Saw some more 04s today at the local dealer. Nothing we haven't seen pics of before. There have been post that refer to the rear end on the 4X4 sitting higher than the front which I agree that it does. After looking where the rear springs attach to the rear end I noticed that there is a spacer between the spring that actually raises the body about 2 inches. It appears a simple task to remove the spacer to level or make closer to level. May have to replace the U-bolts with the 4X2 bolts. Don't know if this will correct the hi-*** condition but it would be a step in the right direction. May have to deal with shock travel or suspension stops since the stop is on the spacer. The 4X2 has neither the spacer nor the stop. Both have the rubber stop on the frame. The tail up condition is not a big deal to me but some people are concerned.

 

I hate it. With the crummy tires you get, it looks even worse. Yuck!

 

I noticed it too. Each and every day I find something that I don't like about the 04's. Like the aforementioned crummy tires, and the high *** end, and the huge tailgate for emblem. I just don't think I like it. I think it looks dorky. So I may go with my first choice, a 2004 350Z coupe. Now that's a nice vehicle.

 

These trucks are foremost marketed as vehicles for the blue collar worker. To some, the high back end is a desirable physical feature because it portrays the truck's amazing payload capacity. If you are comparing this truck to say, as someone mentioned the new Z, then perhaps you are not in their primary market.

That's not to say they do not offer (or hopefully soon) aftermarket kits to make the truck look/perform as you wish. And I can guarantee the new Lightning will not have this high back-end/cheap tires problem. That's because it will be marketed to those who find those characteristics to their liking.

Either way, it will still look badass.

 

After thinking it over, the 04's aren't that bad looking. They have their minor flaws, but the pro's greatly outweigh the con's. I mean, I've driven Ford trucks all my life. But for me, there is this urge to buy a sports car. A fast one. But, I think the insurance cost for a new Z will chew me up and spit me out. Meaning I problably can't afford it. But since truck insurance is always cheaper than car ins, I'll problably get a 04 f150 XLT. Choosing is tough.

 

I think that Ford F250's before the year 2000 had four inch spacers that Ford would replace with two inchers. They even did this under warrantee if I'm not mistaken. Some people were unhappy with the tail high looks. I don't mind the looks, but I've only got about 4 inches of room between the top of my bed rails and the bottom of my gooseneck. Not enough. I will probably have to PUT spacers over the axels of the trailer to gain an extra couple of inches Why do they make this so difficult??? We bought this truck in large part to pull my horse trailer. Makes no sense to me! BTY, I love everything else about the truck. It drives like a dream!

 

It sounds like if there is going to be a way to level the trucks, its going to be by lowering the rear. The stance doesn't bother me that much and is probably beneficial when towing, however, if there was a way to LIFT the front end easily to level the stance, I would jump at it.

 

I thought I saw somewhere that there is a company that is currently making two inch spacers for the front end. I think it sits above or below the shock attachment. I'll see if I can find the link. I'd also like to see some billet grille replacements.

 

as i read this thread i could only thing one word: aftermarket! that is another reason i am waiting a bit to buy mine (that and finances, of course). stock trucks are cool, but modified trucks are cooler!

one thing i like and dislike at the same time on the new 04, the exterior rear view mirrors are freakin gigantic! it's like driving with the medicine cabinet hanging out the window. but on the other hand, it sure helps the driver to see well, especially around trailers i think, which is why they are there of course.

 

Look in the sticky at the top of the page the spacers are in there.

 

YES! Thanks pa_wolf62. I was going nuts trying to remember where I saw that!

 

Does anyone know anything about this company that makes the 2 inch spacers? A level truck and 35" tires sound pretty tempting to me!

 

The company is Daystar and their website is www.daystarweb.com. They make a comple line of urethane coil spring spacers. I've had their 2 inch spacers on my Grand Cherokee for over 3 years. THey make a quality product.

 

Peacemaker,
If you drive ford trucks and want to look at a coupe, look at a cobra, even in the used market these cars are very nice and the late model ones are soooo sweet, tons of HP on tap and very easy to coax more out of it for little money. But if the insurance is gonna get you, go with the truck.

 

From what I'm reading, only the 4x4's have the high *** end, is this correct?