lowering a 2003 2wd dodge dually

[NCcummins]

I was wondering what you guys thought about ways to lower the rear end of my 03 2wd dually. The front is already lowered 4 inches and I want the rear to sit a little lower then it already does. I do not haul a lot, but do haul a few rock crawlers in the winter as well as a few boats in the summer. Other then that, not much towing at all.

What are some ways to go about doing this? shackles? bags? let me know what you have in mind!

Here is how it sits right now (the wheels are now gloss black):

Thanks for the help! I am trying to keep "cheap" in mind as well.

 

[Hurley]

remove a leaf or two, then add some overload airbags to make up the difference in spring rate when you are hauling

 

[NCcummins]

remove a leaf or two, then add some overload airbags to make up the difference in spring rate when you are hauling

Alright thanks for the help. I will look into doing that.

 

[GCncsuHD]

remove a leaf or two, then add some overload airbags to make up the difference in spring rate when you are hauling

I agree, except for one thing, it will increase spring wrap alot when you start removing the leafs in a diesel truck. I would look into some traction bars to go in when you remove the leafs to reduce that. But removing a couple leafs will drop it as well as get rid of that horrible 1ton ride in the rear, and definitely get some helper bags for when you haul. Another thing to think about, is that you will probably need to remove the factory overload leafs, as they will be close to hitting the pads on the frame (not sure exactly what to call them, but the overloads on top of the normal spring pack, that are just floating until the truck is loaded and they contact the frame, assuming new dodges still use that style overloads on the 1tons).

Also it looks like it has already been lowered considerably in the front and rear as is. Have you looked into drop shackles? They will keep the same ride and load capacity as stock, only you will be that much closer to the overload leafs contacting/bump stops. I have my 03 GMC 2500 lowered 1" in the front by torsion bars, and 3" on the rear using 2" shackles, and spring clamps forward of the axle for another 1" and to reduce spring wrap.

 

[NCcummins]

I agree, except for one thing, it will increase spring wrap alot when you start removing the leafs in a diesel truck. I would look into some traction bars to go in when you remove the leafs to reduce that. But removing a couple leafs will drop it as well as get rid of that horrible 1ton ride in the rear, and definitely get some helper bags for when you haul. Another thing to think about, is that you will probably need to remove the factory overload leafs, as they will be close to hitting the pads on the frame (not sure exactly what to call them, but the overloads on top of the normal spring pack, that are just floating until the truck is loaded and they contact the frame, assuming new dodges still use that style overloads on the 1tons).
Also it looks like it has already been lowered considerably in the front and rear as is. Have you looked into drop shackles? They will keep the same ride and load capacity as stock, only you will be that much closer to the overload leafs contacting/bump stops. I have my 03 GMC 2500 lowered 1" in the front by torsion bars, and 3" on the rear using 2" shackles, and spring clamps forward of the axle for another 1" and to reduce spring wrap.

Thanks for the help and I agree with you completely. What we are thinking about doing is the traction bars (that I have already bought from a buddy of mine) removing a leaf or two (as well as the helper springs) and then adding overload bags to help while towing. I think this will give me the look/stance I am looking for.