Tredeh

So I've been thinking of lowering my truck for a while now, probably a 2/3 drop. I'm just wanting some input and have a few questions. Below are some pictures of my rig.

Truck sees little off road (Pretty much just a trip to the city dump every couple of months)
Occasionally haul stuff (Usually sub 600 pounds)
I'm wanting to buy a trailer (probably 4x8)

My questions for this are:
1. What would be a good tire size for this drop (I'm thinking 235/75r16)
2. What would be a good tire for street use but adequate for light off roading
3. How would a 2/3 drop inhibit my ability to haul/tow? Would it be negligible?
4. Could I fit my current 265/75r16s under a 2/3 drop or should I wait until its time for new tires and stick with 2 inch drop shackles for now?

I'm also thinking the smaller tires would really help the truck with low end grunt. So that might be helpful with any towing. The 32s made the truck gutless (Had 255/70s when I got it and the 4.2 didnt feel bad at all, I instantly regretted the 32s because of the power loss).

Also, anyone with a 2/3 or a 3/4 drop (preferable swb) POST SOME PICTURES FOR ME!!

I also HATE the current wheels. Prefer something spoked (I like lightning wheels, or something like this http://goo.gl/hnRVLl)

My goal for this build is to basically make this truck the most comfortable truck possible (And right now it rides like a shopping cart). So I plan on an expedition seat swap, carpet w/ sound deadening, new shocks etc. So any advice on that is greatly appreciated as well.

I also like driving windy backroads a little too fast so the improved handling is a plus

OTG02

I can't really answer any of your questions I'm the raise it kinda guy haha so I know nothing of lowering. Just wanted to say sharp looking truck you got. I've always been a sucker for a black truck LOLOL. Everyone has their reasons to lower or raise. With all you have asked about doin i think it will look good when done.

ScrewThat

I'm not real positive on this but from what I've heard lowering a truck will make it ride like crap unless you spend a good bit of money and do it right. Why not just buy a mustang of the same era and have fun on the back roads with that?

me1234

Have you thought of just leveling it? Most people here level their trucks by lifting the front, but you can also lower the rear to make the truck's front and rear height equal. If you want to know how it will look with the rear lowered, plop 6 50lb. sandbags in the bed so the rear will go down. Either way, I'd level it out when you lower it or it may look odd.

Here's what my 2wd scab looks like "leveled" with sand in the bed. This is nowhere near a 2/3 drop though. The third pic is how most people on here level their trucks(i.e. lifting the front). That's a random pic on google so he may have a lift too others could probably chime in on that.

Troponin

If you lower, go with a good suspension set up. The cheap route will result in a horrible ride that you will most likely regret in a month or two. You could potentially bust something up trying to do any off roading at all too

Leveling is an option too.

ScrewThat

I'm pretty close to level personally with a 2" drop in the rear via shackles. It got rid of the rake and made the tires fill the wheel well a little more which I thought was more visually pleasing than stock.

Jbrew

To each there own, but I think they look horrible lowered (crippled /broken), ride like **** and are less versatile. Can't even stradle the Sunday paper without bottoming out. It looks good the way it is now, just fix it.

Tredeh

Thanks man! The past two trucks I've had have actually been lifted. I just really want to try something new.


It honestly cant ride much worse than it does now. I was with my father a few days ago and we rode in his truck- a 98 single cab 2wd XLT and it felt like a lexus compared to my truck.
I'm not sure what causes my ride to be so harsh. Maybe shocks? I have larger all terrain tires on mine. Can't remember how it rode with I got them.
I've thought about getting a mustang but really don't have the time or space for it. I wouldn't mind one though.

Yep I have. Especially with my 32s. I'm not sure if a 2/3 drop could work with my tires so 2 inch drop shackles have been a consideration.

Yea leveling has been on the back of my mind. If I cant drop with my 32s I'll leveling it in the meantime.
And like I said, I don't off road or trial ride. Closest to it is the city dump, which could be done by my stock 2wd ford ranger so I think I would be fine.

Yeah the leveling looks great.

Each to his own. I feel the same way about slammed trucks. I've had lifted vehicles before, and for me a lowered truck is starting to feel more suited to me. a 2/3 drop really doesnt affect the ability to haul/tow, it can still drive on dirt roads/fields, easier to get in and out of, easier to work on etc.
Something like pic related would be PERFECT

Jbrew

Have you tried the google image search thing ? Any luck?

I don't see to many lowered around here.

BlakeA

My little brother has a 94 GMC single cab short bed that was lowered before he got it. I think they just pulled a leaf out of the spring pack. Anyways it actually rides great for a lowered truck. Better than my leveled/lifted F150. I'd keep the front stock and just drop the rear.