Lowering a 4x4...
#1
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Lowering a 4x4...
Basically, here's the scenario. My 07 rides like crap. I'm pretty sure the guy before me (I bought it used) didn't really take great care of it. Luckily he sold it soon enough I should be able to fix most of this stuff up.
My plan currently is as follows:
Anyway, this is getting off-topic. I just figured I'd give you guys the background to offer me up some help. I've done a handful of searching on RPS and here, but haven't really come up with much for the other goal of the project.
Basically, I'm looking for a way to lower this truck a bit up front. The rear lifts blocks will lower the back 2" and if I want to go much lower I could flip the axle. So I'm not worried about the rear.
I just can't find info on how to lower torsion bar setups. I'm assuming this is mainly because it's not really done all that often, but I know it's gotta be possible. All the lowering kits I've looked have lowering springs. Obviously that won't work because 4x4's use torsion bars. So the question is can I un-crank the torsion bars without problem? I'm assuming the opposite of cranking the bars will happen (little bit looser ride, etc.). I'm also guessing this would only get me 1-2" at most, but what are some other options? I think I've seen D. talking getting new torsion keys made which doesn't seem like a bad idea, but how much would that get me?
I mean I know I could go extreme and do adjustable coilover conversions all the way around with a 4-link in rear or something, which mind you would be cool as hell, but for now, I'm hoping to keep this under $1.5k.
Anyway, enlighten me o' pavement pounders of R-F.
***DISCLAIMER: FINALLY, I SWEAR TO GOD, IF ANY OF LAME-*** PEOPLE WITH SOME SORT OF A GRUDGE AGAINST LOWERED VEHICLES COME INTO MY THREAD AND TELL ME LOWERED VEHICLES SUCK, I'M GOING TO HUNT YOU DOWN AND BEAT YOU WITH A MUFFLER. I HAVE ONE LIFTED TRUCK AND I WANT THIS TRUCK TO BE A CRUISER THAT RIDES AROUND LIKE A CADDY. IF THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY IN THIS THREAD STAY THE HELL OUT OF MY THREAD. ***
My plan currently is as follows:
- Lower truck 2-3 inches
- 17" wheels
- Some good rubber (Some where around 255/55/17)
- New Monotube Shocks
- Removing Lift Blocks on Rear Axle
- Alignment
- (MAYBE) Rear Discs
- (MAYBE) New Sway Bars (Front and Rear)
Anyway, this is getting off-topic. I just figured I'd give you guys the background to offer me up some help. I've done a handful of searching on RPS and here, but haven't really come up with much for the other goal of the project.
Basically, I'm looking for a way to lower this truck a bit up front. The rear lifts blocks will lower the back 2" and if I want to go much lower I could flip the axle. So I'm not worried about the rear.
I just can't find info on how to lower torsion bar setups. I'm assuming this is mainly because it's not really done all that often, but I know it's gotta be possible. All the lowering kits I've looked have lowering springs. Obviously that won't work because 4x4's use torsion bars. So the question is can I un-crank the torsion bars without problem? I'm assuming the opposite of cranking the bars will happen (little bit looser ride, etc.). I'm also guessing this would only get me 1-2" at most, but what are some other options? I think I've seen D. talking getting new torsion keys made which doesn't seem like a bad idea, but how much would that get me?
I mean I know I could go extreme and do adjustable coilover conversions all the way around with a 4-link in rear or something, which mind you would be cool as hell, but for now, I'm hoping to keep this under $1.5k.
Anyway, enlighten me o' pavement pounders of R-F.
***DISCLAIMER: FINALLY, I SWEAR TO GOD, IF ANY OF LAME-*** PEOPLE WITH SOME SORT OF A GRUDGE AGAINST LOWERED VEHICLES COME INTO MY THREAD AND TELL ME LOWERED VEHICLES SUCK, I'M GOING TO HUNT YOU DOWN AND BEAT YOU WITH A MUFFLER. I HAVE ONE LIFTED TRUCK AND I WANT THIS TRUCK TO BE A CRUISER THAT RIDES AROUND LIKE A CADDY. IF THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY IN THIS THREAD STAY THE HELL OUT OF MY THREAD. ***
#2
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#8
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personally i think it will look good with just 1-2 inches lower in the front and 2-3 in the rear.
dont go much further than that. CVs will ride good and flat, and it will still drive pretty well.
NicksterSVT's truck isnt really that low, and it wasnt before. Let me find a pic
dont go much further than that. CVs will ride good and flat, and it will still drive pretty well.
NicksterSVT's truck isnt really that low, and it wasnt before. Let me find a pic
#10
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The only reason I have the 4x4 functionality in this truck is for winters up here in MN and quite frankly I don't need ***-loads of ground clearance to drive on normal roads.
Now, lets get back to the subject at hand. Is un-cranking the t-bars the only way I'm going to lower the front? Is this going to screw anything up?
#11
Mobb thats the dumbest word I've ever heard.
Theres a guy on RPS that lowered his FX4 and put it on like 17s, he just one TOTM let me find his name.
Here ya go http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...d.php?t=236476
Theres a guy on RPS that lowered his FX4 and put it on like 17s, he just one TOTM let me find his name.
