4 x 4 trucks

[chris_kucia]

I have a 2000 Z71. Noticed that most of the 4x4 NBS trucks have the body raised up higher than the 2wd trucks. It appears from a casual observation that this is done in the rear with spring shackles. I assume the front is done by cranking the torsion bars.

 

I bought the 4wd for snow traction, but I really don't need the ground clearance (although I like the high visibility). Don't plan on changing anytime soon, its more of a curiosity.

 

Could a 4x4 be lowered back down to the height of a 2wd, and do any come that way from the factory? Is the body raised off the frame, or is it all done by raising the frame over the top of the suspension?

[willfxp]

The 4x2's NBS I've seen had coilovers in front, not tbars. I guess you could crank down the tbars, but then you'd be changing the drive angles. The same problem we have when we want to level the truck, but the other way.

[az'03Silverado]

The 4x2's do have coil springs with shocks mounted up through them. The butt-end is usually higher to allow for trailer weight or load. The problem with the nose being down on the ground is that there's no additional room for bigger tires unless you get it lifted. Then you have to get new rims too.

[Shawn T]

I have a 2000 Z71.  Noticed that most of the 4x4 NBS trucks have the body raised up higher than the 2wd trucks.  It appears from a casual observation that this is done in the rear with spring shackles.  I assume the front is done by cranking the torsion bars.

 

I bought the 4wd for snow traction, but I really don't need the ground clearance (although I like the high visibility).  Don't plan on changing anytime soon, its more of a curiosity.

 

Could a 4x4 be lowered back down to the height of a 2wd, and do any come that way from the factory?  Is the body raised off the frame, or is it all done by raising the frame over the top of the suspension?

 

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You definately do not want to loosen the torsion on the bars. You will run into all kinds of problems with the front end. Spongy ride, premature tire, ball joint and tie rod end wear. The difference on the rear of the 4wd's are small blocks between the axle and the lower most leaf spring. So the answer to your question, no the body is not "raised" on the 4wd. The blocks on the rear and configuration of the front suspension give it the clearance. You have to remember there is a diff, axle, and half-shaft assemblies up front that need to turn the wheels. They need clearance.

[chris_kucia]

What got me thinking about this was this thread http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=46861 where a guy has a 2 x 4 with torsion bars from the factory.

[asilverblazer]

Seems like it would be possible to lower the T-Bars, asmentioned a spongier ride may come up but with proper alignment I don't think you would hace too much trouble. If we can raise the trucks +/- 1" or 2" then there should be no reason why you couldn't lower it the same amount. If it were me I would remove rear blocks and loosen torsion bars to level the front with the now lower rear.