2x4 compared to 4x4 suspension

[Trupiano]

Anyone know if there's any major differences, besides the obvious 4x4 transfer case and front axle?

I'm starting to look into my air suspension, and the kits are built for a 2x4, but I'm not sure if there's really any difference at all between the 2x4 and 4x4 suspensions. I want to know the exact differences, down to the millimeter!

I'm looking for pics as well as measurements of a 2x4 suspension.

I'll post pics and measurements of mine when I get home.

 

[Trupiano]

 

[S2kiHemi]

The rear looks the exact same as my 09 2wd.

 

[0212353]

Well, a 2x4 looks like this:

 

[Trupiano]

Haha you ass!

Thanks S2k, what about the front? Any differences you can notice? Pictures would be awesome, if you could manage.

Tapatalk'in

 

[S2kiHemi]

Best I can do while its in the garage.

 

[OutlawTrucker]

4x4 have struts up front. 4x2 do not.

 

[Trupiano]

Those shouldn't be a problem, because they're basically the same size as the 4x4's, and the front bag system is a bag/shock type setup. Just need to make sure they're nothing around it that will be in the way on the 4x4 setup, compared to how it fits into the 2x4.

 

[reefguy89]

i think the spindal are differant due to the 4x4 have cv's. which the bags might get in the way of the cv's.

 

[2K10HemiRam]

The front ends look too different to me for a 2x4 air bag kit to be compatible with a 4x4. The shock look shorter, there's the half shaft in the way, and yea I don't know. Doesn't look like it would work to me. Only way to find out would be to call the company.

 

[reefguy89]

The front ends look too different to me for a 2x4 air bag kit to be compatible with a 4x4. The shock look shorter, there's the half shaft in the way, and yea I don't know. Doesn't look like it would work to me. Only way to find out would be to call the company.

x'2 also just notice lca appear to be differant also.

 

[Trupiano]

Yeah i was noticing that too. Going to take some measurements for Ridetech, as I'm trying to work with them right now. Thing you have to know, is that the front air bag will be a bit different then what your thinking. It's a shock/airbag combo, that somewhat mimics the look of the front coils. It's fully adjustable in the air and shock aspect.

 

[2K10HemiRam]

Taking a short look at the instructions and that picture of the shocks you posted, I don't think that kit will be compatible with a 4x4 because the shock mounts are different between the two trucks. It looks like 2x4 trucks have a single attach point for the shocks on the top and lower mount while 4x4's use 3 bolt/nut setup at the top mount and split into 2 arms that hug the middle arm in the lower control arm at the bottom.

Still say the best way to figure it out is to call ridetech.

 

[Trupiano]

Yeah I've been looking at those too seeing if there's a way. I've been talking with them about trying something out for us 4x4 guys. A different front shockwave spring setup is all it would need, with a different lower connecting piece, and the air bag 6-7 inches above the bottom bracket to clear the axle shafts.

 

[Trupiano]

An airspring/shock like this would work perfectly. Would just need a different mount for the lower control arm, but it would 100% clear the axle shafts. This ones from an 08 2wd f150.

 

[WhiteExpress]

The LCAs, Struts and spindles are different 2 vs 4.

Unless you wanted to loose the 4wd, you can't bag it with conventional means.
There are a lot of bagged AWD Tahoes out there. They just mount the bag on top of the UCA. It's kind of funky, not sure it'd be ideal for a DD either.

 

[Trupiano]

Nah, I wont go that route, doesn't seem safe, or effective enough for what I want. I can understand your skepticism, but this truck will be bagged, and it will maintain it's 4wd, lower control arms, and hauling/towing capabilities. I'm not talking about laying frame, but at least a 3/5-4/6 drop, with a very nice ride.

 

[WhiteExpress]

With the proper application of money, anything can be accomplished.

 

[Trupiano]

They say they've never really tackled a 4x4 setup before, especially one that maintains the 4x4 front drive ability, but they're interested. SWEET!

 

[2K10HemiRam]

Could always wait until the 2013's come out and see what they put out for the airbag suspension.