Here ya go http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...d.php?t=236476
#12
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Mobb thats the dumbest word I've ever heard.
Theres a guy on RPS that lowered his FX4 and put it on like 17s, he just one TOTM let me find his name.
Here ya go http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...d.php?t=236476
Theres a guy on RPS that lowered his FX4 and put it on like 17s, he just one TOTM let me find his name.
Here ya go http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...d.php?t=236476
Originally Posted by RPS Article
The truck has been lowered about 3" via torsion bar crank and removing the rear lift blocks. The stock rear shocks have been replaced with Monroe Sensatrac units, to fit the lowered stance. James Duff traction bars help keep the rear wheels in contact with the pavement. This truck is used as a daily driver and the 4wd is needed for snowy / icy weather, not offroading - so the idea was to make the truck handle as well as possible.
#14
How are you going to mount hydros in the front with 4wd?
Once he lowers hell be around 2wd stock height or just a tad lower hell have no problem in snow esp if the 4wd still functions properly.
#15
obviously you know nothing about suspensions esp 4wd and you even own one..
How are you going to mount hydros in the front with 4wd?
Once he lowers hell be around 2wd stock height or just a tad lower hell have no problem in snow esp if the 4wd still functions properly.
How are you going to mount hydros in the front with 4wd?
Once he lowers hell be around 2wd stock height or just a tad lower hell have no problem in snow esp if the 4wd still functions properly.
The only thing you can do for the front is uncrank the torsion bars. I'm not sure how much but if you go too much you will start having problems.
#16
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#17
If your avatar picture is accurate, I can tell you exactly why your truck rides rough over bumps. My dad had the exact same wheels as your picture shows and they were 15x8s and running 31s. I bought my Ranger and he wanted my factory edge steel wheels and tires and gave them to him. The truck rode a hell of a lot better after I swapped them out. This was back in 2006 so I knew the Ranger suspension wasn't in bad shape by any means but those rims are just too heavy for our trucks especially the 15x8s.
My truck still has the factory edge suspension and it rides better than my dad's 2004 though because it has more travel I assume.
My truck still has the factory edge suspension and it rides better than my dad's 2004 though because it has more travel I assume.
#19
There are a variety of Torsion bars available.
You may need a stiffer spring (for heavier trucks, Explorers and 4.0 Rangers) to get the ride quality with tension off (lowered). I thought along those lines when I took off my step bars. My wife is 5' 0", you can guess the rest.
Now, I always help her get in, and she thinks I'm being a gentleman (which I am, but I'm primarily preventing complaints).
Consider what Zach said. I know my truck rides like crap when I put the steelies with mudders on (30x9.5's).
You may need a stiffer spring (for heavier trucks, Explorers and 4.0 Rangers) to get the ride quality with tension off (lowered). I thought along those lines when I took off my step bars. My wife is 5' 0", you can guess the rest.
Now, I always help her get in, and she thinks I'm being a gentleman (which I am, but I'm primarily preventing complaints).
Consider what Zach said. I know my truck rides like crap when I put the steelies with mudders on (30x9.5's).
#20
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My avatar is my '99 Ranger.
The truck I'm talking is my '07 Ranger Sport. Stock 15" Aluminum wheels with some crappy Cooper Tires on there. I know my tires are the main cause of the rough ride. Hence why I'm replacing them. But I figured I'd try and improve the looks while I'm doing that as well, and I've wanted a lower stance for this truck.
The truck I'm talking is my '07 Ranger Sport. Stock 15" Aluminum wheels with some crappy Cooper Tires on there. I know my tires are the main cause of the rough ride. Hence why I'm replacing them. But I figured I'd try and improve the looks while I'm doing that as well, and I've wanted a lower stance for this truck.
#21
Because I have a already have a lifted trail truck. Why do I need to beat the hell out of this one when I only want to drive it on the roads?
The only reason I have the 4x4 functionality in this truck is for winters up here in MN and quite frankly I don't need ***-loads of ground clearance to drive on normal roads.
Now, lets get back to the subject at hand. Is un-cranking the t-bars the only way I'm going to lower the front? Is this going to screw anything up?
The only reason I have the 4x4 functionality in this truck is for winters up here in MN and quite frankly I don't need ***-loads of ground clearance to drive on normal roads.
Now, lets get back to the subject at hand. Is un-cranking the t-bars the only way I'm going to lower the front? Is this going to screw anything up?
Last edited by Prerunner-Ranger; 09-17-2008 at 12:55 PM.
#22
#24
My avatar is my '99 Ranger.
The truck I'm talking is my '07 Ranger Sport. Stock 15" Aluminum wheels with some crappy Cooper Tires on there. I know my tires are the main cause of the rough ride. Hence why I'm replacing them. But I figured I'd try and improve the looks while I'm doing that as well, and I've wanted a lower stance for this truck.
The truck I'm talking is my '07 Ranger Sport. Stock 15" Aluminum wheels with some crappy Cooper Tires on there. I know my tires are the main cause of the rough ride. Hence why I'm replacing them. But I figured I'd try and improve the looks while I'm doing that as well, and I've wanted a lower stance for this truck.
Ya those cooper tires may be load rating E or something and those ride horrible on our trucks.
It's cool, your truck looks good.