Lowering my '08
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Lowering my '08
Hi All,
Well I have my '08 truck and I love it...can't wait to hook it up to my fifth wheel and see how she tows!
But I was wondering how difficult (and expensive) it would be to lower it a couple inches so the wife wouldn't have such a hard time getting in and out of it. "Tow Twuck" is a 4x4 duallie and it came with the factory tube-type "running boards". I am thinking about changing the running boards as well, but that wouldn't help much in this situation - I have running boards on my other diesel.
Since this truck is primarily our summertime tow vehicle and I don't do any off-roading with it, I am not too concerned with ground clearance, I just need it a bit lower to the ground and still have the suspension to carry the fifth wheel.
Anyone?
Well I have my '08 truck and I love it...can't wait to hook it up to my fifth wheel and see how she tows!
But I was wondering how difficult (and expensive) it would be to lower it a couple inches so the wife wouldn't have such a hard time getting in and out of it. "Tow Twuck" is a 4x4 duallie and it came with the factory tube-type "running boards". I am thinking about changing the running boards as well, but that wouldn't help much in this situation - I have running boards on my other diesel.
Since this truck is primarily our summertime tow vehicle and I don't do any off-roading with it, I am not too concerned with ground clearance, I just need it a bit lower to the ground and still have the suspension to carry the fifth wheel.
Anyone?
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
Well, if you lower the truck you're gonna loose weight carrying ability in the rear end. Take a look at the automatic drop down steps. you can get them full cab length or just small ones for every door. Some go down as much as a foot or more. Eaither that or get some custom running boards built, a good welder can make a very nice looking set for a decent price. Any way you go, it would probably be cheaper than lowering the entire truck.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by SouthTexasDiesel
Well, if you lower the truck you're gonna loose weight carrying ability in the rear end. Take a look at the automatic drop down steps. you can get them full cab length or just small ones for every door. Some go down as much as a foot or more. Eaither that or get some custom running boards built, a good welder can make a very nice looking set for a decent price. Any way you go, it would probably be cheaper than lowering the entire truck.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Mercedes, TX
This is the company that makes the retracting side step and if you look on this page they do sell a 2" extension for lifted trucks so if the step is lower than the factory one already and you drop it 2 more inches it will be perfect and it all retracts back under the truck so no problems with ground clearence
http://www.amp-research.com/products.../powerstep.asp
http://www.amp-research.com/products.../powerstep.asp
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Originally Posted by SouthTexasDiesel
Well, if you lower the truck you're gonna loose weight carrying ability in the rear end.....
All he needs to do is put some 2 inch blocks between the axle an the leafs, instead if the 4 inch blocks that are there now. It won't affect his load carrying capability at all and will lower the rear 2 inches. He'll still have full travel of the suspension, full use of the springs and the same F-350 axle.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
I believe the F350 Dualie only comes with a 2"block from the factory, versus the 4" on SRW trucks.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Lowering the rear won't really change step in height much......you'd have to lower the entire truck to do that.
AMP Powersteps drop about 14" from the door sill/step in height of the truck...
Stock height 07:
Closed:
AMP Powersteps drop about 14" from the door sill/step in height of the truck...
Stock height 07:
Closed:
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
DC you ever had any trouble with them getting too much snow/ice built up on them and not wanting to come down? I'm really thinking about getting a set eventually, but was kind of worried about that (as well as how to come up with the cash for them, $1300 is a bit steep for them when I've already got steps).
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Nope, have them on 3 trucks (my 01 and 07 and my dad's 05 SuperCrew)....well 4 if you count the set I got for my buddy to put on his K5 on 38s.
Back in early 06 (when I used to drive my 01 in the winter through the salt) I washed my truck when the windchills were -20*.....everything was freezing on the truck, but the steps still worked fine (wanted to wash it since it was caked in salt).
The way they tuck up you really don't get much snow on the step itself....never bothered to look under at the motor assembly.
And you should be able to get them for under $1300.....not too hard to install either.
Back in early 06 (when I used to drive my 01 in the winter through the salt) I washed my truck when the windchills were -20*.....everything was freezing on the truck, but the steps still worked fine (wanted to wash it since it was caked in salt).
The way they tuck up you really don't get much snow on the step itself....never bothered to look under at the motor assembly.
And you should be able to get them for under $1300.....not too hard to install either.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Many thanks to all who responded with help and opinions to this thread. Looks like the auto running board idea is the way to go. Al I have to do is measuer how far 13.5 inches will put the running boards and if that is a good height for milady. I am wondering if 13.5 inches may be too low! But we'll see. I definitely do not want to in any way mess with the load carrying capacity of this truck since it's purpose is to haul the fifth wheel! It's not a monster of a fiver, but I bought the truck for the fiver (the Blue Moose can do it, but since it is my winter ride, I don't want to stress it any more than I have to...plus it has a shell I really don't want to be taking off every summer!)
I will have to look into these automatic running boards...may be a nice addition to the luxury of Tow Twuck's Lariat package!
I will have to look into these automatic running boards...may be a nice addition to the luxury of Tow Twuck's Lariat package!