4" axle flip ONLY???? stock front 2wd

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nathantc

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ok so the drop shackles appear to be a waste of time and money. the rear of my truck is a touch over 4" higher than the from when measured from tire to fender. Has anyone here done only the 4" axle flip and left the front alone. i never tow with the truck and im wanting it level. it's just a lil v6 truck for a grocery getter.

anyway i like the look and ride height of the front, so i do not want to raise or lower it. i just want to match up the rear.

i also dont want it to ride any worse than it does now.

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kmrtnsn

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You change the rear spring geometry it's definately going to tide worse. Why not bring up the front 1.5"?
 
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nathantc

nathantc

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You change the rear spring geometry it's definately going to tide worse. Why not bring up the front 1.5"?
i dont want to mess with the front. also its only a 2wd, that said i would rather lower the rear for MPG reason vs raising the front. truck will see mostly highway driving and personally i like how the fender to tire clearance is on the front. would just like the rear to match
 

Drunken Hamster

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The front looks lower than it should. Either that, or the rear is higher... In any case, if you want it lowered and "level" without having any issues with tire fitment (might have to go one size down on sidewall from a 275/60R20 to 275/55 or any equivalent ~32" overall height tire/wheel combo) then I'd suggest a 2/4 drop.

2/4 drop is a nice change from stock and requires zero fuckery. No C notch, not fitment issues, no camber issues, no clearence issues, makes the truck mostly if not entirely level, looks great, and with proper lowering shocks, or extenders, or whatever, it'll ride great, too.

Only thing you have to do is get the new spring perches welded to the axle at the same angle and side to side location as the stock ones before you do the axle flip. Some have said just having them firmly tacked on is good enough, so all of that is up to you.

I recommend drop spindles in front over drop springs. For reasons of alignment and not having to get aftermarket shocks. The rears should only need extenders, but aftermarket shocks might help if you don't want to do that. In any case, just doing the rear will be wonky and wrong. If you have excess rake (rear higher than front) compared to stock (2.5"-3" or so) then it's probably a worn out suspension issue on the front and fresh stuff will fix it a bit.

If you just wanna bring the rear down a smidge so it doesn't look so downward doggy, then get some drop shackles and live with the slight rake and not so lowness it'll have.

At the end of the day, any given result will be based on time, money, knowledge, and ability. The forum can give you knowledge, the rest is up to you. If you can fab your own stuff and weld by yourself, then it's mostly gonna be time and knowing what to do. If you can't then it's either money and time to earn and pay for it to be done and wait for it to be finished, or time+time+time to learn how to do it, earn money for parts/tools/materials, and then actually do it and have the truck down while you do.

Sorry for the wall of text, I tend to overshare and act like a know it all.
 
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nathantc

nathantc

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The front looks lower than it should.
i've been wondering the same. That said if i get the 2/4 kit and only do the rear the truck would be level. Its an actual 4" taller than the front. Like you said it could be warn parts. truck has 180k on it so maybe. not likely with the lil v6 but maybe.
 

Drunken Hamster

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i've been wondering the same. That said if i get the 2/4 kit and only do the rear the truck would be level. Its an actual 4" taller than the front. Like you said it could be worn parts. truck has 180k on it so maybe. not likely with the lil v6 but maybe.

I'd say get the mcgoughy 2/4 spindle and flip kit, rear shock extenders, and new stock shocks all around. Maybe V8 shocks and/or springs for the front if you're really worried about it. Should be perfect then.
 

usaf2006

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You'd be surprised. After 15 years and 180k miles, you could probably use a new set of springs to rejuvenate the front a bit. Couple that with a 2/4 drop and new shocks all around, you'll be sailing smooth. Aftermarket bump stops may help with reduced travel due to lowering if you carry cargo from time to time.
i've been wondering the same. That said if i get the 2/4 kit and only do the rear the truck would be level. Its an actual 4" taller than the front. Like you said it could be warn parts. truck has 180k on it so maybe. not likely with the lil v6 but maybe.
 
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