Lowering 4x4 2001 3500 To fit under fifthwheel

[Crites]

What else needs to be considered after removing the 4 inch spacer block when lowering to get under a fifthwheel.

 

[abledog]

If you remove rear blocks you will need shorter U-bolts, the rear sway bar may also need work. The front springs will also need to be replaced along with modifying the track bar.
It is much easier to flip the rear axles on your fifth wheel to gain the clearance needed at the bed. IMO
Terry

 

[RAPID RICK]

You must also consider driveline length,
shock absorber length & drive line angle. It's
not as simple as just putting shorter lift
blocks & hitting the road.

 

[CWade]

I have heard that some Coach manufactors offer spacer kits to raise the coach. In case your springs are already on top of the axle. Larger wheels & tires on the trailer can also make a differance. Of course raising the trailer so it catches more air and takes more overhead clearance is questionable. The only reason I bought the two wheel drive, was because it is 4" lower. Still comes close to the bottom of my 5er.

Charlie


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01 3500 Quad Cab 4X2
HO, 6 spd, 3. 55AS, Jacob's brake, patriot blue, 22K Reese 5th wheel, Snap-On tool box

 

[Bill Stockard]

Charlie Wade,

That's the reason I'm still driving 2 wheel drives too. Every time I have traded--'92 D350 to a '97 3500 to a '00 3500, the bed height of the trucks keeps rising!!

If Dodge/Freightliner ever comes out with a 4500 sized pickup with 19. 5 tires on it, I probably going to be in trouble.

Bill

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Y2K 3500QC, 6 Speed, 4. 10, SLT+, Camper & Tow Pkg. , Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Mopar Flaps, Reese 20K Hitch, EGT & Boost Gauges, RPM 45 Gallon Aux. Fuel Tank, Highway Products 5th Wheel Toolbox, ECM Controlled PacBrake, Painless Wiring Kit, Mag-Hytec Diff. Cover, Rancho 9000, Air Lift 5000 Air Bags, TOYS: '97 Hitchhiker II 31' 5th Wheel, 2 slideouts, 19,750 GCW, '94 Lance 990 11' 3" Slide-In Camper, Torque-Lift Camper Tiedowns

 

[COBRAJET]

Do you need the full 4 inches or can you live with just 2. This use to be a big issue on the PSD's. Ford was actually replacing the 4" blocks with 2" ones on the early DRW's do to complaints like yours. If you just swap to 2's you should not have to change out anything else. The new 4X4's DRW's from Ford are all 2" blocks now. I installed the 4" ones on mine and have had no driveline issues at all... CJ

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