Posted 2012-01-27 6:08 PM (#140349) Subject: Can you haul GN trailer with 2" lifted truck? I know lifting is a no-no....
Regular
Posts: 70
We are truck-buying right now, to upgrade from our old F250.
We found a really nice, clean, reasonable 1999 F-250 XLT with extra cab, long bed, 4 x 4 and most importantly.....the 7.3L diesel engine :)
BUT - we didn't know it had a 2" lift. Is that a deal breaker? We want to buy it, but we know that LIFTS ARE BAD - when it comes to towing.
The seller says it's just an extra leaf spring in the front, and a 1" block behind.
This truck sits only BARELY 2 inches higher at the top/bed-rails, than my current F-250 (stock)
So I think the CLEARANCE is okay......it will have 6 inches of space above the bed rails, to the nose of the gooseneck trailer.
I know we'd have to be careful if going over some steep bumps/incline/angles etc.
BUT - are there other RED FLAGS with regards to using a 2" lifted truck for hauling? The trucks' MAIN PURPOSE is to haul our 2.5 horse Turnbow GN slant/stock combo with dressing room.
Is the suspension comprimised because of this small lift? Or is it so small that the "taller height" wont' really make a difference? I don't want any "weakened" suspension and I just am NOT famliar with lifts. I know we DID NOT WANT ONE.
Thoughts??? AGain, I took the measurments, and the clearance should be okay. I know it's not ideal to have a lifted truck, even 2" lift......but is it OKAY? Everything else is IDEAL on this, and we are leaning towards BUYING IT :)
Posted 2012-01-27 7:04 PM (#140351 - in reply to #140349) Subject: RE: Can you haul GN trailer with 2" lifted truck? I know lifting is a no-no....
Member
Posts: 35
Make sure the tires are still E load rated, I have seen quite a few trucks with tires that are standard D rated tires because someone didnt want to spend the money. If the clearance is good and the trailer is level it shouldn't be a big deal with a smaller trailer.
Posted 2012-01-27 7:20 PM (#140353 - in reply to #140349) Subject: RE: Can you haul GN trailer with 2" lifted truck? I know lifting is a no-no....
Regular
Posts: 70
Thanks for the feedback. So far I'm feeling pretty okay with having a 2" lift on the truck. I want to get new tires soon anyways. I'll double check what they have, but they aren't new, and I'll get the good ones :)
Right, my trailer is only a 2.5 horse w/ dressing room (stock/combo) but I'd like to get a 2+1 w/ dressing room someday.....
Posted 2012-01-27 10:37 PM (#140355 - in reply to #140349) Subject: RE: Can you haul GN trailer with 2" lifted truck? I know lifting is a no-no....
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If the truck has had a suspension lift, it doesn't take too much time or money to restore it to its original height. One problem with the lifts, is the change in the pinon angles which can damage the "U" joints on a high lift. This should not be a problem with this truck, but it might be worth checking the joints when performing the retro fit.
A stock ride height will restore the factory ride, handling and stability that were compromised with the modifications. You may be able to resell the used parts on EBay, for those who have similar trucks and want an additional suspension clearance.
Posted 2012-01-29 7:49 PM (#140386 - in reply to #140349) Subject: RE: Can you haul GN trailer with 2" lifted truck? I know lifting is a no-no....
Regular
Posts: 69
Having owned lifted trucks in the past this sounds more like a “leveling lift” but either way it does change the characteristics of the truck. Gard is correct about the U joints. Another thing is the ride is going to be stiffer due to the one inch rear blocks. Lastly the the trucks CG has been changed.
The other thing to check is the tire height as with a lift I bet they increased the tire size. If so then that needs to be added to the lift height as well. This is not uncommon but must be remembered.
Can you haul GN trailer with 2" lifted truck? I know lifting is a no-no....
