Sub-frame for camper

[Eaglescout94]

This is my first post so bear with me. Ive got a 2000 F350 4x4, currently it has stock suspension on it but I’m looking into installing a leveling kit. I have a 97 Jayco 211sl, th previous owner relocated the springs to the top of the axles which worked ok with my worn out rear springs initially but I didn’t have much bed rail clearance. I put new rear springs on the truck and now it is obvious i need to lift the camper to get everything level. Jayco has been useless in suggesting anything and although I’ve read several posts about sub-frames there have been few pictures or details. Any advice and/or pictures on how best to go about installing my subframe with proper cross bracing?

[Eaglescout94]

Do you happen to have any pics? I’m more than capable of doing the welding but don’t know for sure how I wanna to about designing the subframe

[AZ_T_T]

I had a 4"subframe added to my FW by a local welding company that was recommended by the dealership we bought our Jayco from. It is basically a metal box. The axle's are still align-able. Have had it for seven years, have towed on some very rough roads and have had zero issues.

[Eaglescout94]

Leveling kit would be to lessen the take of the truck currently. It has brand new rear springs and 2 year old front springs but still has a healthy rake to it.
To racap-
Stock sized truck and trailer tires
I’m guessing at the needed frame size for now
Even if I install a 6” subframe I might only touch 11 foot high at the top of my ac unit.
The camper doesn’t weigh much but would have proper bracing/gussets and the subframe would be longer than the current mounting point of the suspension mounts

I was hoping someone that’s done it or something similar would chime in, seems all the threads I’ve read previously are around 6” subframe some more others less.

[WNYBob]

I saw somewhere, on one forum or another, a real sub frame, it was a complete "box" that spanned to original fame, with cross members to eliminate bending of suporting "blocks".
I tried searching but couldn't find it. Keep looking the are out there, be safe and do it right.

Also check the overall height of your rig! You don't want to go over the max std height!

[ScottG]

For towing, I would not install a leveling kit OR big toy tires. Both add up to a lousy towing experience.

[Eaglescout94]

It has the stock size tires on it. There is no lift installed on the truck but it seems to sit taller than any other truck I’ve had it next to, stock or lifted. I know 6” is kinda a lot but I’ve seen others, online that did more and I’m just guessing right now in the needed lift. Even after lifted it won’t be higher than 11 foot total though.

[ford_truck_guy]

^^^ This is / was my first question?? 6” AFTER the axle flip is still a HUGE subframe....

[Lynnmor]

Do you have stock size tires on the truck? Is the truck higher than what it was when new?

[Eaglescout94]

Because then I’d need to install a 10 inch subframe instead of 6 inch or so that I need now. The springs were under the axles stock, previous owner flipped them, i still need more lift so subframe is the option I’m looking into.

[oldretiredafguy]

Why not just move the axles to their original location?

Also a great time to replace the shackles/bolts at the same time.

Then get both axles aligned, and it will be like new!