Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

Thanks Guys But Mind Ya Our Boat Will Stay Most Of The Time In Our Back Yard On The Dock. It Will Only Be Towed When We Go To Races And Stuff. Thanks In Advance

Donz Jr Mike

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

Actually, you can lower a 4WD if done correctly. Rear axle is exact same lowering with flip kits/blocks as a 2WD. You may have to shorten the drive shaft.

The front is the most difficult. You will need new drop spindles, and if torsion suspension (GM), you will need new torsion keys, and a professional to re-align your front transfer case, and possibly shorten your front drive shaft from the transfer case.

Why would you do it? Well if you want the additional capability of handling snow driving and/or slippery ramps, but still want a slammed ride, yes, it is feasable. Look at all the lifted trucks in shows now. Probably 1/3 of them are 2WD 'desert runners' just built for show, no go.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

just get one of these add some graphic and you will be fine

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

All depends on the ramp. I used a slammed 2wd Dulley for several years. I loaded 6 bags of concrete mix at 80lbs each right in the back of the bed when I was going to certain ramps. Usually worked ok. I use 4x4 now and the idea of lowering it is still a possibility.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

To run the 24.5's you will have to add a small lift to the truck for the tire diameter is too tall. Most trucks that are slammed are running 24.5's cut down to a 24. there are a couple of places that do that then you are running adapters. The newest solution is to run a 19" or a 19.5" rim APP used to make a few 22" rims but 10"wide so the rear end would need to be narrowedto fit in fenderwells. the 19's or 19.5's are direct bolt on no adapters needed and can get a 19.5 in a 32"tall tire up to taller if liked with a heavy load rating. some examples are at www.brentzwheels.com, also have load ratings on the rims there as well, and for the single rear wheel guys he is cutting for them as well in 19, and 19.5's.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

now to lower the dually yep lowering keys in front, could do a shackle and hanger kit in back then alingment, this would get a couple inches down in front and the anywhere from 2-4 depending which way you ran it.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

thanks yall but dropping a 4x4 i know could be done cause anything is possible but i'm not willing to spend that kinda of money that when it's time to resell ya won't get anything for it. if i was to stay with the truck as a show truck and all that then i would but i'm passed that stage of going to show's. i normally change every year my truck/ cars

donz jr mike

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

That looks like an 05. How did you get the white front end when I bought mine they told me I couldn't get the white out front.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

Yes to 4x4, I rather get off the ramp by my self then have to have someone pull me off.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

its a xlt sport which gives you the monochromatic exterior and also black leather on the in side I am getting 16 1/2 to the gallon with the 6.0 how is your mileage?

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

Unless they changed it for 05 you should have been able to get matching bumpers & grill with the sport package as well as the black leather seats and carbon panels on the interior, unless your dealer had the one you bought sitting there on the lot :eek:

Klaw, i get around 16mpg from mine also, i don't know what ford's problem is but our salesman's dodge gets around 21 :rolleyes:

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

I didn't get the XLT I got the lariat so maybee thats it. I'm getting around 16 also, but I'm thinking it will get better once its broke in some. I've only had it a few weeks. I drove a frind of mine Dodge back from Florida last year and I got around 24. However he had a banks kit on it.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

banks kit what is that. is that some thing i hear that gives ya like 16 differnt gears?

donz jr mike

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

Gale Banks performance kit. Upgraded computer, intake and exhaust. More power, better milage. The big problem he has is he has gone through 3 tranys in 60,000 miles. The truck also has big tires and thats probably not helping.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

Four wheel drive is like a pistol. You don't really need it until you need it badly.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

4LO will ease you out of the ramp like you were empty, it is easy on the gear and you have better control. You can just idle out. When backing in put it in nuetral, it will stop the pull from the rear wheels and save break effort and lurching. 4x4 is a must for that weight, without 4lo you would just stress the heck out of the tranny. Gear reduction man, thats what pulls :D

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

4x4 :D

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

what he said. It's the only way to go... ask BG1 :D:D:D

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

I have a 3500 dually 4 x 2 454 moter and never have any problem pulling my 42 Sonic out. I agree with backing down must be very carefull because it can slide if you go to fast, but I guess I have been lucky since I have never had an issue pulling out and differnt ramps..

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

If you are in Key West, go to the ramp in the dry pits after a race. Nothing is better than watching the trucks without 4 wheeldrive have to use the boat to push them up the ramp when it gets really wet.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

I have a curiosity question. For the people who trouble (or not having trouble) getting up the ramp with 2WD, did you have a locking or limited slip differential/axle? Also did you have dualies?

The reason I ask is without limited slip, you really have 1WD. I've always had a limited slip differential, no dualies, and have had good results. However, the boats I hauled out were not as big as the ones mentioned here.

Michael

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

I pull my 357 Formula out every other weekend with my F250 4x4 but have never had to put it in 4 wheel drive to get it out. I'm sure it would be nice to have and you may need it on a slippery ramp. But, I've never had a problem in 2 wheel drive and my boat with trailer is about 11,000 lbs.

Re: 4x4 Is It Needed
 

There's your answer. Its all about conditions and where you are, I have 4x4 dually and at some times have watched 2x's have problems. If you can handle it do it.