How is towing capacity changed if truck lowered?

[karaoke_carlos]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this question, but I invite the ADMIN team to move as needed.

I have a 93 Ranger, regular cab, with a 3.0 engine. The truck is a new acquisition... and I've noticed it rides a little high. I really want to drop the truck about 3-4 inches.

I would also like to tow a small trailer (about 1000 lbs loaded) with the truck. This is what brings up my question.

If the truck is lower, how is suspension affected and can it still handle the additional weight of the trailer?

Thanks!

Carlos

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

first off, lowering the truck is not going to fix the rough ride. in fact its likely to make it ride even rougher.

second, after lowering the truck, your weight capacity is likely to be dependent on how close your bump stops are.

and finally, 1,000lbs is a relatively small load...i wouldnt hesitate to tow it with a lowered truck.

 

[AllanD]

want a softer ride? run LARGER tires (diameter AND width)
and run them at lower pressure.

either that or carry some ballast to smooth out the ride.

If you wanted a soft rde you bought the wrong vehicle.

AD

 

[canyoncritter]

figure out what your tounge weight of the tralier is going to be.

then figure out the spring rate of the leaf springs your going to run. not sure how your going to lower it, new springs?. flip the shackles etc.

google leaf spring rate calulator....or post up if you have the 3 leaf or 5 leaf spring pack.and some one here may allready know the rate.

then you can figure out how much the truck will "sink" down when the tralier is hooked up.

Or you could buy a pair of airbags and air them up when the tralier is hooked up.


IF you want to lower the truck and keep the same payload capicity, I recomend flipping the rear shackels.

to keep the ride like it is, you will need to check the bump stop heights.and adjust them.so you not bottoming out all the time on the bumps.same with shocks, you will need diffrent shocks too.

 

[karaoke_carlos]

IF you want to lower the truck and keep the same payload capicity, I recomend flipping the rear shackels.

Can you tell me more about that procedure? any threads you can link me to?

Thanks a bunch!