You might have seen trucks with their front ends high and back ends low to the ground. These are called squatted trucks or "Carolina Squat" trucks.
A Carolina squatted truck is becoming increasingly common, especially in the southern U.S., but it is also causing issues.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says big truck crashes are happening more often. Carolina Squat trucks have been involved in some of these accidents.
In 2021, they reported over 494,000 crashes, including squatted trucks, a slight increase from previous years. This truck trend catches your eye, but Carolina Squat trucks have been the subject of much debate regarding road safety.
What Does a Squatted Truck Mean?
A squatted truck is a pickup truck that is changed to sit at an angle. The front end is raised high, while the back end is lowered close to the ground. This look is made by changing the truck's suspension.
People who like this style often raise the front using lift kits and lower the back with lowering kits or by removing leaf springs. A Carolina squatted truck typically features this extreme modification.
The main reason for this change is looks. People say it makes trucks stand out and look more aggressive. Some claim it helps with off-road driving, but no solid proof exists.
Instead, a Carolina Squat truck is often seen only as a form of self-expression.
A report found that some young truck owners aged 18-25 thought squatted trucks looked "cool" or "unique." It makes the hood stick up high, blocking the driver's view of the road.
What Is the Carolina Squat?
The Carolina squatted truck is a specific style of truck named after the Carolinas, where it started. It has become a cultural phenomenon in some areas.
This style was influenced by Baja racing. Although it started in California, the trend gained popularity in North Carolina due to social media. From there, it spread across the U.S., especially in the South.
Carolina Squat trucks can now be seen in many southern states. You will see them at car shows, cruising down main streets, and even in country music videos.
A Carolina Squat truck is a way to show off and belong to a group. It is like wearing certain clothes or listening to certain music - it is part of an identity.
Who Started the Squatted Truck Trend?
The squatted truck trend began in California, inspired by Baja racing.
Squatted trucks were modified with a raised front and lowered back to better handle jumps and uneven terrain.
The first Baja 1000 race took place on November 1, 1967, marking the start of off-road competition. The style, known as the “Cali Lean,” spread to the Carolinas and was renamed the “Carolina Squat.”
People in the southern U.S. began to adopt the trend as part of their truck culture.
How Carolina Squat Differs from California Lean
The California Lean is another truck modification style, but it is different from the Carolina Squat.
With the California Lean, you lower the back of the truck while keeping the front at its standard height or only slightly raised.
Technically speaking, the California Lean typically involves:
- Lowering the rear suspension by 2-4 inches
- Keeping the front suspension stock or lifting it by 1-2 inches
- Using drop shackles or lowering blocks on the rear axle
In contrast, the Carolina Squat truck often involves:
- Lifting the front suspension by 4-8 inches or more
- Lowering the rear suspension by 2-4 inches
- Sometimes, removing rear leaf springs entirely
The California Lean is more popular on the West Coast, especially with mini-trucks.
It offers a milder look that some find more practical. The Carolina Squat is more common in the Southeast and tends to be more polarizing. Also, a Carolina squatted truck is particularly noticeable due to its extreme angle.
Common Modifications in a Squatted Truck
These modifications alter the Carolina Squat truck stance and ride height to create the squatted look. Here is a list of the most common adjustments:
Front-end modifications:
- Install a suspension lift kit (4-8 inches or more).
- Add longer coil springs or struts.
- Replace upper control arms with extended versions.
- Install longer shock absorbers.
Rear-end modifications:
- Remove leaf springs or replace them with shorter ones.
- Install drop shackles or hangers.
- Add lowering blocks between the axle and leaf springs.
- Use shorter shock absorbers.
Additional modifications:
- Adjust torsion bars (for applicable truck models).
- Install larger wheels and tires on the front (often 22-24 inches).
- Use smaller wheels and tires on the rear (typically 20 inches or less).
- Modify the steering geometry to fit in the new stance.
These changes work together to create the angle of squatted trucks. But remember that such extensive modifications can affect the vehicle's handling.
Carolina squatted truck experts also combine several of these modifications to achieve their desired look.
Why Are Squatted Trucks Illegal?
Several states have banned squatted trucks due to safety concerns. South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia have laws against this modification.
The main reasons for these bans are:
- Reduced visibility: The raised front end can block the driver's view of the road, increasing accident risk.
- Poor handling: The altered suspension affects the truck's stability and braking, making it harder to control.
- Headlight misalignment: The tilted stance can cause headlights to point too high, blinding other drivers.
- Increased rollover risk: The modified center of gravity makes the truck more likely to flip in accidents.
In South Carolina, first-time offenders can face fines of $100, and repeat offenders face higher penalties of up to $300 and potential license suspension from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)
The bill was also passed after a fatal crash in February 2022 involving a Chevrolet Silverado with the Carolina Squat.
Additionally, according to the Urban Institute, these squatted trucks are more likely to hit pedestrians in deadly spots like the head or chest.
Carolina Squat truck experts insist that their vehicles are not included in some accidents, but safety concerns have led to increasing regulation.
Is Squatting a Truck Bad for the Engine?
Squatted trucks can have adverse effects on the engine and drivetrain. Here are the main issues:
- Oil starvation: The extreme angle can cause oil to pool at the rear of the oil pan, potentially starving the engine of proper lubrication.
- Cooling system issues: An altered radiator angle reduces coolant circulation efficiency. It also decreases airflow to the radiator, which may lead to overheating and compromise thermostat function due to air pockets.
- Drivetrain stress: Driveshaft angles become more extreme, increasing wear on U-joints. The transmission fluid may not properly lubricate all components, and differential gears also experience uneven loading.
- Fuel system problems: Fuel pickup in the tank may be compromised, and injectors may not operate at extreme angles.
- Engine mount strain: Altered weight distribution places uneven stress on mounts, and increased vibration can lead to premature mount failure.
Modifying a vehicle into a squatted truck can lead to issues that negatively impact its overall performance.
Alternatives to Squatting
You can still customize your truck without squatting, as several safer alternatives exist:
- Lift kits: Full lifts can raise your truck by 2-12 inches, improving ground clearance and making room for larger tires. However, they may increase the center of gravity and put more stress on the drivetrain.
- Leveling kits: These allow you to raise the front of your truck by 1-3 inches to match the rear, giving it a balanced look without affecting handling.
- Air suspension: With this option, you can use adjustable air springs to change the ride height, giving you a smoother ride. Keep in mind, though, it comes with a higher price and more complex installation.
- Body lifts: By raising the body from the frame, you can fit larger tires while keeping the stock suspension. But, the height increase is limited, and you may notice gaps between the body and frame.
It is also essential to look at how they affect functionality, cost, and safety. Here is why:
- Functionality: Lift kits and air suspension can improve your truck's off-road performance. Leveling kits and body lifts do not change the truck's operation.
- Cost: Regarding expenses, lift kits, and air suspensions tend to be more costly, whereas leveling kits and body lifts are more affordable.
- Safety: These alternative modifications are superior to squatting because they do not obstruct your view of the road or affect the truck's handling.
Additionally, these changes keep your vehicle street-legal, so you will not face legal troubles. Other squatted truck enthusiasts should also consider these safer alternatives.
The bottom line is that while squatted trucks may be visually appealing to some, they come with significant safety concerns. Reduced visibility, poor handling, and increased rollover risks have led to bans in several states. If you’re considering modifying your truck, there are safer alternatives like lift kits and leveling kits that maintain safety and legality.
