What Is a Squatted Truck? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve noticed trucks that seem to be leaning forward with the front higher than the rear, you’ve seen what’s commonly referred to as a squatted truck. This trend, often called the Carolina squat truck, has grown in popularity, especially across southern regions like the Carolinas. While these trucks attract attention for their bold appearance, squatter trucks are also controversial due to their practicality and legality concerns.

This article will dive into what squatted trucks are, their origins, the pros and cons, and how lifted squatted trucks differ from other modified vehicles. Let’s explore the full picture of this automotive trend.

What Is a Squatted Truck?

A squatted truck, also known as a squat truck or squatter truck, is a pickup or SUV with its front end lifted while the rear end remains low or even lowered. This uneven stance gives the truck the appearance of squatting. Unlike traditional lifts that raise both ends evenly, these modifications intentionally create an angled or tilted posture.

The term “Carolina squat truck” comes from its popularity in North and South Carolina, where the style emerged as a local trend before spreading to other areas.

How Did the Squatted Truck Trend Start?

The squatted truck style has roots in off-road desert racing. In high-speed desert competitions, vehicles are often equipped with soft rear suspension to absorb landings from jumps, giving them a similar squatted appearance. Enthusiasts began emulating this look to give their trucks a rugged, off-road vibe even though most squat trucks are primarily street vehicles and never hit the desert.

This unique stance became more of a fashion statement than a functional modification, with drivers adopting the style to stand out on the road. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok also contributed to its popularity, turning lifted squatted trucks into a viral trend.

How Are Trucks Squatted?

Creating a squatted truck requires modifying the vehicle’s suspension system to achieve the signature forward-tilting stance. Unlike traditional lifts that raise both the front and rear ends evenly, the squatting process involves lifting the front suspension while either lowering the rear suspension or leaving it at stock height. Below are the common steps and techniques used to squat a truck.

Adjusting the Front Suspension

The first step to squatting a truck involves lifting the front end to give it a higher, elevated look. Here are the typical methods used:

• Lift Kits: Owners install front lift kits, which include taller springs, shocks, or spacers, to raise the truck’s front.
• Leveling Kits: A leveling kit can lift the front to the desired height, though this method is usually milder than full lift kits.
• Aftermarket Control Arms: Some enthusiasts install control arms designed to improve handling when the front end is raised significantly.

Lowering the Rear Suspension

The rear suspension of a squatted truck is usually lowered to enhance the angled appearance. This can be done using:

• Drop Shackles: Shackles connect the leaf springs to the frame, and replacing them with shorter ones helps lower the rear.
• Lowering Blocks: Placing blocks between the axle and leaf springs lowers the rear axle’s height.
• Air Suspension Adjustments: Some trucks with air suspension systems can have the rear height adjusted electronically or mechanically.

In some cases, the rear may be left at stock height while the front is raised to achieve the squat. This approach minimizes the amount of work required but still creates the desired tilt.

Fine-Tuning the Stance

Once the basic modifications are in place, further adjustments are often made to perfect the truck’s appearance and ensure drivability:

• Wheel Alignment: A lifted front end can affect the truck’s alignment, so adjustments are necessary to prevent uneven tire wear.
• Tire Selection: Some squatted trucks use larger front tires and smaller rear tires to exaggerate the squatted look further.
• Shock and Strut Modifications: Specialized shocks and struts are sometimes installed to compensate for the uneven stance and reduce the bumpy ride.

Optional Modifications for Squatted Trucks

Many squatter truck enthusiasts go beyond suspension modifications to enhance the overall look:

• Custom Bumpers: A larger, aggressive front bumper can add to the truck’s intimidating appearance.
• LED Light Bars: Off-road light bars are often mounted on squatted trucks to complement the lifted front.
• Aftermarket Wheels: Bold wheel designs, such as deep-dish or chrome wheels, are popular among squatted truck owners.

Squatting a truck involves a combination of lifting the front and lowering or keeping the rear stock to create a distinctive tilted appearance. This process requires careful planning to avoid compromising safety and ride quality. Modifying both the suspension and alignment is essential to ensure that the truck remains drivable, even with the dramatic angle.

While the squatted style is largely a visual statement, it can present challenges such as reduced handling and increased wear on suspension components. If you’re planning to squat your truck, it’s essential to balance aesthetics with practicality and always check your local laws to ensure your modifications are street-legal.

Are Squatted Trucks Legal?

The legality of squatted trucks has become a hot topic in recent years. Some states, particularly those where the trend is widespread, have moved to ban or regulate the modification. The primary concern is safety:

• Reduced visibility: The driver’s view of the road may be compromised due to the angled stance.
• Altered braking performance: Weight distribution changes can negatively affect the truck’s ability to brake efficiently.
• Poor handling: With the rear end sitting lower, the truck’s center of gravity shifts, making it harder to control.

For instance, North Carolina has enacted laws restricting the height difference between the front and rear of vehicles, effectively banning the Carolina squat.

Pros and Cons of Squatted Trucks

Lifted Squatted Trucks vs. Regular Lifted Trucks

While both squatted trucks and traditional lifted trucks involve raising a vehicle, they differ significantly in purpose and design.

Lifted Trucks

Both the front and rear are raised, typically for off-road performance and larger tire clearance. These trucks maintain balance and functionality.

Lifted Squatted Trucks

Only the front is lifted, while the rear remains lowered. This style is more aesthetic than functional, with limited practical use.

The choice between the two comes down to personal preference. Drivers looking for off-road capability will opt for regular lifts, while those focused on visual appeal might lean toward the squatted style.

To sum up

The squatted truck trend has made a significant impact on automotive culture, especially with the rise of the Carolina squat truck. While the style may appeal to enthusiasts looking for a unique and head-turning look, it has also raised concerns about safety, legality, and practicality.

Whether squatter trucks will remain a lasting trend or fade out as regulations tighten is yet to be seen. However, one thing is certain: lifted squatted trucks have sparked conversation and debate in both automotive circles and state legislatures alike.

If you’re thinking of squatting your truck, it’s important to consider the pros and cons and most importantly, the legal implications in your area.