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Dec 16, 2004 | 05:33 PM

Beefford

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Alright fellas, I need some advice. I had an 03 FX4 scab and the rear end of that truck with the stock ranchos was as stiff as any 1/2 ton I've seen. Well, I had to have the 04 FX4 scab (for obvious reasons) and traded in. I recently put about 1300 lbs in the 04 and it squatted to the point my buddy with a Z71 was clowning me. I'm really concerned that when I install the "must have" leveling kit that the squatted rear end is really going to show. Will after-market shocks (something like ranchos) make any difference for me? I've really got to shut up my bow tie driving buddy.

Dec 16, 2004 | 07:58 PM

osbornk

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Joined: Nov 2004

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From: Marion, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beefford

Shocks don't have any effect on the height of a vehicle as they bear no weight. They control the up and down motion. I hauled about 1050 pounds on my standard cab 4X4 last week and it almost brought it down to level. The rear was still about an inch high.

Last edited by osbornk; Dec 16, 2004 at 07:58 PM. Reason: typo

Dec 16, 2004 | 08:03 PM

blitzen25bm

Elder User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 922

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From: san diego

i put 1200 lbs and it made it almost level and 1800 made it pretty level. i have a lariat too. maybe your suspension is a little worn how many miles you have? shocks should help they will push the springs up more.

Dec 16, 2004 | 08:56 PM

chains

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Joined: Aug 2004

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From: Eastern Pennsylvania

I have had the same concerns. Perhaps one solution is to add adjustable air bags to the back suspension. That way, the truck is level most of the time after the leveling kit is installed. If you haul something heavy, just put some air in the back and you're still level......... Sounds like the best of both worlds......

Dec 16, 2004 | 11:54 PM

khendrix

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Joined: Apr 2004

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I hauled a little over a ton of pea gravel in my 4x2 short bed. It flattened the leaf springs. I dont recommend anyone doing this as my springs were replaced a couple of weeks ago. I had a terrible popping/banging sound someing from the rear end when the truck frame was in a bind. They replaced the springs, which I thought would not help the problem, and it rides wonderfully sound free now.

Dont over load the back... I think thats what hurt my truck.

Dec 17, 2004 | 12:08 AM

blitzen25bm

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Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 922

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From: san diego

i tried reading the manual on how much to load but i they only have the max weight including the truck. how much does my 4x4 screw weigh?

how often do you haul stuff? do you think it matters where the load is? i usually try to have mine as far back as possible. the z71 could laugh when you are hauling but everytime i go in a silverado it looks like the interiors from the early 90s or late 80s.

Dec 17, 2004 | 01:11 AM

hunkster

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I just hauled 2400 lbs of land scaping blocks in my '04 4x4 lariat screw today. It was too much wieght really, but the truck handled it OK. The axel was just short of touching, probably only an inch of travel left. The truck handled the weight better than a friends Chevy, which was bottomed out before a ton was loaded. The one thing about the supercrew is that you can't really load the front axle because the box is so short, so all of the weight is supported by the rear.
On a side note- the Vortex liner (spray in) worked great. They loaded a pallet with a fork lift, which meant stick it in half way then push the rest of the way. I expected to find the liner gouged or even ripped, but it was totally untouched! These spray in liners are the cats a$$, and keep everything from sliding around.
BTW- weight calculated from 100 24lb. blocks