Truck Height Issue

[KMeek]

I had a 98 Dodge QC 3/4 ton V-10 that was too tall for my 96 Jayco 5th wheel. So, I had the axles flipped and that solved that problem perfectly. Just bought a new 2001 3/4 ton Dodge Cummins QC and it looks to me like my new truck is taller and may present a problem since I am about out of options to raise the trailer. Tires on the old truck were Michelin 245's and the new truck has 265 Michelins. Checked the Michelin site and looks like the overall diameter of the 265's is only one inch more than the 245's.



Does anyone know if the diesel 3/4 tons sit higher than the V-10 3/4 tons or whether the 3/4 tons have increased in height since the 98 models? Any suggestions how to deal with the height problem?

 

[Bob Wagner]

you can reduce the bed height by reducing the height of the blocks on the rearend.



usually a 2" drop

 

[Thomas]

TSB 02-001-01 may provide some help.

 

[TowPro]

after reading this TSB I had to think to myself "what were they thinking about"?



I bought my truck with the AHJ package so it had more carrying capacity just so I could tow my 5th wheel, now they say if I want to lower the truck I have to remove the overload springs?



This will lower it about 2"?

Then the fact the springs are no longer there will lower it another 2" once the toung weight is applied?



Sure glad I got dumped my 4wd for my 2wd (or course the 4wd was not a diesel either)!



Also a 1" bigger overall diameter would be 1" bigger from the bottom to the top of the tire, giving it a 1/2" larger radius or meaning the truck would sit only 1/2" higher.



Did your 98 have the 8800 rear with the overload springs?



I know my 96 1500 4wd was real tall, even after moving the axles under the springs of my last 5er, I still hit the trailer frame onto the top corner of the bed one day, did'nt bend anything but scraped the hell out of the paint!







NOTE: CURB HEIGHT LOWERING PACKAGES CANNOT BE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUXILIARY SPRINGS (SALES CODE XZB OR CAMPER SPECIAL PACKAGE AHJ) UNLESS THE AUXILIARY SPRINGS AND SPACERS ARE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE.

Originally posted by Thomas

TSB 02-001-01 may provide some help.

 

[KMeek]

Yes. That is what is confusing to me--it was the same truck except for the motor. I wonder if anyone knows whether there has been a change in height--wish I had my old truck to measure now so I would know for sure.

 

[Southbound]

Truck heigth

Hello KMeek! Well lets say I have had a lot of experiences in regards to your post. Currently I have a 2000 4x4 with 285 BFG All Terrain tires. I also have a Jacyo 5th wheel as well. Basically I have the same set-up as you. In order for my trailer to be lifted correctly I had to do the following. First I had to have some custom axles built by Dexter which is the manufacturer of your axles as well. My trailer originally had 2inch axles which I replaced with 3inch axles. I also had Dexter weld my "saddle plates" on top of the axle because the leaf springs are reversed. I also replaced the trailer 15inch wheels to sixteen inch wheels which gave me addition height plus it puts more rubber on the ground. The trailer will have a tendancy to be top heavy the higher you raise it so make sure your tires are adequate. By the way I added some shocks to my axles which helped both on the ride of the trailer as well as the sway from side to side. Now you may want to fix your truck instead but I had no choice because the dealer I bought my trailer from reversed the axles incorrectly which caused me to damage them on my first pull. If I had to do it over again I would probably still lift my trailer instead of adjusting my truck. Kmeek there is a lot I left out so feel free to email me if you have any additional questions. By the way the clearance between my trailer and truck bed-rails is around 6inches which is perfect! Both units are perfectly level when in tow. Good luck!



Southbound

 

[Okie-Go]

I traded a 98 QC cummins on an 01 QC. Only difference was the HO motor and the transmission. I remember the 01 sitting a little higher than the 98. Mine wasn't enough to affect the 5er but it was taller.

