Handicapable Suspension

[JimSabellico]

Hey all,  looking to see if anyone can help me out here -

 

I've found myself in a position where I need to customize a truck to make it 'handicapable' - essentially what I'm looking to do is replicate a 'kneeling bus', that lowers down to make it simple to get in and out for someone who has difficulty lifting their legs to be able to get in and out comfortably.  I know there's a bunch of people who have put in air suspensions and bagged their trucks to sit fully on the ground, so I'm hoping someone with some experience here will be able to point me in the right direction....

 

What I'm trying to figure out is the simplest path to go here, and if there's an option where we can do something like a bolt in 4 link or a simple pre-fabricated kit we can use.  I know I've seen them for the older models but haven't really found anything for new ones.  I don't really want to go through notching the frame and bed in the rear as we're not planning on riding that low, just need to lower the truck enough to make it simple to slide into the drivers seat and then raise it back up to drive.  We haven't purchased a truck yet, so if anyone here has any knowledge of a kit we can look into to speed the process along it would be greatly appreciated - I'm open to any of the full size trucks, at this point whatever is the best starting point.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Mike GMC]

I haven't seen any kits, but I would think this would be much easier to do with a 2wd truck.  The drivetrain in the front of a 4x4 will limit how low you can go.

[Donstar]

Interesting issue.  I have looked into dealing with wheelchair bound passengers/drivers and I've been known to have the odd ride in a chair. I personally would choose a van with a lift over a pickup as it is much easier in dealing with your chair if you are by yourself, imo.  Have you considered seat lifts rather than altering your suspension such as:  

 

[aseibel]

There's a local dealer that sells handicapable vehicles, mostly vans. But I was clicking around on their website and found this. I don't see any lowering suspensions, but has the seats that fit our trucks, like Donstar mentioned. 

 

All Terrain Conversions

https://www.atconversions.com/

 

[JimSabellico]

thanks all, i guess i should clarify the driver doesnt have a wheel chair, but walks with a walker, and also, so much as I'd love to just use the chair, we can't consider it for weight limit restrictions.

[wforrest08]

What’s the truck going to get used for? A static drop ( static means no moving parts) is going to be ALOT cheaper than anything with bags if it works for your situation. I can’t imagine your really going to want something that lays the frame on the ground unless the person is really short. Like Mike said 2wd is the way to go 4wd can be done but it’s pricey.

 

This thread is probably your starting point. It’s a long one I’d start at the rear and work towards the front. 

 

In all honesty IMO your best bet would be to find a car or suv with the seat height that’s easy to slide in and out of for the person then go talk to a local custom/accessories shop in your area about options to achieve it on trucks your considering. Make sure when the time comes the shop you choose to do the work knows what they are doing!