i read the stock 2wd struts can be used on a 4x4 to lower the front, is this true?
is it the strut spring mount thats different or the spring its,self? anyone try it before?
oh i am refering to a 2016

 

also i see the 1.5" rear shackle kits say no shim required, what if that is combined with removing the rear block? that would be 3.5" so is a shim needed?

 

2wd strut perch is 1-1/4 higher which nets approx 1" drop.

 

Are the 4x4 springs reusable with the 2wd strut ?, i'm looking for 1-1 1/2 in drop in the front.
(2016 Lariat 4x4).
Thanks.........

 

I would reuse the springs as they are matched to the engine and payload you have. I actually researched getting 2wd struts, but instead decided to cut one full coil, shorten bump stops one nub and reinstall on 4x4 struts. This netted me 2" drop and left my front axle perfectly level.

I can honestly say I don't feel any difference. I couldn't justify turfing brand new struts on my truck without trying them first. If it failed I was in for a full kit, but haven't looked back....until now.

I got a deal on some 22s and I am not sure 2" is gonna be low enough to look right, so I might try the 2wd strut after my new wheels get installed.

 

I was debating cutting the coil also but couldn't find anyone that could advise me as to whether that was feasible or not, also am looking at replacing strut with a Bilstein one to match the rear shocks I have replaced. If I was to do that would it be better to go to 2wd strut instead of cutting the coils??. I have removed the rear lift blocks and am looking for a "subtle" front drop.
Thanks for the help!!.

 

Thats a tough call. The 4wd strut and 2wd are the same except for perch height. I would say going with the 2wd would retain more factory ride quality.

Cutting springs increases spring rate which ultimately will create choppiness if taken to the extreme.

If you are going as far as replacing the strut I would go with the 2wd version which will net about 1" drop and the rear blocks are 1-1/4" so you would have about 1/4 rake, almost level.

Problem is when you are done all that you are gonna want to go lower. Ppl always lower, then lower somemore, then a little bit more. Ultimately you need to know what your end game is to save yourself time and money.

 

So I guess your saying the springs are the same between 2 or 4wd, and the only difference is the perch height on the strut?. Do you know that for a fact??. I am kind of old school, have never had much to do with struts, on my 65 mustang I just cut 1 coil out of the coil spring to lower the front end!!.

Thanks for the info!!...

 

I don't know for fact. I used the Motorcraft website to determine how many types of springs and shocks were available. If my memory serves me correct there are 3. Base, HD payload, and FX4.

 

the front of the 4x4 is already an 1 1/2" lower. just removing the rear block leaves a 1/4 to 1/2 rake. swapping front struts and removing blocks will still keep a good rake. if you want level do front struts, rear block, and lowering shackles