Need to raise my truck

[tapwelder]

I have a 1988 ford f150 short bed. I need to raise the rear end up about 2-4 inches. I tow a light trailer, however with hitch system underneath the bumper the trailer is tilted downward. Any suggestions on the best/simplest way to do that?

Thanks

[LuzRD]

air bags are pretty simple, and should allow you to change the height enough. as well as let you lower it back down when your not towing

[Joe H]

We need pics...


Wouldn't it be easier to raise the hitch??

Is it a reciever hitch??

[tapwelder]

Yes it is a hitch receiver. It sit below my bumper. Do thy make a receiver that goes up. Mine has a 1 inch drop.

Thanks

[Joe H]

Take the ball out, put it in upside down. Presto, 2" higher!

[mla2ofus]

They sell hitches for receivers that raise or lower the ball 6" depending on which way you put it in the receiver.
Mike

[Sandy]

Originally Posted by mla2ofus

They sell hitches for receivers that raise or lower the ball 6" depending on which way you put it in the receiver.
Mike

Agreed, with the exception that many of the lower pick-ups are done that way as a means to create a nice comfortable hi-way rig. Along with that can come a fairly mushy suspension for smooth ride purposes. If yours is that way and you would like a stiffer suspension then the air bag might be the answer. Make it stiffer for towing, let it down for normal use. Or a combo of hitch and bags.

There are also a huge variety of affordable spring additions out there but they generally lend themselves better to permanent loads or you end up with a pick-up with a jack rabbit profile that'll jump two inches on every bump ya hit.

[tanglediver]

Originally Posted by Joe H

Take the ball out, put it in upside down. Presto, 2" higher!

Joe is right, adjusting with a hitch receiver could not be easier. With the correct ball mount orientation, the truck should be level and the trailer should be level.

[MoonRise]

The height of the trailer coupler should be set to be level or close to level.

So, just get the hitch with the right rise/drop to work with your trailer!

Now, if the rear suspension on the truck is to soft for the tongue weight of the trailer, then you need to stiffen the suspension. Air bags, or new/extra leaf in the rear springs, etc, etc.

[fordman]

If you want to lift it I would suggest re positioning the rear shackle hangar. You can either flip it, make new ones, or find something that works. I found a set of front spring hangars off an f-550 and ran my shackles upside down, I boxed them for strength.

[lewray]

You need to call John McGee at Tennessee Offroad just down the down the street from you I believe. Shop # 248 8638

[tapwelder]

Thanks,

I will flip the hitch over,first.

Thanks Lewray, I know of a TN offroad in Franklin.

[littlefuzz]

Yup, flip the ball mount or change shackles if ya want your truck higher anyway.