Question on hitch and pin box height.

[Toolguy5]

Went from a 2006 2500 HD Silverado to a 3500 HD Sierra Denali. Buying a new B&W companion slider. The Slider has a height adjustment of 17 to 19 inches. To get the 6 inches of clearance from 5er overhang to truck bed rails I need the 19inches of height on hitch.
That puts the 5er about 8 inches off level from front to back. There are 2 holes left where the pin box can be raised. If I take the pin box all the way up to narrow the distance from front of 5er to rear. Will that also reduce the 6 inch clearance I need for bed rails.
Just having a difficult time trying to envision the outcome.

[Old-Biscuit]

Well..........

You don't have any adjustment hole in shackles and spring packs are already on top of axles

So that means 'subframe' modification in order to raise 5vr so it tows level

One example....roughly 8" over all lift

[Toolguy5]

here is a picture of axles

[Old-Biscuit]

Adjustment of hitch and pin box is what gives you truck bedrail & 5vr overhang clearance.....preferred is 6" minimum

5vr front to rear 'level' adjustments is done at 5vr axle/suspension

If you have extra hole is leaf spring shackles you can raise 5vr by using lower holes.
If no extra shackle holes you can 'flip' axles (move leaf springs from under axle tubes to on top of axles tubes).
Unless leaf springs are already on top of axle tubes.

Then you would have to raise 5vr by installing square tube (in height you need 3", 4" etc) on frame. Cut spring shackles off..weld square tubing on frame, weld shackles back on square tube. Also weld cross bracing from side to side.


It ain't easy to get a level towing 5vr anymore!

[laknox]

Toolguy5 wrote:
Went from a 2006 2500 HD Silverado to a 3500 HD Sierra Denali. Buying a new B&W companion slider. The Slider has a height adjustment of 17 to 19 inches. To get the 6 inches of clearance from 5er overhang to truck bed rails I need the 19inches of height on hitch.
That puts the 5er about 8 inches off level from front to back. There are 2 holes left where the pin box can be raised. If I take the pin box all the way up to narrow the distance from front of 5er to rear. Will that also reduce the 6 inch clearance I need for bed rails.
Just having a difficult time trying to envision the outcome.

Post some pics of your FW suspension and we can give more info. 2 things come immediately to mind. Make sure the FW springs are in the lowest hole (if more than one) of the hangars; if not, move them. If you do, take the time to install a wet bolt kit. Check to see if the spring packs are below or above the axle tube. If below, you can move them on top fairly inexpensively and gain about 4" more height. There are kits to do this, though may require welding new spring perches onto the axles. Another solution that I've also read about, where only a couple more inches are needed, is installing new, heavier, spring hangars onto the frame. This means cutting the old ones off and welding new ones on. Usually, you'd also add cross-braces between them for more lateral strength when making tight turns. If you still need more height, the =safest= way to go is to add a sub-frame between the FW main frame and the suspension. Usually a 2x4" tube is welded in place, and extends a ways fore and aft of the spring hangar attachments. Cross-braces are also recommended here, too.

Lyle