2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Want a 2" lift - which one for load carrying and towing???

[MattTaylor]

I have an 01 2500 4x4 that I tow my Bronco with. Typically, I take my truck camper along too. I REALLY want to put 315's on my truck and know that I need about a 2" lift to accomplish this. I looked at KORE, Lorenz, and Carli, but from talking with Sean at Lorenz, I get the impression that those kits are not geared for payload and towing (especially on the 2nd gens)... . also, they are so expensive.



On the opposite end, you have the rough riding kits like Skyjacker and Tuff Country. They would seem to be better for loads, but will probably rattle my teeth out unloaded.



I have been thinking about putting 2" spacers in the front and 2" Tuff Country add-a-leafs in the back with Bilsteins all the way around. This is the best compromise I can think of for everything I do with my truck (I don't take it 4wheeling). Also, I want to keep the rear higher than the front so it sits level when I tow/haul.



Thoughts???? Recommendations????



Also, has anyone ever spaced up their overload spring to keep it at the proper level with lifted trucks (to keep the load capacity)? Recommendations?



EnergySuspension bushings???



I want to get this thing right the first time...

 

[JFlagg]

Are you planning on getting new wheels? 315's on stock wheels will rub the lower control arm regardless of lift. And I also think 2" would be pushing it, I think you would be better with 3". I have the 3" SkyJacker and it rides better than stock, but don't waste your money on their shocks, get something better elsewhere. I had to replace mine cause 2 lost their charge after only 50K miles, I went with ProComp adjustables, but Bilsteins should be just fine also.

 

[MattTaylor]

I'm running 3rd gen wheels. I had thought about wheel spacers or new skyjacker control arms (something to give more room for turning radius). Right now, I'm running 285 and they rub a bit.



What skyjacker kit do you have? All of the KOREs/Lorenz are 2 inches and they say they clear 35's.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have one of the big 3 suspension systems on my 2nd and 3rd gen trucks they both handle my 750lb tongue wt fine. The 2nd gen has a rear mini pack the 3rd has a full leaf pack and long travel airbags. Of course the 3rd gen is the nicest driving... ... ... ... much more refined,but less fuel mileage too. I would not consider running one of the generics after driving a real system.



Bob

 

[MattTaylor]

I have one of the big 3 suspension systems on my 2nd and 3rd gen trucks they both handle my 750lb tongue wt fine. The 2nd gen has a rear mini pack the 3rd has a full leaf pack and long travel airbags. Of course the 3rd gen is the nicest driving... ... ... ... much more refined,but less fuel mileage too. I would not consider running one of the generics after driving a real system.



Bob

Would you load a 2400lb camper on it and tow a 18' trailer that's approx 7k? Not questioning... . just trying to figure it out... .

 

[Bob4x4]

The weight would be a non-issue but the center of gravity on a single wheel truck would not be good. I would go dually.



Bob

 

[Desert Proven]

Matt,



We drive a 2nd gen with a KORE system. I've carried our camper (wet, well over 2500 pounds) many times down through Baja for weeks on end.



I've also towed pretty heavily with a large load in the back (2000 pounds in the back and about 10,000 on a trailer). The KORE suspension has handled it just fine.



Bob4x4 raises a good point about center of gravity. I would also seriously look at your GVWR. I'm guessing that you'll bee significantly overweight with your truck. The vehicle will handle it, but I would also tell you that you should be considering a 3500 to handle that weight regularly.



On a side note, we also run 315's with our set up and only rub on the control arms at a full lock.



The mini pack from KORE will replace your factory overload spring and will keep your truck at a weight rating of that of a 2500. However, I know for a fact, that when my truck is loaded similarly to that, we are over the factory specifications for the vehicle. Can you do it, yes, but you will be overloaded.



We're happy to help with questions.



best regards,

 

[MattTaylor]

Matt,



We drive a 2nd gen with a KORE system. I've carried our camper (wet, well over 2500 pounds) many times down through Baja for weeks on end.



I've also towed pretty heavily with a large load in the back (2000 pounds in the back and about 10,000 on a trailer). The KORE suspension has handled it just fine.



Bob4x4 raises a good point about center of gravity. I would also seriously look at your GVWR. I'm guessing that you'll bee significantly overweight with your truck. The vehicle will handle it, but I would also tell you that you should be considering a 3500 to handle that weight regularly.



On a side note, we also run 315's with our set up and only rub on the control arms at a full lock.



The mini pack from KORE will replace your factory overload spring and will keep your truck at a weight rating of that of a 2500. However, I know for a fact, that when my truck is loaded similarly to that, we are over the factory specifications for the vehicle. Can you do it, yes, but you will be overloaded.



We're happy to help with questions.



best regards,

I totally understand what you are saying. I should probably clarify that I only use my truck like this 5-10% of the time... . the rest of the time, it's unloaded.

 

[Desert Proven]

If you only use your truck like this sometimes, then I would think that you could get by with a mini-pack set up in the rear. We have a lot of customers who do this and then add airbags to help out with the heavy loads. The mini pack with provide you a much improved ride over the stock set up for unloaded travel.