Pickup trucks - lifted or lowered?

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

I an a tall guy, and most new full size trucks have a bed that comes up to my chest or higher.
I would be perfectly happy if my current GMC was a little lower. I don't know why they raised it compared to my old 08, which was taller than my 02. Most people don't need it higher, it seems like a macho thing.

I get that it is cool, but the truck would handle better if it was lower, and still do all of the stuff most people will ever do with a 4WD truck. I see a lot of trucks these days that don't do a lot of work. You would need a step ladder to load them.

That's where I am with it. My '03 Tundra 4x4 was lower than my '16 by about 3 inches. I never had a problem with it bottoming out. Lifting a truck just for the looks is just a fad, but the factories have bought into it and now they sell them out the door too high for most serious users. It would be nice if jacked up suspension was an option instead of built-in.

[craigster59]

Got the new Bilstein's installed and boy is it an improvement! Picked up the truck and noticed they had installed the rears upside down with the boot on top. The boot has "weep holes" so water and condensation can drain out.

When I called him on it the installer said that most people prefer the boots on top for appearance. I told him "Yeah, and some people like to wear their baseball caps backwards but I'm not one of those guys". I was going to flip them myself (20 min job) but figured I already paid him so I let him do it.

Anyway, here's before and after pics, although I didn't take a good side shot for the before but you get the drift...

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

I an a tall guy, and most new full size trucks have a bed that comes up to my chest or higher.
I would be perfectly happy if my current GMC was a little lower. I don't know why they raised it compared to my old 08, which was taller than my 02. Most people don't need it higher, it seems like a macho thing.

I get that it is cool, but the truck would handle better if it was lower, and still do all of the stuff most people will ever do with a 4WD truck. I see a lot of trucks these days that don't do a lot of work. You would need a step ladder to load them.

Years ago a 15" rim was standard. You have to raise the truck to fit the larger wheels under there now.

You would think on a 2wd truck they would want it lower to reduce drag.

[slow&rusty]

I loved my lowered Datsun 720, It was fast, handled great and looked sweet.

[jmaxwell]

Here is my lowered truck. On Airbags, ride height is 4" higher. Useless as a truck, but fun to drive on smooth roads.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by jmaxwell

Here is my lowered truck. On Airbags, ride height is 4" higher. Useless as a truck, but fun to drive on smooth roads.

Nice looking vehicle, but as you said, useless as a truck. That is OK, it is what you wanted. Regular trucks are everywhere.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Lifted trucks are great if you actually, really do go off road often, or have to wade through a low water bridge or live in an area with deep snow. For just driving around town, it is just simply stupid. Same with a lowered truck, it makes it useless for doing what a pickup is designed to do, haul stuff.

I see plenty of lifted trucks around here. With super noisy mud and snow tires, and a ride like, well a dump truck.

I have noticed a few "slammed" pickups and they just look simply insane.

Just the opinion of one grumpy old man yelling at clouds. Stay off my lawn.

+1 - even the leveling I don't get. What if you put a good size load in the bed? A truck is a utility vehicle - last thing I'd buy if I was worried about "looks". I don't worry about how my chain saw looks either.

G

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by aigel

+1 - even the leveling I don't get. What if you put a good size load in the bed? A truck is a utility vehicle - last thing I'd buy if I was worried about "looks". I don't worry about how my chain saw looks either.

G

I agree on the truck. But I do like the tangerine and white color motif on a Stihl. Red is so unimaginative.

[pavulon]

Seeing more and more of this RC-look weirdness around...

[legion]

From the Random Transportation Pictures thread...

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe