texas Star 1200 amp. 63,000 Mi as of 1/27/01.
NRA life member. High power/IDPA.

 

[MikeR]

I've lived off and on in the Bay area,so I know how driving in it can be. I also know there is no need for a 4x4 in the Bay area. Do you think it would be better to just get a 2wd truck? Reason I say that is because I don't think you could get the front end lower because of the solid axle clearance.

-Mike

 

[Archive]

Generally speaking, you're right... There is no need in the Bay for a 4x4. However, a spend a ton of time in the sierras, and that is why I got the four wheel drive.

 

[Bad340fish]

If you use your 4x4 like it was ment to lowering it would make it no longer perform as it should. And imagine another rammer in a 4x4 looking wierd at your truck trying to figure out why his is taller #ad
. Good luck with your mision.

Clark

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Clark
1999 2500 QC SB 5spd Flowmaster 3 chamber, K&N Re-0880
1968 Barracuda Formula S Viper Blue 11. 98@112

NHRA member for life

 

[klenger]

I too wish the 4X4 was lower. The extra height makes it harder to get into and causes problems matching it to a 5th wheel. I really doubt that 2-3" lower would affect ground clearance, as that is determined by the differantal anyway. I currently have a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is quite a bit lower and have no problem at all with ground clearance. From my experience in Colorado, if the jeep trails are rough enough to need that much ground clearance, then I don't want to take my new vehicle on it anyway.

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On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[Michael Hughes]

I don't think there is enough clearance between the axle and frame to lower the front of the truck. I am glad I don't have to take my truck anywhere that I would have to try parking underground.

How much are you looking to drop the front?

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1999 2500 ST LB 4X4 Metallic Red, 5-speed, 3. 54 gears, LSD, camper and tow package

 

[Cooker]

To lower the front you can simply cut the coil springs down, and the back is easy too, as suggested just use shorter blocks.

OK the physical work is easy, but the little issues that may arise could be numerous. Already mentioned, the clearance of the axle and the frame. Lowering the truck will shorten the driveshafts, will they compress enough. Anytime you alter the ride height (higher or lower) you affect the geometry of components as they were designed to work, this could have a negative affect on the longevity of components and/or create vibrations within the driveline. Will the tire you are currently running still fit? If you are running a 285 I think you may have some problems depending on how much you lower the truck.

One other point, when guys lower their vehicles to create that custom lowrider look, often times there are complete lowering kits to accomplish this. The kits address alot of the issues such as steering geometry and steering part functionality.

Hope this helps,
Ryan

 

[Charles Wheeler]

You may want to look at getting an air ride setup that replaces the leafs completly. With this setup you would be able to adjust the height when you need to. I'm not sure but you may also be able to get a set to replace the front suspension too. Try www.airride.com. This would not be a cheap option, but would give you the best of both worlds.


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2K1 3500 4x4 SLT+ QC ETH/DEE, silencer ring AWOL, Isspro hour meter, Line-x liner, EGT, and boost gauges.
213HP @ 2500, 470 ft-lb @ 2200
Soon to come: BOMBing stuff

 

[Runaway]

Don't have much to offer for lowering the 4x4, but... would be nice if DC offered the an option for a higher stance/lower stance 4x4. My "89" K1500 was at stock ride height and I could go anywhere I wanted to go. If I remember right Ford offers an option to lower the SD 4x4 by 2". Why DC hasn't figured this out yet is beyond me. #ad

 

[Cooker]

Welcome Mac B

 

[Michael Hughes]

I went out and took this picture of the clearance that there is on front stops. I don't know how much you are looking to lower the front, but you might get a couple inches. You would have to change the rubber bumpers that are on the axle tube. I guess I should have gotten a picture of that also.

<IMG SRC=http://www.geocities.com/mdhughes_us/clearance.jpg>

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1999 2500 ST LB 4X4 Metallic Red, 5-speed, 3. 54 gears, LSD, camper and tow package

 

[FMcClaren]

HI guys & gals I guess
I just got the ok to post so I wanted to say hi. I,m getting my truck monday or tuesday.
2500 a/t 3. 55 gear. The dealer told me there was TSB on the 2001 for lowering the rear.
I,m going to need it, but he won,t do it until I know just how much I need.
Have good one Mac B

 

[Runaway]

MAC B, do you have a TSB # for that lowering procedure?

 

[FMcClaren]

I don,t have number Runaway, But I will ask about it and let you know.
I to am waiting for my truck.
Have a good one Mac B

 

[klenger]

I'm interested in the TSB also.

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Ken Lenger
On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate, replaces 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 which is for sale.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[K_Arts]

As Cooker says. . there are kits that you can purchase. Though I have to stress DO NOT CUT YOUR FRONT COILS... . and I stress that. I have helped lower many cars and we have noticed that when you cut the front coils your wheels start aiming inward toward the vehicld at the top. After a while this causes some pretty expensive damage to the bearings. So prevent the problems and purchase a kit that is designed to lower your truck.

JMHO

Kev

 

[Mopar-muscle]

besides messing with steering geometry , i believe the only way to do it is to notch the front frame rails , o have looked at it also , there is just to much wheelwell for the tire size used .

badfish . lowering the truck will not decrease ground learance , putting on smaller tires and rimes will though .

good luck

 

[Bad340fish]

I guess your right. It will affect your breakover hieght(I think thats what its called) Which is where the middle of your truck will drag easier. This problem would be even worse on a longer wheel base truck. But if you do not ever get into that kind of situation you will be just fine. I think DC makes the truck that high so people can use it as a 4wd not a "slick roads" truck like Gm makes with its super low 4x4. I usualy have to look for an emblem on a GM to see if its 4wd lol. I need to find some extra cash to get me a 4x4 ram... i miss my Yota #ad



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Clark
1999 2500 QC SB 5spd Flowmaster 3 chamber, K&N Re-0880
1968 Barracuda Formula S Viper Blue 11. 98@112

NHRA member for life

 

[Turbo6bar]

Originally posted by K_Arts:
As Cooker says. . there are kits that you can purchase. Though I have to stress DO NOT CUT YOUR FRONT COILS... . and I stress that. I have helped lower many cars and we have noticed that when you cut the front coils your wheels start aiming inward toward the vehicld at the top. Kev

Good call, Kev. Cutting your springs is going to give you a really harsh ride. Cutting springs makes your spring rate skyrocket. When you lower the vehicle a lot, the spindle tends to tilt inwards at the top, or give more camber. You either need to get the alignment redone, or if you cannot adjust the camber outwards, you need to raise the vehicle and/or get custom suspension bits. I don't believe the bearings will wear out, but your tires sure will wear out quick.

Jay