Lift with gooseneck towing

[Brahmus]

I'm going to put a lift on my 09 HD here shortly. I was originally thinking of the icon 2.5" lift. I plan to stick with the 35" tires but i tow a gooseneck trailer fairly often. My question is, can I get by with a 4.5" lift, or am I asking for trouble? I should say these trailers are nearly always loaded down to max towing capacity, but I don't go far.

I'm also thinking of removing a leaf from the rear, adding a single block with whatever lift I go with up front to level it out, traction bars and overload air bags for when I do hook up the trailer. I'm thinking this would provide the best ride quality for everyday driving and allow me to tow the max loads w/o issue.

Thoughts?

[ianstew]

I am not a fan of towing GN with a lift, but what kind of trailer?

[Brahmus]

The heaviest one will be a 36' Dual wheel, tandem Dove tail deck over. It's usually loaded with the dozer or excavator. (Read "extremely heavy") The most common is a 24' low boy with the tractor, mini excavator, or small dozer. Then there is the cattle trailer, but that isn't of much issue. Like I said, I don't go far. Most of the time I rarely get up to posted speed limits. We do small construction/dirt work in and around my local town, so we just move from one site to another, all within a few minutes of each other.

I agree and understand your concern, hence why I posted up. I don't see an issue with the 2.5", but I'm not sure if the 4.5 is 1. actually 4.5", 2. to high to load properly or 3. an issue with he weight.

[CT Performance, Inc.]

It comes down to clearance for the gooseneck, rear will be lifted 2.5". best riding kit will have a front true front 4 link arm kit. The best for towing will be rear 2.5" mini spring packs by Deaver..Pure Performance 4.5" kit comes std with both..PM me if I can price one out or a Icon kit..

Cary

[airforcex2]

Axle wrap is something to consider when your talking about adding blocks and towing heavy loads.

[Brahmus]

Originally Posted by Brahmus

I'm also thinking of removing a leaf from the rear, adding a single block with whatever lift I go with up front to level it out, traction bars and overload air bags for when I do hook up the trailer.

Originally Posted by CT Performance, Inc.

It comes down to clearance for the gooseneck, rear will be lifted 2.5". best riding kit will have a front true front 4 link arm kit. The best for towing will be rear 2.5" mini spring packs by Deaver..Pure Performance 4.5" kit comes std with both..PM me if I can price one out or a Icon kit..

Cary

True front 4 link arm kit even with only 2.5"? I didn't consider the mini spring pack due to the stiffer ride when unloaded with is 85% of the time. Thoughts on helper bags as a substitute?

Originally Posted by airforcex2

Axle wrap is something to consider when your talking about adding blocks and towing heavy loads.

Yes agreed, they are par to fthe equation that I spoke of in the beginning.

[CT Performance, Inc.]

Yes 2.5" with 4 link arms..best riding kit you can get IMO.
Air bags best option for a truck thats not towing alot..the rear mini spring packs don't ride that bad empty..and don't wrap like taller blocks.

[Brahmus]

Originally Posted by CT Performance, Inc.

Air bags best option for a truck thats not towing alot..the rear mini spring packs don't ride that bad empty..and don't wrap like taller blocks.

You say "thats not towing alot" as in alot of weight, or as in alot of time on the hitch?

And you say "don't ride that bad empty" does that mean worst that stock? I "feel" as if the rear end bounces around on bad roads and assumed it was from an oversprung rear, am I wrong?

[CT Performance, Inc.]

Alot of time towing

These trucks are designed to haul weight so anytime they are empty they will be stiff..nature of the beast.

Yes the mini pack will be stiffer than a stock spring..I don't mind as I use my truck to mainly haul weight in the bed or tow..plus roads in NV are great unlike Ca or other states.
The Excursion is whats used for day to day pleasure driving.

[wired1]

a 4.5" is perfect for towing a goose neck. I got a icon 4.5" and tow my goose neck all the time with no issues around a 10k-15k avg on weight and i even flexed out the truck and trailer and still had a few inches between the bed rail and trailer. A 4.5" is the perfect hight to still use your truck and mike it look a little bigger. I'll post a pic of what mine looks like hooked later.