box height w/4x4 & 5th wheel

[phoekema]

This may have been answered before - if so, my appologies. I have a '98. 5 3500 4x4 and the clearance between the top of the box and the bottom surface of the 5th wheel, especially near the tailgate area is so close I have to be very carefull going over uneven ground at times. I can raise the hitch, but then the trailer will really be off level quite a bit. Does anyone know of a way to lower the back of the truck an inch or two without severly altering the ride and load carrying ability? Thanks for any info other members can provide. This list is a fantastic way to share information and experience.

 

[JPS]

5th wheel clearance

I've got the same problem! Going to change axle on trailer,not sure that will be enough. I think there is a lowering kit from Dodge dealer. I haven't check that out yet. I'm not sure it works on 4wd as the clearance on front axle looks pretty close. Not sure on that. Maybe we can get some help here! I posted on irv2 and got no answers. Maybe should try again. JPS

 

[klenger]

I've heard that Dodge has a TSB to lower the back end about 2". Some people have even gotten it done under warranty. I may look into it myself. Some members have had the truck lowered by a shop by shaving some material from the blocks on top of the axle. See picture of stock setup. I would prefer if my truck was quite a bit lower, and might even consider having the back end lowered and replacing the 265 tires with 245 tires when they wear out.

 

[fredflinstone]

TSB

DC does have a tsb out on the hight of the trucks in reference to the trailers being pulled. I'm not sure what the tsb number is but I'm sure if you look there is a listing somewhere on this site. The fix is to remove the rear blocks and replace them with shorter one's that give the truck a level ride height unloaded instead of the rear setting higher. Thus allowing the trailer to fit better.

Seth

 

[Shooter]

Saw one that had been lowered 2" in rear by dealer. His truck used to set level with the 5th hooked up, now his rear is about 2" lower and his front end is about 2" higher with trailer. Had to readj. the headlites to get them back on the road Not for me, I'd flip the axles first.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Flipping axles will raise your trailer about 5" but looks like a lot more.



I flipped my axles last weekend and my trailer looks too high off the ground. It sure added a lot of clearance around the bed area.

 

[LMautone]

Don't lower your truck! Most if not all manufacturers have axle flip kits for their fivers. I just purchased a coachmen fiver and one of the first things the dealer said is that i would need the axle kit for my the fiver to sit properly on my truck. dealer said they put the axle kit on 90% of the fivers they sell because dodge and ford pick-ups are so high. anyway your truck sits high so it will sit level when loaded. IMHO you raise the fiver not lower the truck

 

[Whitmore]

My concern with raising the 5er is getting it to top heavy or raising the center of gravity. I do agree that this is the best way to deal with the problem but think we would have higher risk on rolling our 5er over on its side?

The other option is to switch beds to a flatbed, I know its not for everyone but it is still an option, they do have some very nice and fancy flatbeds out there

 

[jbone]

Guys, This thread comes up about once a month or so--I have replied couple of times myself... . Still don't understand the problem. . my prowler has adjustments on the hitch. . guess I can raise or lower trailer about two feet... when I got my 3500 and traded in 2500 moved hitch up about six inches and kept her level & right--bought my trailer used--it may have had the lift kit already--wouldn't worry about trailer being five inches higher--don't drive like that would get me in trouble... ..... R, J. B.

 

[Powder Extreme]

New lift blocks

I replaced the rear lift blocks with one's 2 inches lower from the dealer. I think the cost was about 80 bucks. I installed them in less than an hour. My dually still sits higher in the rear empty, it sat level with a 38' fiver on. That was before the airbags, now I can make it sit however I want.



Jerry

 

[MCherry]

Powder Extreme- If you have the part numbers from the dealer, could you post them, please?



Also, did you have to change shocks or any other parts?



For another way to do this, search for posts from Jumbo Jet about six or seven months ago.



Previous threads have mentioned the kit from the dealer as being quite expensive - $700 or more, I think.



Thanks

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I posted some pictures, details etc. Still have those.



One of the keys to keep the back end from squatting is to keep the overloads (if so equipped) the same distance from the bump stops as when you started before lowering.



My truck still sits higher in the rear and sits level when loaded.



The only other components I changed were u-bolts. I also had to adjust headlights and caster settings.



Total cost was less than $100.



I am thinking about a "flat bed" or a customized original bed and then I will flip my axles to original on the trailer.

 

[Powder Extreme]

Sorry, I don't have any idea what the part number is. I just asked parts for some lift blocks and they had them. I didn't do anything different at all, the U-bolts are of course longer than necessary with the shorter blocks, but I didn't worry about it since my truck is strictly highway. I would think you could cut the factory u-bolts down without any problem. The stock shocks were fine, and I later upgraded to RS9000's standard length with no problems. $700 That's RIDICULOUS!!!!!! Mine was under $100.



Jerry

 

[burndog]

I too wanted more room between the top of the bed and my new 5th wheel. Adjusting the 5th wheel (trailer) part of the hitch does not always work. It depends on how high the 5th wheel trailer sits.

My truck is a 2001 4x4 3500. The blocks in the back are 4 3/4 thick. The 2wd blocks are 1 inch thick.

I ordered ONE new block from the dealer for my truck. I cut it in half and then machined them the same thickness. They came out at 2 1/8 thick each. I did have to make the locating holes on each one,but they went into place like stock equipment. I have the camper special package and I took off the top leaf rubber stops and kept the leafs there for spacing of the u bolts.

I had to put three or four washers as spacers for the u bolts where the nuts are. Also I had to move my sway bar back because it came close to my Mag diff cover.

The truck now sits almost level and I really like it. It drops maybe 1/2 a inch when the 5th wheel is hooked up. It has a 2500lb pin weight.

Everyone has an opinion,but I like my truck level and not so damn high in the rear.

burndog

 

[SnoKing]

I have been running with flipped axles on my 26. 5 Terry for 5 years without a problem. Biggest problem I see is that the first step is really high getting in the trailer. We carry one of those little rubber made kitchen steps. Stability is not a problem. One plus is people walking by to not look in your windows, unless they are REALLY tall. :--) SNOKING