I'm still waiting on my capture plate to install on the 5th wheel. The picture has obviously stirred up some folks about bed rail clearance. I was parked there so my wife had room in our driveway to get around me - the 5th is NOT hooked up nor do I even have a hitch installed in the bed either. To boot, the 5th isn't even leveled front to back in the picture either. I will definitely be lifting - I'm going from a drop axle to a straight (should net about 3.5" immediately) and also going with larger tires (1") and possibly a spring pack that has an extra spring as well (should also new 0.25"). THe clearance will be good to go and the rig will be leveled and balanced well.
I am most concerned about whether or not I'm needlessly spending money on a heavier axle - along with the heavier springs that they'll bear with it (4k lbs instead of 3500 lbs) . I don't want it bouncing all over the road, especially since its so small/light to begin with and its only axle isn't too far behind mine.
Is your riser installed on your (ISR) industry standard rails? I may have to look into that. I should find out tomorrow after I install my capture plate and hookup for the first time exactly how it'll sit (pre lift).
Dannyabear1:
1) I couldn't disagree more, I think the 5VZ is adequate for its size/weight totally - of the three I've owned (and current) get about 16-19mpg in town and 18- 23 hwy. Towing 4k lbs civic/trailer @ 55mph dropped it pretty good, by about 5mpg on hwy.
2) Capacity is small? My 2 row is the same size as Tacoma and 4Runner radiators that share the same motor. Small in what way? I did just replace my t belt and such and my motor got a new water pump/thermo/coolant to boot. Mine is a 5 speed manual, I haven't owned (nor would I) an automatic and wasn't aware tranny cooling wasn't offered from factory (aside from the stock radiator trans cooler).
3) That is true, I was very concerned about this. I have the rails placing the weight/center of pin 1" ahead of axle and if I didn't have the superglide (which is adjustable with its base feet towards rear, not to mention the 14" slide feature) I'd be in trouble. I called them and gave them my specs before purchasing the hitch - supposedly I should have 3" clearance cab:5th minimum
Keep in mind this 5th wheel is pretty narrow, Its about 6' 8" total width as well
4) My suspension/shocks are new and in fantastic shape, mine doesn't. I also have a set of load levelers if needed, but I'll hold off and see how it takes the weight first. It sounds to me like your truck may have some cooling problems, or otherwise.
I've used Tacomas, T100's and Tundras extensively for work/pleasure/offroad and have come back to the T100 a few times already and don't think I'll get rid of this one before I give it to my son. I'm well within manufacturers limits on ALL figures with change to spare; I'm pretty confident this'll be a worthwhile endeavor for my family. (sold our Toyota Dolphin over a year ago)
