New here: Lowered to Lifted?

[awfarley]

Hey guys, I recently bought a 2003 regular cab that has had some work done to it. A great looking truck IMO as is but I'm going to add a hitch to haul my ski boat. I hate having to do the cutting on the rear bumper but it has to be done.

Anyways, my main concern is going from lowered to slightly lifted. I'm a complete newb when it comes to suspension mods and need some advice.

If I buy a kit like this will I have everything I need to completely redo the lift from being lowered an inch or so to being lifted 2-3"? I know the suspension isn't stock so my worry is that the new kit won't fit or something...

Here are some pictures and let me know what you think! Also if you have any suggestions on a reasonably priced slightly lifted or stock kit let me know.

Thanks

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Looks good. why do you think it has to be lifted to tow? There are a few lowered trucks on here that tow. Remove or look under your rear license plate and see if the is a hidden hitch mounted. You may already be set up. I just towed my enclosed motorcycle trailer loaded with building supplies a couple days ago. Fred tows his ski boat. Figure out what you have and there are folks on here that help give you ideas of what you need. Good luck..

 

[Statcher1]

Truck looks good man. If just switch up the wheels and flip a drop hitch over for towing.


Sent from the Rocket in my Pocket

 

[awfarley]

Thanks guys,

I don't have a rear bumper frame piece at all. Looks like they removed it when they welded and added the metal bumper. I've got a hitch ordered from the local truck supply shop and I'll be hacking off the mufflers to install it myself Monday.

I'm gonna have an exhaust shop relocated the pipes from about the wheels back (where I cut them).

I know the truck will probably tow fine as it sits now but there's something about not knowing what they did to it that makes me want to change it for the hell of it. For now I am going to keep it as is + the hitch and if it gives me any trouble I'll redo the suspension later.

I'll keep the thread updated either way

 

[Redtruck-VA]

If you post up some pictures of the roll pan we might be able to identify which one it is. From what I can see it appears to be bolted in. As for the hitch, it needs to be specific to your truck. It is known as a hidden hitch. This is what you are looking for. Hidden Hitch | Stylin' Trucks

This is what came out of it.
This is how it looks installed.
And this is how the hidden hitch looks installed.

Good luck.

 

[awfarley]

Thanks for taking the time to post those pics. When I ordered the hitch the guy got on the phone with the company and checked the production date on the truck. I'm thinking they ordered a very similar one to the one you posted because he went out and looked and told them I had the custom bumper and all.
It ended up being $195 but is returnable.

Once Monday rolls around I'll be updating again.

I appreciate the help.

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Thanks for taking the time to post those pics. When I ordered the hitch the guy got on the phone with the company and checked the production date on the truck. I'm thinking they ordered a very similar one to the one you posted because he went out and looked and told them I had the custom bumper and all.
It ended up being $195 but is returnable.

Once Monday rolls around I'll be updating again.

I appreciate the help.

Just a note, you do not have a bumper. It's a roll pan and fairly easy to damage if you are not careful.