On 8/23/05, Terrible Tom <SilverEightynine@aol.com> wrote:
>
> James Calder wrote:
> > I heard a Gen II 4X4 cannot be easily lowered. Is it true? What makes the
> > 4X4's sit up higher that a 2x4? Is the rear axle under the springs? Can
> > shorter coils be installed in the front? Just curious...
> >
> > Thanks,
> > James
> >
>
> AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
>
> Ok now that I got that involuntary reflex action out of the way...
>
> 4x4 Daks, 87-04 - all use the same basic suspension design. Torsion
> bars, long/short A-arms, CV axles up front... and rear axles mounted
> over the spring packs.
>
> You can lower the front end ride height by cranking the torsion bars
> down... and if you wanted you could mount the axles below the spring
> packs in the rear by either doing an axle swap with one from a 2wd truck
> - or rewelding the perches - but aside from that - there is no way to
> easily, or cheaply lower a 4x4 Dakota without seriously compromising its
> 4 wheel drive ability.
Don't forget that the torsion bar "adjustment" to lower the front
suspension will also mess with your spring rate horribly and
negatively affect handling, suspension component life, etc.
If you want to lower a 4x4, buy a 2WD chassis and swap over your
drivetrain and body.
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