Lifting and Towing
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 78
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From: Brownsburg, IN
Lifting and Towing
Hey all,
I was wondering a couple things (i just got my truck so bear with me, i'm pretty green). First off, I was curious as to how much lift I could put on my truck and still feasibly pull an 8x10 trailer. I'd like to go as high as possible and still be able to pull the trailer. My concern was whether or not the hitch would be to high from the ground.
Secondly, what are some good brands of lifts? Should I buy a kit? I've been looking around and it has left me somewhat confused. Seems like there is a lot to lifting a truck. Are steering stabilizers needed?
Finally, with the suggested lift, what tires and wheels fit? My truck is a 1995 F-150XL, 5-speed manual tranny, 4.9L inline 6, 4x2. Very basic truck and all stock. This is basically for show, not actual off-roading (not much, if at all), but I'd like to have a smooth ride still.
Thank you for the input. I know it's a lot of questions.
Landon
I was wondering a couple things (i just got my truck so bear with me, i'm pretty green). First off, I was curious as to how much lift I could put on my truck and still feasibly pull an 8x10 trailer. I'd like to go as high as possible and still be able to pull the trailer. My concern was whether or not the hitch would be to high from the ground.
Secondly, what are some good brands of lifts? Should I buy a kit? I've been looking around and it has left me somewhat confused. Seems like there is a lot to lifting a truck. Are steering stabilizers needed?
Finally, with the suggested lift, what tires and wheels fit? My truck is a 1995 F-150XL, 5-speed manual tranny, 4.9L inline 6, 4x2. Very basic truck and all stock. This is basically for show, not actual off-roading (not much, if at all), but I'd like to have a smooth ride still.
Thank you for the input. I know it's a lot of questions.
Landon
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Lifting and Towing
I have a picture of a red F-150 4x2 with 4" of lift and 32" tires in my gallery. I chose the 32" tires because they worked ok with the 3.55 gears and I could still use the stock rims. You don't have to worry about towing with a lift, you don't have to start worrying until you get over 6" of lift. A steering stabilizer is recommended on large tires, mostly recommended for 33" and higher. Skyjacker is a good kit to buy, that is what I have going in my 4wd truck (6" though).
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 78
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From: Brownsburg, IN
Lifting and Towing
LOL, that picture is great. Thanks for all the info fella's. Mustang, you said I shouldn't have to worry about it unless I lift over 6". Hypothetically speaking, If I were to have a 2 or 3" body lift on top of a 6" suspension lift, would that count? I assume it would but better to ask than let it go i guess.
Thanks again,
Landon
Thanks again,
Landon
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,205
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver WA
Lifting and Towing
Lift is lift, whether it is suspension or body, it still raises the center of gravity (performance issues of the different lifts not withstanding). Body lift doesn't raise the height of the hitch though.
The problem with having a big drop on a hitch, especially one as crazy as that picture, is in panic stop situations. The more drop there is in the hitch, the more likely it is that the trailer can bend the hitch up under the truck. Obviously, trailer brakes help eliminate this.
The problem with having a big drop on a hitch, especially one as crazy as that picture, is in panic stop situations. The more drop there is in the hitch, the more likely it is that the trailer can bend the hitch up under the truck. Obviously, trailer brakes help eliminate this.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Lifting and Towing
Yeah but they make those strong enough that there shouldn't be a problem. I don't even know if towing a trailer is a problem over 6" of lift, I just wouldn't worry about it until I got over 6".
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 396
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From: Smithton
Lifting and Towing
Just a little side note. Most lift manufactures do not recommend heavy loads or trailers with their lifts. Most of the rear leaf springs that come with lifts are not heavy enough to carry a big load a lot.
A guy I used to work with put a 6 inch lift on his 86 F150, and also hauled some wood with it. Now the truck looks like crap. The front is still high, but the back looks stock, because the springs are shot. He called the company to complain and they told him that they were made that way and his STOCK springs would actually carry more weight.
A guy I used to work with put a 6 inch lift on his 86 F150, and also hauled some wood with it. Now the truck looks like crap. The front is still high, but the back looks stock, because the springs are shot. He called the company to complain and they told him that they were made that way and his STOCK springs would actually carry more weight.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 692
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From: Coon Rapids, MN
Lifting and Towing
mrwizard said it....that hitch is WAY unsafe. First of all that drop is homemade....it goes straight down from the hitch which creates tremendous stress on the hitch and frame. I would even worry about going up steep hills or passing people with something like that. Any hitch you buy in the store that has alot of drop will be slanted to help absorb some of the stress. I believe you can buy them up to 8" drop, which is ALOT. I have one that we use on our Dodge 2500 (bumper is up to my waiste).
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,205
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From: Vancouver WA
Lifting and Towing
My Dad had one made when he had his Dodge that had a diagonal brace between the part that goes in the receiver and the drop. It made it stick out a little farther, but it was strong.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 78
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From: Brownsburg, IN
Lifting and Towing
Sounds like maybe I should just go with a 3" body lift instead of dealing with a suspension lift since i'm going to be towing an 8x10 trailer every once in a while. Assuming that's the case, is there anywhere where I can see what size tires will fit under my truck without rubbing and having a 3" body lift? Thanks again.
Landon
Landon
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