Dropped trucks (also known as lowered or slammed) are pickups that have had their ride height lowered through modifications. These are often done for aesthetic reasons or to improve handling. They have been a prevalent trend in the automobile industry for many years.
These lowered trucks have a unique and fashionable appearance that distinguishes them from other trucks. In this article, we’ll explore the world of dropped trucks, discovering what makes them special and why they’ve grown in popularity.
10 Ways to Drop a Truck
1. Drop Spindles
A pair of drop spindles can keep your ride smooth, but high-quality ones cost twice as much. The investment would be worth the cost as cheap ones are notorious for fast degradation. These pieces elevate the front wheel mounting position while keeping factory suspension geometry. The drop is usually only 2 inches, but installation is easier than spring switching.
2. Lowering Springs
Many aftermarket businesses make functional shorter springs. Swapping coils is an inexpensive way to drop a truck. However, ride quality and suspension travel will suffer.
3. Torsion Bars
Many heavier trucks have this suspension to accommodate more weight. These systems are easy to change but have a drop restriction. When you release the torsion key hardware on these trucks, your ride drops rapidly. Aftermarket torsion keys for select models allow you to modify your suspension while being more compact for road clearance.
4. Leaf Springs and Shackles
This is a cheap solution to lower most of the trucks’ rears. Lowering leaf springs and shackles saves inches. Simply replacing old gear with new parts makes installation easy. Experts can complete this replacement in just an hour with a few tools.
5. Air Springs
Air springs or airbags can be retrofitted just about anywhere, front or rear. An onboard compress inflates them to drive the truck to the desired height. They provide the widest drop ranges, from moderate to extreme. Extreme drops should not be attempted at home; make sure to consult a professional.
Setting a normal ride height for driving and the vehicle’s alignment for that height is the most important aspect to consider. This will save your vehicle from excessive tire and suspension component wear.
Depending on how low you want to go, air springs can be set into custom-built A-arms in the front to lay the frame on the ground. Likewise, for the rear, a custom rear air-spring frame that protrudes through the bed can be built to lay the rear suspension and frame on the ground. Because of all this, you’ll have a great-looking custom truck, but you’ll lose any or all of its cargo-carrying capabilities. This should be done only if you’re contemplating creating a show-winning vehicle.
6. Rear Flip Kits
Flip kits are a cheap and easy option to drop your truck dramatically. You may flip factory-mounted rear axles under leaf springs using these brackets. A 6-inch drop is achieved by putting a rear axle on the leaf springs while retaining the factory ride.
7. Coil-overs
If you want it all, a coil-over conversion might just be what you are looking for. Once erroneously believed to be exclusive to race cars, these systems have now proven their worth by offering a big drop as well as great handling for lowered trucks.
8. Suspension Arms
Some automobile specialists offer these components as an alternative. To lower a truck further, use springs and specialized suspension arms. If you have a moderate budget, this is a good option. Bear in mind, though, that changing geometry will affect truck handling. This is the only option for some trucks to lower the front suspension without chassis modifications.
9. Hydraulics
Hydraulic systems, favored by low riders, are similar to air springs but employ hydraulic fluid to fill solid cylinders that replace a vehicle’s coil springs, shocks, and leaf springs. This system depends on a complex set-up of switches, solenoids, hydraulic lines, a tank, and a hydraulic pump to function properly. Due to the cutting and welding complexity, you should look for a professional specializing in its installation. If hydraulics are used, there will be no room for goods or towing.
10. Full Chassis Replacement
Changing the chassis is necessary for maximum vehicle performance. Factory frames are built economically to meet the needs of regular vehicle owners. A stiffer, more powerful frame is needed to go above and beyond.
Latest Trends in Dropped Trucks
1. Retro Style
A classic trend that never goes out of fashion is to restore trucks with a retro vibe. Chevrolet C10, Ford F100, and Dodge D100 are three of the most common examples of vehicles of this type. These trucks have a classic look and charm, as well as a basic and long-lasting design. Accessories like classic grilles, bumpers, mirrors, lights, and badges are available for retro-style trucks.
2. Engine Swaps
More and more people are upgrading their trucks by swapping their stock engines with more modern and powerful options like the LS, Coyote, and Hemi. This can improve the truck’s functionality, dependability, and efficiency while giving it a sleek new look under the hood.
3. Clean Paint
Wild graphics have been popular in the past, but clean paint is everlasting. Over the years, we’ve seen what exterior dressings look excellent and are popular. Overall, automobiles with basic, clean paint jobs stand out and last longer.
