GMC/ Chev TVs- Info sought urgently

[DonandJudy_12]

I am on the verge of trading for an 05 GMC Sierra DRW CC DA pickup and I need to know the answers to the following questions- Has anyone modified the rear spring hangers to lower the box height so as to be able to install a 5th wheel hitch at an appropriate height for level towing of the 5er? The truck I'm looking at is too tall in the box to mount a hitch and have adequate clearance on the box sidewalls ( it's a 4X4 )- Has your truck had any recalls? I know some have been recalled for an upgrade ( repair ) on the steering column and would appreciate knowing of any other problems out there- What brand exhaust brake do you have?- All replies appreciated- You can also pm me if you desire confidentiallity (sp?) Thanks to all who reply- I know I can count on my fellow Mocers- Don

[bncinwv]

Don,

I never had to make any changes to our Classic 2007 Chevy Silverado, DRW, CC, 4WD. I would think it would be about the same as the truck you are looking at. I have a Reese hitch and have about 8" clearance between the bed rails and the rig. Can't help with the recall info or the engine brake as I have done neither. I do know the Allisons added a sixth gear (I think in 2006 or 2007, and with tow/haul mode, I have never had the need for an engine brake. Hope this helps,

Bingo

[PapaBeav]

I recently had a PacBrake PRXB (exhaust brake) installed and so far I am very happy with it. Rich

[billhoover]

How many miles on that truck? It should work fine, lots of similar trucks here.

[Clemson1881]

I lowered mine 2 inches in the rear to tow level by changing out the rear spring hangers with an after market kit. Wasn't much to it.

[thor]

you might wait till september of this year.chevy 2011 will have the engine brake plus the tow haul mode plus everything is beefed up to be capable of hauling a 20 k fifth wheel

[NCFischers]

I have an '03 DWD Chevy 4X4 and I didn't need to do anything to the suspension. The truck sits dead level with the Monty on it and I have plenty of bed clearance. I have the Banks exhaust brake and am very pleased with it.

[DonandJudy_12]

I bit the bullitt- Keep the info coming- I'm sure I will have more questions- The GMC has 103000+ miles om the odometer- What size tires are on your GM duallies? Ours has 215 75 R 16- I wonder if anyone has 235 75 R 16 E tires on your unit? I think the larger size would ride better and last longer- Thats also the tire size on the Monty- I realize the larger size would raise the hitch- Your thoughts, please- Thanx again for all the help received so far- Don

[mhs4771]

I have an '05 Chevy and have plenty of clearance (approx 8 inchs) and with the Monty on everything is pretty level. Puts just enough weight to engage the helper springs. Be careful trying to go larger in tire size, you need to keep proper space between those duals. I changed out my OEM tires and went with Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors, kept the same in the rear but went to a 245/70 on the front. Same OD but puts more rubber on the road in front. Didn't like those narrow tires on the front with all the weight of the Duramax. I think the '06 is when they added the extra OD in the Allison. Other than tires and intake the truck is stock.

[NCFischers]

I have 16 inch tires on my TV and they ride just fine.

[helmick]

Banks brake and love it.

[Tom S.]

Don, since you indicate you bought it used, I would check a couple of things because the truck/trailer should go together fine without modifications to the suspension. Look under the rear and see if it has airbags. Inflated airbags will raise the rear end a couple inches without any load in the bed. Look between the spring and the axle. If the truck was raised in a former life, it may have a spacer block there, which is easy to remove, but you'll need to replace the u-bolts if you do with new ones (never re-use U-bolts is what I was taught eons ago). You might also check the size of the tires that are on it against GM's stock size to make sure the extra height isn't from over sized tires, but that is fairly rare on duallys.

You can also check your hitch and pin box as they should be adjustable to raise/lower the front of the trailer for the needed clearance and leveling. Good luck on you 'new' truck!

[mtheo]

I lowered mine 2" in the rear by replacing the rear spring hangers, availible at the dealer for, less than $80.00, when I bought mine.
Bank Exhaust Brake and love it.

[Sinterior]

Hi, I didn't have to make any mods on my '06 D/A dually C/C, and have 8" of clearance. Yes there was an intermediate steering shaft 'clunk' that was annoying but not dangerous and GM did finally modify it and replaced under warranty.
IMHO your best place to go for any information you need on GM pickup diesels is at http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/index.php
Scroll down the list and you will find topics and discussions on any question you have.

[RCN.Stoker]

Just a small reminder on tire dimensions. Your truck is programmed for a specific tire dimension. If you vary too much you may encounter transmission problems. You will get speedometer error. GM programs may only have a few options. Other programmers may be able to increase this to more options.