I'm upset with ground clearance under the 4x4 front end.No torsion bars to crank!

 

Would cost some money, but there is always the option of a lift kit (when they come out) and much larger tires.

 

We'll find some way to get it over rocks.

 

Looking at the rear shocks on the 04, I came to a question. They are very close the the stock tires. Do you guys think putting bigger tires with the stock rims and no lift will be a problem? Youd probably need to look at one to see what Im talking about.

 

I have not looked at the rear shock mounts but I know they are moved out to help with thew handeling of the truck.

 

I haven't noticed that either, have to check it out next time I go to the dealer. I would imagine if the stock tires are pretty close as is, if you added wider tires it would be a problem. But if you go with aftermarket wheels you could compensate by changing the backspacing, if you do that then depending on the width of the tires and wheels, and state laws you might have to add bigger fender flares.

 

I would imagine if you put aftermarket rims with less backspace would solve the problem, the stock rims are all backspace.

 

I had my first eye-ball look at a couple of XLT supercabs; and yes the shocks mount between the tire and the springs, on the outer edge of the frame. I had the same thought; it's close, and upgraded tires could get closer. Furthermore, if a tire were to shred itself at speed, the shock would be the first item taking the thrashing. The 4x4s are going to be putting a lot of mud on the lower strut of the shock, so I hope there's a seal up there to prevent the mud from working its way up the shaft.
Very interesting!!!!

 

I got a good look at the 4x4 version. Its ground clearance is very poor compared to my FX4. The halfshafts are straight. The back shocks are outside the leaf springs and they way they are joined to the rear axle doesnt look very heavy duty. Also noticed lack of torsion bars.

 

I checked the clearence between the rear tires and the shock and it is the width of a hand and that is about it. So if you go to a bigger tire then you will need new rims.

On the torsion bar issue, Ford went to a setup that can be made 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. This saves in manufacturing costs. Why build two different front ends when you can just change the spindles and put a differential in the front. A lot less in manufacturing costs. Plus you will be able to get parts a lot easier because only a few parts will be 4X4 specific.

And if you are worried about shredding a tire and losing the shock, that is cheap compared to the bed damage that can occur. My dad's buddy had meats on his 4X4 and it blew out a rear tire at 70MPH. It shredded the side of the bed. It was actually cheaper to replace the bed than to repair it. So a shock is just another piece of metal that will keep get damaged.

Brian