Generic Lift/ Suspension Question

[Whiz]

I have an 07 QC SRW 5. 9 3500 4x4. I just purchased it in August with a leveling kit of unknown origin, a banks 6 gun, and an AFE stage 2. The truck currently has Toyo Open Country (D rated I think) tires that measure about 33. 5 via tape measure.



This was the dealership's mechanics truck supposedly and appears to be in great shape, had 37K on the clock when I bought it (supposedly he ran into hard times and sold it back to the dealership).



So, there is a lil history.



The truck rides like a horse and carriage, which I feel is likely from the unknown leveling kit. I've since added a B&W gooseneck hitch in the bed with the intention of towing a two car Kaufman gooseneck. I have used this truck to tow my single car tag along a handful of times with no real issues.



Now finally on to my queston:



I would like to replace the leveling kit and possily go with a 5-6" lift of some sort. I would like to run no larger than 35's (I know I can do this right now without the lift, please just humor me). I use this as my tow pig to cart around Mini Trucks (Low Rider show trucks for the un-informed) around the West Coast with the occasional Mid-west and East-cost haul. This truck is also my daily driver. That in mind, I would like to know/consider the following:



A) Can I effectivly tow the Kaufman two car GN with a 6" lift and 35's from time to time?

B) Who makes a lift capable of doing this with a decent ride and off-road manners without breaking the bank?

C) I will make the occasional trip to Dumont Dunes and need the ability to play a little bit, but not Baja 1000 level.

D) Have I lost my mind?

E) I've been considering Toyo Terra Grappler's with the E load rating at just shy of 35", would anyone suggest a better tire for the look, use, and value?

F) Who has done towing of this nature with a taller lift, is it possible to do safely?





I've done tons of searchs here and read tons of leveling kit debates among Kore, Carli, Lorenz yadda yadda yadda. Additionally, I ran down a gentlemen here on base with a lift that I liked he said it was a BDS (I found very little info here regarding towing manners) Please help me by not turning this into a BIG Three Suspension bickering match. I would just like real world honest opinions.



So endeth the novel, Thanks for your time and any help.

Whiz

 

[Whiz]

Here is a picture or two from what it looked like at the stealership. All badges have since been removed.

 

[ENafziger]

Well, here's my answers, and I'll keep it short. I'll be happy to provide additional detail on anything if you're interested.

A) Yes. However, I would ask why you are considering a 6" lift? I think a 3" would be much more practical and still look great. Reasons: You are likely not going to get a 6" all-spring lift in the rear that rides even semi-well unless you special order from Alcan, Deaver, etc, which is always an option. If you're lifted 6" using block(s) in the rear, you are going to need a good traction bar to keep the leaf springs/u-joints/etc from wearing badly when pulling heavy. You're likelihood of crinkling in a bedside running a GN and 6" lift is pretty good in an offcamber situation... unless you've custom ordered the GN.

B) The best bang-for-your-buck is probably going to the Carli starter system, for about $1400. This will give you 3" lift, allow you to run 35s or 37s, retain stock weight carrying capacities, will ride great on road, and will be improved off-road as well... . and you won't need traction bars. If you're really wanting to go with 6" of lift, give Don Thuren a call. He has some great 5. 5" lift coils, has extensive experience with valving shocks, and could have a set of rear leaves/mini-paks made to suit your need. This would probably be closer to $2k - $3k, but you won't get a 6" lift to fit your needs better than this one for the price.

C) Then your best bet is to go with at least a 2. 0 reservoir shock... a 2. 5 would be better yet. The 3" lift version could be had for ~$1700 through Thuren, plus whatever you decided to do in the rear.

D) Nope. I wanted this to, and got it.

E) I recently ran 285/75/17 Nitto Grapplers on a 10,000 mile trip, with a truck/trailer weight of 20,325 lbs. I used over 70% of the tread on this one trip (although it involved some steep grades, etc). I've been happy with the Toyo M/Ts. They're load E range, have a better weight rating than anything in their class, have great traction, are quiet, and I get 40k - 50k miles from them.

F) I towed about 12,000 lbs this past weekend with a cummins truck with a 6" block lift in the rear. Every time I started off, there was noticeable hopping/jumping as the rear axle rotation was fighting the leaf springs. This was definately not the right setup for the job. My cummins with the 3" all spring lift handles this weight perfectly.

--Eric

 

[Whiz]

Thanks for bringing up the off camber topic, I hadn't put much thought into that portion. I would consider the trailer towing mostly highway, but from time to time I would still run across off camber driveway entereances and such... ... Thanks for the reminder.

 

[ENafziger]

Thanks for bringing up the off camber topic, I hadn't put much thought into that portion. I would consider the trailer towing mostly highway, but from time to time I would still run across off camber driveway entereances and such... ... Thanks for the reminder. <!-- google_ad_section_end -->

Not a problem. I've gone through several iterations of suspensions trying to find what worked best for my needs, so I'll be happy to answer any questions and save you the time/money if I can.

--Eric

 

[goodguys75]

I did a suspention maxx leveling kit and does not effect factory ride or shocks... . and they are a sponser in the magazine... great kit ... did the 2 inch and levels the truck nice... and also have a b/w hitch in the back with airbags