 

[roadranger]

NOTE: CURB HEIGHT LOWERING PACKAGES CANNOT BE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUXILIARY SPRINGS (SALES CODE XZB OR CAMPER SPECIAL PACKAGE AHJ) UNLESS THE AUXILIARY SPRINGS AND SPACERS ARE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE.





And why is this???



The axle has a 4 in block on top of it.

The 4 in block has the main spring on top of it.

The helper spring is above the main spring.



If you install a 2 in block in place of the 4 in. block, it drops the whole truck, chassis and spring packs all together. There is NO change in the relationship between springs and chassis spring pads...



So why do you have to remove the Auxiliary springs??

 

[KMeek]

Here is the latest on the Truck height problem. Hooked up the truck and trailer last night--there is only a 3" clearance between the top of the truck box and the bottom of the trailer--not enough room! It tows okay on flat level ground---but driveways, curbs, forest service type campgrounds, etc. would be a problem.



Called my tire shop to see if I can at least partially fix the problem with taller tires. I have P205 tires now that have a 27. 1" O. D. I can get 225 tires that have an O. D. of 30. 25". I am told that I can get additional height in an amount equal to 1/2 of the additional height of the tires (30. 25 - 27. 1= 3. 15" and 3. 15" divided by two = 1. 575"). Since I need new tires anyway I can gain 1. 575" this way. I doubt that the additional height will translate into a full 1. 575" gain in height between the top of the box and the bottom of the trailer. I expect to get at least an inch though. Am going to drive the trailer onto some 2x4's soon to see how much difference there will be if I go to the taller tires. Will keep you posted.



I still plan to have the local shop that flipped my axles see if there is any more height they can get for me.



Incidentally---the height of the box of my 98 4x4 QC with a V-10 ( measured at the top of the tailgate) was @ 55" and the 2001. 5 4x4 diesel is 57 3/4". No explanation for the reason on the increase in height.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

My 2001 2500 4x4 had 5" blocks, overloads, etc.



I made a 2-1/2" block to replace the 5" and left the overloads. I adjusted the headlights.



All has been good for over 27,000 miles.



At 28,000 miles I replaced the stiff oem shocks with Rancho 9000s.



All is even better today!

 

[BK]

My buddy has a '01 dually 4x4 with the overload springs and a HR 5'ver. It was real close.

He went and looked at the new HR, they went to a, think it was a 16" rim and what ever tires to help solve the problems with the tall 4x4 rams being close with the HR.



So he got a set of new rims and the tires as they specified and his problem was solved.

He did not want to take out the OL springs... and such, or change the blocks... So while the new rims and tires werent the cheapest way out, it saved the $$$ he spent on the optional parts he allready paid for on the truck... .

 

[SLittle]

KMeek - I put my trailer on 2x4's and the gap between the truck bed and trailer increased by roughly 1/2 of the 2x4 height. Your trailer is longer than mine so I think the increase would be even less.



Even though I hate the thought of it, it seems that cutting down the lift blocks would be the most efficient way of correcting the problem. Can the blocks simply be taken to a machine shop and cut down or does something special need to be done in addition. I know you might possibly need different ubolts.



Scott



edit: I've seen lowering kits for other trucks, is there one available for the 3500? (other than the Dodge $600 kit)

 

[Ron Bissett]

Flip axle ?

When you say that the shop fliped the axle did they put new seats on top of the axle? Dexter has a kit that raised my trailer a full 5. 5 in cost about 27. 50 per axle can be done without welding but I welded mine seems like the trailer should be cheaper to lift . note the axle has a bow and it must remain up when done right new seat , spring on top of seat seat bolt down to old seat for alighment and welded if needed ,should be about right hight. also you may have to adjust pin box up or down as needed if possible on your rig . link www.dexteraxle.com for information . Hope you find a salution Ron in Louisville KY

 

[BK]

Thats just what I did with the ones I did, since I wanted to keep the wheel alignment correct.



We made some mounts, and welded them onto the axle and put the axle under the spring. Also welded a 2 inch axle bump stop to the frame so the springs wouldnt over arch on a bump