2005 double cab body lift

tacodriver2 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-08-2006, 11:33 PM

Just thought i would share my experience with the PA BL when used on the 05Dcab. I used 4crawler blocks for the cab.

The bed is cake. No way of raising the rear bumper without some fabrication, as the hitch is integrated with the bumper...I will probably cover the gap with some checkerplate aluminum.

The brackets supplied to relocate the P/S fluid resevoir will not work...the A/C line is in the way. I will have to make up some custom brackets...not hard, just time consuming. An alternate, but messier solution would be to get longer P/S lines.

The brackets to relocate the tranny cooler do not work as there is another A/C line in the way...should have got a truck without...NOT. A couple 16 or 17" pieces if 3/8 rubber line allows you to keep the cooler in the stock location.

The kit comes with 4-9" 3/8 bolts and 2 -7" 3/8 bolts. the 7.5" bolts are too short. The stock rear cab mounts are almost a 1/2 bolt though. Solution, find 2-9" 1/2 bolts. The stock washers have to be drilled out with a 1/2" bit as the 1/2" bolts are just a hair too big, or just use 3/8" bolts like the other 4 cab mounts. I could only find 10" lon bolts, so I will just use a stack of washers with the nut for now. I will eventually cut the bolt down to 9" and use a die on it.

And last, but not least and nearly a show stopper for me...the steering extention WILL NOT WORK !!!! I think member Keebler did an 04, but things must have changed in 05. The rag joint is one piece with about a 4" shaft on it. Even if the supplied extention would fit, the rag joint would not fit between the collector and fuel lines. Solution, cut the shaft in half and weld in an extention. I have not done this yet, but just picked up some 5/8" bar stock today.

Midnight last nite, I realized that the steering could not be finished, so I backed my truck out of the garage with no steering so I could close the door.

Consider yourselves enlightened !!!!

jockfro · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 07:43 AM

When I did the BL on my 05 DC we also ran into that problem with the steering thing. I had a machinest cut the shaft on that and extend it exactly 3" inches. It came out perfect, no problems at all. Good luck!

tacodriver2 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 01:16 PM

jockfro,

did you extend the shaft on the rag joint, or the steering shaft itself ? Thanks.

jockfro · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 08:50 PM

It was the rag joint. The guy cut it in half, and welded in a 3" piece. It's perfect.

tacodriver2 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006, 12:25 AM

Just put the extended rag joint in and it works like a charm. The machine shop sleeved it and welded it up. Way more skookum than the PA adapter. If anyone is worried about cutting and extending the steering, no worries if it is done right. Only cost $ 25.00...and that is in CDN pesos !!! Now it is in to trimming the wheel wells !!!

On another note, I was surprised that the power is not too bad with the 35's and the 3.91 gears. Definately not good enough to stop me from going to 4.88's, but definately drivable with the OD off. Can still easilly break the rear end loose when taking a corner from a stop.

jockfro · #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006, 06:49 AM

I'm glad it worked out. Let's see some pics. If your going with 35s, what are you going with for wheels?

tacodriver2 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006, 03:08 PM

I will get some pics this weekend. I am running dunlop mud rovers (315's) on pro-comp wheels, 16x8 w/4" bs. Just picke up some aluminum checkerplate to cover up the gap in the rear. What did you do wth the gap above the rear bumper and what did you do about the power steering reservoir ?

jockfro · #8 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006, 08:31 PM

Haven't done anything with the gap in the back yet. Dosen't really bother me that much. Plus living in VT, I can get up in there with a hose and get the mud and salt out from winter. Probably this summer I will do something about it. Don't remember what I did about the power steering reservoir. I was just the helper to the guy who did most of the work. I wasn't around for that part, but I'll find out.

Oh, the bumper! I thought you were talking about the gap in the back where the truck is lifted. We modified it and brought it up the 3" so it looks like it is supposed to look. We also put some extra brackets under the bumper for strength. I will put some pics. on when I get some time.

tacodriver2 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 01:36 AM

Here is a quick pic...the tires seem smaller than 35's in the pic.

crapmaster · #10 (**permalink**) 04-18-2006, 03:00 PM

Were 'nt you going to RB lift from 4crawler? Was he unable to supply it or just did'nt have the specs.

tacodriver2 · #11 (**permalink**) 04-18-2006, 04:43 PM

Crapmaster,

I used a PA kit with 4crawler blocks on the cab. Roger has the specs...the only hold up that I know of for a full 3" kit from 4crawler is a source for the longer metric bolts for the bed. I think he can only do a 1" BL right now.

crapmaster · #12 (**permalink**) 04-19-2006, 01:41 AM

I'll have to get a hold of him on that. Not sure I want a full 3" anyway a little less maybe 1-2". Just want to eliminate the rub on 285's and make a little room for sliders. I work in the building materials and hardware biz too maybe I can find the fasteners. Do you have any pics of your steering extension?

tacodriver2 · #13 (**permalink**) 04-19-2006, 03:28 PM

I will get a couple if pics in the next day or so for you. I still have to do a little more trimming to be completely rub free and finish off the fuel filler extention. Shoot Roger an email, he will be able to help you out.

tacodriver2 · #14 (**permalink**) 04-22-2006, 10:02 PM

Crapmaster,

Here is a pic of the steering extention. The stock bed bolts are M12 x 1.25, 120mm long (4 3/4") in length.