Lowering kit

[Mtngoat]

I understand Dodge has a lowering kit for 3500 4x4's so a fifth wheel will fit easily. How much does it lower the rear end? Does it then set pretty level?? And the biggie, Is it expensive?? Thanks!!



Robin

 

[Robin]

Recently checked with a Dodge garage and the price was over $700. I stopped right there because the height of my truck's bed is only marginally a problem with my fifth wheel.



I should have asked what the kit consisted of. I THINK the spring support block for a 2WD will work and lower the truck a couple of inches. Maybe someone will look into that.



Bob

 

[SOLER]

It's easier and cheaper to raise the 5er. Either with square tubing between the spring mounts and the frame, or axle swap (put the axles under the springs, instead of on top).

 

[Robin]

As I said, the fifth wheel we have is only slightly high in front while being towed. But I intend to put larger tires on the truck for various reasons. This will aggravate the problem.



The trailer is a tri-axle. The suspension of the trailer is Mor-Ryde with each wheel independently sprung with rubber. It is virtually impossible to raise it.



I have the fifth wheel hitch in the truck bed about as low as I can safely go. Even now, in a twist the trailer touches the top of the bed. So I may end up taking the bed off and installing a lower utility type bed.



Bob

 

[JBlock]

Try lowering 1/2"

Since you only need a little more clearance. Is there any way you can have the stock block machined down a 1/2", then have the U Bolts threaded a little further, that away the stock shock will still work. It seem to me that something similar to this has been done by some individuals.



Maybe call up the guy that make the lift kits and ask if they can make a lowering kit (blocks and U-bolts) for Dodges. I would think a lot people would lower the rear a little if a cheaper alternative was available. Like it would fit through the gargage doors



JB

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I made up my own kit 73,000 miles ago and am still running it with no problems.



I lowered the rear 2-1/2".



No big deal as far as I can tell.



I did have new u-bolts made up. The stock u-bolts are smaller in diameter past the threaded part.

 

[Robin]

Jumbo Jet,



How did you make your lowering kit? All new material or did you modify the original spacer?



I have a power hacksaw so could easily cut some off the original spacer, would want to make sure the cuts were parallel with the original surface so the drive shaft angle was not changed. But I could only cut off an inch because the projection that engages the jounce snubber is only an inch above the spring. I could cut off a little over an inch of the spacer above this projection, but would be lessening the available jounce travel.



As far as the front end goes, if I had more nerve than I have, I'd try torching the springs like we use to do with our cars many, many years ago.



Also I could swear there were rubber jounce snubbers on the front. They sure aren't there now.



Bob