A while back I posted a request to determine the best way to cut major height from a 4x4.
I am about a month from moving to Honolulu HI where most parking garages are about 6'6" and lower (including my work). Currently the truck is just under 7' at stock height and 325-70 R17 tires.

couple of questions:
1. Anyone lower the front of a 4x4 Ram?
2. What are the smallest tires I can fit without dragging the diff
3. anyone attempt this? have photos?



I obviously want to keep the truck and buying a 3rd vehicle is out of the question (my wife won't drive my truck either... no swapping).
Here's what I am thinking (keep in mind that I want to do this on a budget and I plan to return the vehicle to original height in about 5 years without breaking the bank):
1. a set of 275-55 R17 tires over the H2 Rims will lower the vehicle 3" (tire diameter reduced from 35" to 29"). OR a set of 285 40 R17 will lower it 5" (tire diameter reduced from 35" to 26") - is this overkill?
2. Cut 2" from the front springs.
3. remove the rear block and remove 1 leaf.

This will get me 5" to 7" lower, and close to 6'-6"

Let me know your thoughts...

 

You can get drop shackles and drop the rear around 2.5-3 inches along with super small tires

 

get 2wd front coils and remove rear blocks. then get smaller tires. done

 

You could always just do it the old school way ....chop the top

If you do get the truck low enough to fit , you have got to post some pics. of it....

 

...chop the top, now that's an idea I didn't think about. I am obviously not going to do it..

It's going to be beyond what I am used to doing to a truck. It's a tough call, low enough to fit, yet large enough tires that it doesn't look completely ridiculous.

I love the idea about the 2wd springs. I might be able to find them at a salvage yard for a much better price than chopping the stock springs and replacing them later... good idea.

Was just thinking about how much I love how it rides with the 315's and the high-speed RPM's are where I want them....

I've seen several 2wd Cummins lowered, but never a 4x4. I'll attach photos when it's done (if it doesn't look completely ridiculous.

 

if you just worried about getting it under cover, spend $600 and get one of those metal carports..

At this rate, your not going to be able to use you 4x4 truck for much of anything...with those small tires, your differs are gonna drag on speed bumps..LOL

good luck buddy...can't wait to see the pics.

 

Will you need a shorter front drive shaft too?

 

My garage isn't the issue, it's 7'-0" tall. It's the garages all around the city where I will be working. Parking garages everywhere... Surface parking is very rare just because it is a small island with lots of people. Good news-there aren't many speed bumps - too much traffic to go fast.

 

I don't believe I will need to do the driveshafts because I won't be lowering it below the suspension bump-stops (it should still be operating within the normal range of motion).

 

Ahh..I C..well good luck with your project, should be interesting, can't wait to see the pics.

 

but seriously the 2wd springs and shocks with no blocks on the rear will drop it about 6 in

 

how are you at 7' stock? I have a 6" lift with 35's and i'm right at 7'. I think your fine now. just go back to a stock size tire and you should be golden!

 

I wish I lived in Hawaii and had such problems.......



Seriously, I would like to do the same with mine. It never goes off road except in the snow or to hook up my trailer that I keep parked in my yard. I like the looks of a 2WD truck much better but I couldn't bring myself to buy one...

 

I have a stock 3500 and I have no problem getting in my garage at work. it is 6'8". I also have a 2500 that had a leveling kit and 33" BFGs on it for a couple of years, I fit in the garage with an inch of clearence. I would not cut anything until you get there and try it out. There are plenty of trucks on the islands that fit in the garages..... drive up to the test bar and see, it will seem close but I bet you will fit..... I seriously doubt you are actually at 7"

 

I now have a 4" suspension lift and 35" tires on my 05 and it is only about 6'10"......