Not an engineer but I would have several concerns. First, if your desired setup increases the weight on the rear axle, (which you seem concerned about) in doing so it would decrease the weight on the other two axles and increase your pin weight. I would be concerned whether excessive stress would be placed on the structure with two points bearing more weight then designed for. These units are nearly 15000 lbs empty so you will easily reach your 18000 GVWR. I believe it is important to have the weight distributed as evenly as possible across your axles since each is only rated at 6000 lbs. Exceeding axle limits can lead to several issues including braking and probably tire failure. These units are also high at 13'3" so double check your clearance since 6.5" above stock could possibly put you at 13'9.5" or more depending on the height of your hitch. Hope you enjoy your rig as much as we have.
Yeah, I am completely hearing what you're saying, that is why I was trying to feel out the measurement play in these things. Obviously they were designed to hook up to the industries main trucks out there (Ford, GMC, Dodge) and all three of them are different in bed heights by AT LEAST a few inches, minimum, if not more, so I know there is some tolerance in how much the hitch point can go up or down. As much as I want to lift the truck a little, believe me, I WILL NOT pull that trigger if it will ultimately sacrifice safety or structural limits. As you pointed out the axles are rated at 6k each. Coincidentally I ave already been looking at that problem with respect to another problem. Based off of my math for weight allowances for "payload" (fresh water, gasoline, four Quads, groceries, etc.) on the TH, I would be exceeding that 18k gross weight limit. This still boggles my mind considering that these are supposed to be "toy haulers" and things like quads ("toys") are a good 700-800lbs each, and just the water and fuel weight, this 18k would be easily exceeded all the time. I already looked at the Dexter's Axle website and learned (if I am reading it correctly) that I can just add a leaf to each of the spring packs for a minimal dollar amount and increase each axle limit 1-2k pounds each. My wife and I have four kids, so will be carrying a lot of weight in the garage of this thing just in quads alone, and I don't want to exceed the axle and overall weight ratings. I will do my math very carefully when I take on this new lifestyle, I'm not going to jeopardize my families lives. I have a nice advantage living on a military base, most bases, like this one, have truck scales, free for the service members to use. I am actually going to the scales tomorrow to grab all my base/empty weights for my truck.
So back to my original point, I am not "committing" to a lift yet, I am just trying to see what, IF anything, I have to work with. I already know that the wheel/tire upgrade won't be an issue, like you said, the Chevy's alone are taller then the Fords and people are pulling the 4100 with the Chevy's just fine. If anything, those H rated tires will be an improvement over the stock E rated tires. Thank you for the advice and input though you guys, I appreciate it.
