What is a squatted truck?

A "squatted" truck refers to a modified pickup truck that has been lowered significantly in the rear, creating a raked or "squatted" stance. This is achieved primarily by lowering the rear suspension, often much more than the front. Several key aspects define a squatted truck:

• Extreme Rear Drop: The most defining feature is the significantly lower rear end compared to the front. This creates a noticeable rake, making the truck appear to be "sitting" on its rear bumper.

• Suspension Modifications: This low ride height is achieved through several methods, often involving:

  • Lowering Blocks/Shackles: These are the most common methods for lowering the rear suspension. Blocks are added between the axle and the leaf springs (or spring pack), while shackles connect the leaf springs and allow for adjusting the ride height. These are usually inexpensive, but can impact ride quality and handling negatively.
  • Air Suspension: More advanced setups utilize air suspension systems, allowing for adjustable ride height and potentially better ride quality. This is a more expensive option.
  • C-Notching: This involves cutting and modifying the truck's frame to allow for more suspension travel when lowering. It's often needed to prevent the axle from hitting the frame during suspension articulation.

• Visual Appeal: The squatted look is largely a matter of aesthetic preference. Some consider it stylish and aggressive, while others find it visually unappealing or impractical.

• Practicality Concerns: Squatting a truck significantly reduces ground clearance, making it unsuitable for off-road driving or navigating uneven terrain. It can also affect handling, potentially causing instability at higher speeds or during sharp turns. Finally, it may require other modifications to prevent scraping the undercarriage.

• Legal Issues: Depending on the location and the degree of modification, a heavily squatted truck might not meet local vehicle safety standards and could lead to legal issues.

In short, a squatted truck is a heavily customized vehicle prioritizing a specific aesthetic look over practicality and potentially safety. The modifications needed can range from simple and inexpensive to complex and costly.