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  #1  
Old 05-07-2017, 05:47 PM
mr_naler mr_naler is offline
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Default 2002 4x4 Lowering

So, I have a 2002 4.0 4wd and I have decided that I want a more street friendly ride. As such I would like to lower it a tad, and hopefully add some handle-better parts (sway bars/wheels and tires?). I know I can simply uncrank my t bars and remove the lif blocks. However, I have lowered the front as much as the bolts will allow and I think I would still like another inch or so lower. I heard about using 08+ keys, and backing the bolts out most of the way (possibly removed?), but can't figure out if that does indeed work that way. If it does, can this part be purchased at Advance or something, or must I go to a junkyard?

As for the rear, I still have the blocks in, but I'm rather sure that 2" won't cut it. I was thinking about 2 more inches would suffice, for a total of 4" lower than stock. Here I've read that you can flip the shackles and gain about 2" of drop. However, that seems kinda sketchy. How safe is this?

If I lower it that total of 3"/4" what other things would I need to do? (Shocks, camber adj, etc...)

As far as the rest of the handling improvements, I plan on running 15x8 wheels (3.75" backspacing) with 215/70r15 car tires, and adding sway bars (not sure which ones though). Is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance.
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  #2  
Old 05-08-2017, 09:44 AM
ranger024x4 ranger024x4 is offline
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Default Re: 2002 4x4 Lowering

long long long time ago, I lowered my 2002 4x4 by completely removing the adjustment bolt and removing the rear blocks. You could run the 08+ blocks, should get you another inch up front.

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Old 05-08-2017, 11:05 AM
mr_naler mr_naler is offline
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Default Re: 2002 4x4 Lowering

Quote:
Originally Posted by ranger024x4 View Post
long long long time ago, I lowered my 2002 4x4 by completely removing the adjustment bolt and removing the rear blocks. You could run the 08+ blocks, should get you another inch up front.
Is there any safety issue with removing the bolts?

Where did you get your U bolts for the rear? I've had no luck finding any. I just called a dealership and they quoted me $75. I thought that was surely for a set of 4, but it was $75 each bolt.

P.s. thanks for the pic. I think the couple things will get me good for a little while, but I'm definitely going to look into the '08+ keys. I'm pretty sure 1 more inch in the front and 2 in the back will be perfect.

Last edited by mr_naler; 05-08-2017 at 11:10 AM.
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Old 05-08-2017, 11:11 AM
ranger024x4 ranger024x4 is offline
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Default Re: 2002 4x4 Lowering

I got mine from the dealership years ago. That picture was taking probably 10 years ago or so
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Old 05-08-2017, 01:32 PM
02BLUEdge 02BLUEdge is offline
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Default Re: 2002 4x4 Lowering

Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_naler View Post
Is there any safety issue with removing the bolts?
Should be fine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_naler View Post
Where did you get your U bolts for the rear? I've had no luck finding any. I just called a dealership and they quoted me $75. I thought that was surely for a set of 4, but it was $75 each bolt.
Last sets I bought were from RockAuto. Can't remember what they cost me but certainly less than $75 total.
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  #6  
Old 05-25-2017, 07:09 AM
Atx Atx is offline
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Default 2002 4x4 Lowering

Flipping the shackles is safe brotha . I have a 96 explorer axle with expo leafs and my shackle mounts flipped . Just buy 8 grade 8 bolts, lock washers ,etc to replace the 6-8 rivets you cut out . If I remember one bracket has two bolts already . Can't help with the front since I'm ibeam. My truck sets at like a 4.5 / 6.5-7 just cause of the weight of the swap I feel . Plus tires brotha . Just going from my 16' with a 60 series down to my drift setup that's 15's with 50's up front and 60's out back brings me down 1.5-2 inches without even touching suspension. Just ideas . GL on the drop


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Old 05-25-2017, 09:00 AM
Garfield Garfield is offline
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Default Re: 2002 4x4 Lowering

I can confirm shackle hangar flip is safe.

I just finished putting my suspension back to stock after being lowered 4 months 2" all around. It looked nice but the ride was terrible (I'm 2wd though). If you do drop, get new shorter shocks all around.

Also, that tire size isnt wide enough for a 15x8 rim.
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Old 05-25-2017, 11:59 PM
Atx Atx is offline
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Default 2002 4x4 Lowering

Quote:
Originally Posted by Garfield View Post
I can confirm shackle hangar flip is safe.

I just finished putting my suspension back to stock after being lowered 4 months 2" all around. It looked nice but the ride was terrible (I'm 2wd though). If you do drop, get new shorter shocks all around.

Also, that tire size isnt wide enough for a 15x8 rim.

I know it's not . Also have never had a tire come off the bead either in all my years of stretching tires . I have 205/50 and 205/60 on 15x10's all the way around right now on my rx7

Here's the rangers drift setup with 15x8's


And the rx7 with 15x10's





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Last edited by Atx; 05-26-2017 at 12:02 AM.
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  #9  
Old 05-26-2017, 05:34 AM
mr_naler mr_naler is offline
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Default Re: 2002 4x4 Lowering

Well, I removed the rear blocks(which were really like 2.5") and removed the adjustment bolts for the t bars. It sits much better now, and actually rides better as well. Unfortunately, money is a little stretched thin with trying to build an audio system and lowering the truck, and refinishing wheels. So at least until I get a decent subwoofer, I'll be rolling on these 20s with 275/55r20s. Can't go any lower with those on there.

I know it's a bit unorthodox to run a 205 tire on an 8" wheel, but I used to hang out with a bunch of people that stretched tires much more than that, and I've never seen problems from them doing it. I may actually go a little bigger, having seen how it sits on these wheels and tires at this height, but I would feel 100% safe with them on my wheels if I did go with the smaller ones.

Do you think it'd be close to flush if those rear tires(60 profile) were all the way around on my wheels?
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Old 05-26-2017, 03:18 PM
Atx Atx is offline
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Default 2002 4x4 Lowering

I feel the reason most feel it's unsafe is for the simple fact that most are trying to catch traction going straight down a strip or daily scared drivers that think bigger is better or whatever . Me I go fast sideways . So far up to 40-50 on a good night and track layout . The weight of the 5.0 and chassis feels pretty balance for what it is going around corners . Granted you'll probably never go the extreme with your truck lol


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Last edited by Atx; 05-26-2017 at 03:24 PM.
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