Hey Jack- what about getting some lowering shackles for the rear of the truck? They would be really cheap, and easy to swap, so if you need the extra space back there, it won't be hard to switch in. Just throwin around ideers hear...

 

About 2-3 months ago I saw a 2003 3500 with Utah plates and a fifth wheel at a Dodge dealer in New York that was in for service. I mentioned it to my buddy that runs the parts department and I remarked that it was a 2 wheel drive. He said it only looked that way because it had a Dodge lowering kit installed. Apparently Dodge recognized these things are too high for a fifth wheel.

 

Jack, do you have a spring shop around? I had the same problem on my 01 and I had a spring shop BAJA my 5er. They actually raised it 12" at the axles. I had pics on here at on time but I guess since I've been gone, they have been removed. Let me know if I need to dig up some old pics.

 

I haven't looked at this thread in a while, but I'm still working on this issue. Given the choices, I'm seriously considering lowering the rear of the truck. There are spacers there that would give me nearly 2 inches, but I don't know how it will affect the driveline. Has anyone out there done this? If so, what does it look like? how does it run?

 

Jack,
If it were me, I would not even consider messing with the height of the truck at the rear end. Too many things involved such as front end problems, drivelines etc can come into play. The truck handles perfectly set up as it is from the factory, why mess it up?

Seems like the cheapest and best solution would be to raise the 5ver, this will give you better clearance under the trailer if you should take it off road, and save a lot of hassle with the truck.

As suggested a spring shop should be able to fix you right up cheaper than you might imagine.

JMHO

 

On the other hand Top, if Dodge does have a lowering kit, perhaps it is not only feasible to lower it but has their approval to do so.

But of course this begs the question, does Dodge have a lowering kit?

jr

 

I don't know but I'm going to find out right now.

 

I'm still wondering if you guys know if Dodge has a lowering kit. I have called two dealers who didn't know one way or the other.

I'm still working through this. Talked to the trailer manufacturer and they told me it's not recommended to do any cutting or welding of the frame. They said all the folks who had this problem in the past were lowering their trucks.

It may be what I have to do, but if that's the case, HOW? ...and if so, how do I do it without jeopardizing my warranty?

 

We just came back last week from over 9,000 miles in our new truck. Part of our journey took us to Yakima, WA and the Alpenlite fifth-wheel plant. After the plant tour I asked about the height issue.

They took a tape measure out to check my truck and said that with the stock 4x4 there would be no difficulty in pulling an Alpenlite fifth-wheel with six inches of clearance from the bed rails.

The Alpenlite frame has a system which allows the fifth-wheel to be raised up to three inches in 1/2 increments. I am going to take my truck to the Alpenlite dealer in Sacramento and ask more questions.

What about the suggestion of putting the two spacer blocks on the top of the stack and lowering the truck 2 inches?

jr

 

HA! I got some information from Dodge today. Apparently they have been having a lot of complaints about this new body style and the height of the truck. Their engineers are working on a kit right now that will lower the truck by a few inches, while keeping the driveline in the same condition from the factory. What I mean is that this kit allows for lowering of the truck without screwing up the balance of it. They also say the older kits will NOT work without some major modifications to the kit.

If you know anyone who's been looking for this information, pass this post on to them. I know there have been a lot of questions about it in the past. When I find out a timeframe for the kit to market, Ill let you know.

 

Good detective work. Thanks Jack. Hope they have some news in the next couple of months.

jr

 

Good luck Jack in getting your truck height adjusted. If dodge comes out with a kit it will probably be on the spendy side. I looked at their kit for my 2001 & they wanted over $600.00 for it. I lowered mine for under $100.00 by milling down my blocks. Had my alignment checked everything was good.
I saw some posts over on TDR of some 3rd gens doing a lowering method, if I was a little more computer savy I would post the thread here. You might go over there & do a search.

Glenn

 

This past Sunday while going down I-85, we came upon a fiver hooked to a Ram DRW 4X4 sitting on the shoulder. I stopped to see if I could help. (I know it's risky but everything looked legit and I was packin) He had a blow out on his fiver's rear axle. He had no lug wrench to fit the lugs on the wheel. He was using the truck jack to jack it up and he did not have a spare. Making a long story short, I went home and came back with a lug wrench and helped him get on his way. He admitted most of the weight weight was on the back axle. I eyeballed his height from the bed rails...at least 8" at the front of the fiver.

The tread wrapped around the axle between the spring and hub. First blow out I've seen with very little cosmetic damage done to the trailer. He was fortunate.

Jack, it's good you are not taking you're situation lightly. I hope you can get it fixed.

Anyone else pulling heavy on one axle, make sure you have ALL the proper equipment WITH you in case of a blow out cause people like me come along about every 2 days and you sure don't want to wait that long. Also keep your trailer tire air pressure at the recommended psi.

 

I just got a response back from Kelderman air systems specifically asking about the lowering ability of their systems. 1" front & 3"s rear. Sounds about right. Pricey but definitly an upgrade from stock ride both loaded & empty. I know what problem you face with the higher truck which is why I won't sell the 2wd untill I can also lower my 4x4.

Or maybe it's only problems for 04' silver 4x4 duallies -- I saw your picture of your truck & dog -- Looks exactly like my set up except my dog is an Husky

db

 

You have a nice truck, AND a nice dog then I had a husky before this GSD. Was a great dog.