Height difference 4wd vs. 2wd

[Poser]

Does anyone know exactly what makes up the difference in heights between the 2wd and 4wd? According to Chevrolet there is a 2.7 inch difference.
http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/features.htm#dimensions
I'm guessing the difference is by bodylift and tire size. I say this because in stock form a 4wd shows more frame than a 2wd. Especially with the 88-98 body style. Also a 4wd with a body lift seems to show a lot more frame than a 2wd with a body lift. Does anyone know if any of that 2.7 is from a suspension difference?

[Poser]

upon second look at the dimensions page at chevrolet.com I noticed that there is a .7 inch difference in ground clearance (i.e. the bottom of the diff.). So obviously tire size accounts for the .7, that leaves 2 inches even in height difference. I'm still guessing the remaining 2 inches is bodylift.

[Mark]

I think it's all in the suspension, I'm only guessing here, but I know the 4wd trucks come with a 2" block to lift the rear, I don't think the 2wd's come with it, as for the front. I beleive it has to do with the torsion bars and preloading. It's a completely different suspension thus allowing it to sit taller. Hope this helps, I'll check into it further to get better details...

[JB]

Originally posted by Mark
I think it's all in the suspension, I'm only guessing here, but I know the 4wd trucks come with a 2" block to lift the rear, I don't think the 2wd's come with it, as for the front. I beleive it has to do with the torsion bars and preloading. It's a completely different suspension thus allowing it to sit taller. Hope this helps, I'll check into it further to get better details...

Yes, its all due to the suspension in front and rear. On a 2WD 1500 you have coil springs and on the 4WD 1500 you have torsion bars.