I've been thinking I would like to lower my '13 FX4 2" in front, and 3" in the rear. The rear is pretty straight forward- pull the spacers and longer shackles+ pinion angle. the front however, is a whole 'nuther ballgame. The "lowering kits" on the market are nothing more than short shocks/springs. These do not address CV angles or suspension geometry changes. Does anyone have any suggestions? What I need are good old fashioned lowering spindles- but I cannot find anything or anyone who knows anything and they all look at me like I'm the Antichrist for bringing up the subject. Ideas? I want to put a camper shell on my truck, but when I do, it will no longer fit in the garage.

 

Check-with go-on3 ... according to his mod's ...

 

Since you're 4x4 you can simply use factory 2wd struts to achieve your desired 2" drop. It will still align just fine, and will actually make the CV axles much straighter compared to the slight down hill factory setup.

 

I lowered a local DFW truck with 2wd struts, block removal and shackles and it was about 2/3 drop. Trying to remember his screen name....

https://www.f150online.com/forums/st...screw-4x4.html

 

That sounds like exactly what I've been looking for! Thanks a bunch Patman! Now, other than the local bone yards, any suggestions where to find them?

 

I bought his from Ford, I think they were like 120 each, not too bad.

Or find a local guy with a 2wd wanting a level up front and swap struts with him

 

Patman should change his name to E.F. Hutton cause when he speaks, people listen. Seriously tho, I lowered my 07 FX4 at one time with Belltech lowering shocks and it did the job, but about a year later they were junk. The lower rubber bushings blew out and I had to put the stockers back in. In the end it would have been cheaper to use 2wd front shocks and they would have lasted a lot longer than the belltech's did.

In the end you will need some 2wd u-bolts for the rear when you pull the rear blocks, a set of drop shackles, and a pair of 2wd front shocks. An option would be some 2wd rear shocks, on my 07 sometimes on larger bumps my rear shocks would bottom out, as I still had the longer 4wd shocks.

 

I thank all of you who have responded so far! Here is what I have: 1) swap out front knuckles/spindles for 2wd versions. 2) Pull out rear spacers and install 2wd u-bolts. 3) Swap out all four shocks for 2wd(shorter) versions. Does that sound about right? At that point I will install front and rear Hellwig sway bars, and maybe some more street-friendly tires, as the Scorpions leave a little to be desired.

 

You want the 2wd struts only I believe. Not the knuckles and spindles. Unless you are removing the front axles....

 

Exactly

 

Oops, My bad- I went back and re-read Patman's post You're correct! 2wd struts it is!

 

Don't forget the drop shackles to get the rear down to where the front is. Parts you will need,

1. 2wd front shocks
2. 2wd rear shocks
3. 2wd u-bolts
4. drop shackles

 

Concurred

 

So I went online and looked around- can you guys tell me the difference between the Belltech 977sp and the 978sp? there seems to be about twenty bucks difference with no explanation given. Secondly, how is Belltech quality? I'm pretty particular when it comes to that sort of thing- I used to buy penske racing shocks instead of the compitition because the were much better made even though either brand was overkill for the application!

 

Nice, If possible I'd like some more info on your drop.