Lowering a 4x4 2007 Tacoma?!?

You want to WHAT?!?!?

First let me say that I do not yet own the truck I have questions about, and have never owned a 4x4. I'm currently shopping and trying to figure out what my options are before I make the purchase. Next let me say that I know that many (perhaps most?) will laugh at me just for suggesting that I would want to lower a 4x4 truck. I wish I could avoid it but I can't.

Let me put this topic to rest from the start: It's either lower a 4x4 or deal with the lack of 4x4 (and V6) capability on the super basic 4-cyl non-TRD 2 wheel drive Tacoma, my only alternative. The towing capability of the V6 and the security of 4x4 when off pavement are important to me. I wish I could get around it, but I need a truck for work, and one with specific requirements for height, that is a bed that is low to the ground. The bed of the truck (from the tip of the open tailgate to the ground) needs to be no more than 27" and preferably 26" off the ground. I also have found myself in situations with loose sandy dirt that is easy to get stuck in, and very occasionally in the snow, so I want a 4x4 so I can avoid getting stuck and feel safe when taking my truck into such situations. And I know I'll lose some clearance and offroad capability. I'm OK with some loss in that category.

My question to the Tacoma World community is how would I go about doing this on a budget while avoiding negatively impacting the ride, especially on regular highways and city streets? And how will this affect the ride (on pavement and off), overall performance, etc? I would be starting with with a stock 4x4 quad or extended cab Toyota Tacoma, I currently have my eye on a 2007 quad cab. Again, looking to maintain as much performance capability especially on the road while also minimizing $$$ spent. This truck will primarily be used for work along with some occasional weekend roadtrips to offroad locations.

I'd also be open to any option which results in the rear edge of the bed (at the tip of the tailgate when down) being 26-27" off the ground while not having a large impact on performance. Also, if anyone is familiar with the Ford Ranger or Nissan Frontier, I'd be open to modding either of those in a similar way if it's easier and/or cheaper.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/197176-lowered-my-2008-4x4.html