What's the purpose of the nose down stance anyway?
#1
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I've been searching and asking around recently about leveling my truck - or at least making it look a little more level than stock. I'm not sure I'd want it completely level because it will really be odd when I hook my 30 ft. RV up and the back end squats down with the front end up.
Anyway, someone made a very good point to me about leveling the front end. If it were meant to be level, it would be already. Got me to thinking - what is the purpose of the nose down stance from the factory on a 4x4 truck anyway? Is it ride? Is it aero? Is it so the truck would be level for towing rather than *** down/nose up stance? Are there other reasons or combinations of the above? Anyone know for sure?
I guess I'm old school but to me - 4x4's should sit level.
Anyway, someone made a very good point to me about leveling the front end. If it were meant to be level, it would be already. Got me to thinking - what is the purpose of the nose down stance from the factory on a 4x4 truck anyway? Is it ride? Is it aero? Is it so the truck would be level for towing rather than *** down/nose up stance? Are there other reasons or combinations of the above? Anyone know for sure?
I guess I'm old school but to me - 4x4's should sit level.
#3
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[q Is it ride? Is it aero? Is it so the truck would be level for towing rather than *** down/nose up stance?
I would say yes to that! Has to be a combination of those things!
I guess I'm old school but to me - 4x4's should sit level.[/quote]
And I agree with this! it has to sit level, or just a touch high in the front!
I would say yes to that! Has to be a combination of those things!
I guess I'm old school but to me - 4x4's should sit level.[/quote]
And I agree with this! it has to sit level, or just a touch high in the front!
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According to some engineer type guys I have asked on a forum I belong to that is geared more toward gearheads, performance shop employees and owners, the reason is twofold.
Aerodynamics is one reason, unlike the bigger trucks where MPG numbers DO NOT have to be reported, 1/2 ton trucks must be, and every truck maker tries to get the best MPG numbers possible while still making a serviceable truck. With demand by consumers for more power every year, this takes a hell of a balancing act and the rake helps squeek out a little better MPG.
The other reason I get is also consumer generated. The avg. consumer wants it all, a ride quality like a Caddy, with the hauling and towing capability of a dually, all out of a 1500 (1/2 ton) truck.
Stiffer springs in the rear gives a harsher ride quality, but softer springs with more room for articulation and "sag" in the rear gives you both a better ride unladen and the ability to carry a cargo or support a tongue weight that you needed a 3/4 ton to do 20 years ago.
Balance all the factors together and try to give the consumer what they want, and you have a nose down, a$$ up truck.
IMO, KEY IT AND BAG IT!!!
Aerodynamics is one reason, unlike the bigger trucks where MPG numbers DO NOT have to be reported, 1/2 ton trucks must be, and every truck maker tries to get the best MPG numbers possible while still making a serviceable truck. With demand by consumers for more power every year, this takes a hell of a balancing act and the rake helps squeek out a little better MPG.
The other reason I get is also consumer generated. The avg. consumer wants it all, a ride quality like a Caddy, with the hauling and towing capability of a dually, all out of a 1500 (1/2 ton) truck.
Stiffer springs in the rear gives a harsher ride quality, but softer springs with more room for articulation and "sag" in the rear gives you both a better ride unladen and the ability to carry a cargo or support a tongue weight that you needed a 3/4 ton to do 20 years ago.
Balance all the factors together and try to give the consumer what they want, and you have a nose down, a$$ up truck.
IMO, KEY IT AND BAG IT!!!
Last edited by HammerZ71; 12-29-2009 at 09:55 AM.