4x4 vs RWD Leveling Question
01-04-2014, 01:36 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
4x4 vs RWD Leveling Question
As far as I understand, the difference in height (in stock form) between a 4x4 and a RWD 09-14 F150 comes from a bigger strut assembly in the front (1.5") and rear block (1.25") out back on the 4x4.
With that in mind, it would seem to me that if both trucks were to have the same size level kit (lets say a 2") installed, the 4x4s suspension geometry would be more affected and prone to premature wear and tear than the suspension on the RWD because of that extra 1.5" from the bigger strut in the 4x4.
It would seem to me that a 2" level on an fx4 would produce the same type of "stress" on the suspension as a 3" level on a fx2.
Correct?
With that in mind, it would seem to me that if both trucks were to have the same size level kit (lets say a 2") installed, the 4x4s suspension geometry would be more affected and prone to premature wear and tear than the suspension on the RWD because of that extra 1.5" from the bigger strut in the 4x4.
It would seem to me that a 2" level on an fx4 would produce the same type of "stress" on the suspension as a 3" level on a fx2.
Correct?
01-05-2014, 02:24 PM
#5
Yes, the strut on 4x4's are longer, but the upper and lower control arms have different mounting points between 4WD and 2WD trucks. 2WD and 4WD trucks have different frames. When stock, both trucks have VERY similar control arm and tie rod angles. I believe people tend to lift 4WD trucks less is because CV joints don't like to articulate as far as the other suspension components.
01-05-2014, 02:43 PM
#6
Senior Member
Yes, the strut on 4x4's are longer, but the upper and lower control arms have different mounting points between 4WD and 2WD trucks. 2WD and 4WD trucks have different frames. When stock, both trucks have VERY similar control arm and tie rod angles. I believe people tend to lift 4WD trucks less is because CV joints don't like to articulate as far as the other suspension components.
01-05-2014, 04:09 PM
#7
Swapping a 4WD coil over onto a 2WD will lift the truck. Pretty sure that's the intention when a 2WD had raptor suspension installed.
Please, explain how you can have the same control arm angles on both 4WD and 2WD trucks with different length coil overs and have the same frame mounting points?
Please, explain how you can have the same control arm angles on both 4WD and 2WD trucks with different length coil overs and have the same frame mounting points?
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01-05-2014, 04:42 PM
#8
Senior Member
Swapping a 4WD coil over onto a 2WD will lift the truck. Pretty sure that's the intention when a 2WD had raptor suspension installed. Please, explain how you can have the same control arm angles on both 4WD and 2WD trucks with different length coil overs and have the same frame mounting points?
The frames are the same, the mounting points are the same. It's an economy of scale thing, the more stuff that can be reused the cheaper it is to make the trucks.
Regardless, the fact that Raptor upper and lower control arms have been installed on a 2WD F150 of the same year group... mounting points are the same.
01-05-2014, 05:03 PM
#9
I'm just guessing but maybe the coil length is taller on a 4x4 so it can appear to sit as high as a 2WD? The 4WD has quite a bit more weight in the front with the transfer case and other components for the 4WD.
01-05-2014, 05:24 PM
#10
Senior Member
I still don't think a 3" leveling kit is a good idea on a 4x2 or a 4x4.