4. Body drop
A more extreme way to lower a truck is to perform a body drop, which involves cutting and welding the frame and the body of the truck to achieve a lower profile. This can highlight the builder’s ability and creativity while also drawing attention to the structure. However, body drop trucks also demand a lot of work, time, and money, as well as sacrifice some usefulness and comfort.
5. Cruising
Cruising lowered trucks is popular among truck enthusiasts who enjoy driving their customized vehicles on the road. Cruising can also be a relaxing and fun hobby, as well as a form of expression and creativity.
6. Patina
A unique trend for lowered trucks is to preserve or create a patina, which is the natural aging and weathering of the paint and metal. Patina trucks can have a unique appearance that is equally historic and strong. Some truck owners prefer to keep the original patina of their trucks, while others use various techniques, such as sanding, acid, or salt, to create a faux patina.
Popular Dropped Trucks
Here’s all you need to know about Chevy dropped vehicles, GMC dropped trucks, and single-cab dropped trucks if you’re looking for a lowered truck.
1. GMC Dropped Trucks
GMC lowered trucks are the epitome of luxury and performance, with large interiors, innovative electronics, and strong engines. GMC lowered trucks are built for heavy-duty carrying and towing. These trucks are popular for commercial and industrial use because of their sturdy structure and powerful engines.
The GMC dropped truck line includes pickup, flatbed, and dump trucks. The two-wheel and four-wheel drive pickup trucks have roomy cabs for passengers and freight. These vehicles are perfect for business and leisure because of their luxurious interiors, smart entertainment systems, and safety features.
2. Single Cab Dropped Trucks
Single-cab dropped trucks are popular with individuals who want a lowered truck but don’t require the extra space of a double-cab. Single-cab trucks are compact and attractive, making them ideal for city driving or occasional use. A single-cab dropped truck gives you a sporty style without sacrificing performance or functionality.
Handling is a major benefit of single-cab lowered trucks. These trucks are safer to drive in tight turns and with large loads because of their lower center of gravity. They also feel sportier with better acceleration and braking, making them perfect for aggressive drivers
3. Chevy Dropped Trucks
Chevy offers lowered pickups and SUVs. You may choose a lowered Chevy truck that suits your needs and style, from the Silverado to the Tahoe. Lower suspensions distinguish Chevy dropped pickups. This lowers the center of gravity, increasing road handling and stability. It also makes the truck look more aggressive and sleek, making it popular with truck fans.
Chevy dropped trucks are ideal for off-roaders due to their attributes. Powerful engines, heavy-duty suspension, and all-terrain tires allow these trucks to handle the roughest off-road conditions. Many versions additionally have skid plates and other protective technology to safeguard the truck’s underside on rough terrain.
Pros and Cons of Dropping the Trucks
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Enhanced Experience: – Improves driver control and enjoyment – Fewer vibrations | Difficulty using a regular jack – Specific jack required for lowered cars |
| Reduced Air Drag – Faster driving and improved efficiency | Warranty Issues – Some automakers prohibit lowering, leading to warranty issues – Need to check the user handbook or consult the manufacturer before lowering |
| Easier Handling Improved grip – Firmer springs for better braking | Warranty Issues – Some automakers prohibit lowering, leading to warranty issues – Need to check user handbook or consult the manufacturer before lowering |
| Less Rollover Risk – Lowers center of gravity – Minimizes risk of flipping over | Components and Tires Damage – Risk of suspension and steering damage with over-lowering |
FAQs
1. Can you lift a lowered truck?
Yes, you can lift a lowered truck, but it depends on how the truck was lowered in the first place. We recommend having a raised and lowered truck. However, you can elevate your dropped truck.
2. How to raise a lowered truck back?
You must replace the lowering parts with stock or original ones. To raise a lowered truck back, you will need to reverse the process of lowering it.
3. Can a lowered truck still tow?
Of course! Like any truck, it must be properly set up! Having a quality lowering kit or a full air-ride setup with suitably rated airbags will get you through.
4. Are springs better than spindles?
We prefer using drop springs and spindles to slam trucks, but either works for a couple of inches. Drop spindles keep your suspension travel, but lowering springs is cheaper.
5. Should I use hangers or shackles?
Again, we recommend applying both together to slam the filth out of your truck, but each one works just as well if you’re only lowering a few inches.
5. How do I make my lowered truck ride smoother?
Most lowered trucks that ride poorly result from the owner cutting corners. Cut (or hot) springs, poorly valved shocks, and insufficient suspension travel are the usual causes.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of dropped vehicles, it becomes apparent that this trend is more than a simple modification; it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting out, responsible customization and a passion for the ride are what fuel this fascinating automobile movement.
