Is There Any Way A 2004 Ecss Sierra Z71 Can Have A Hidden Wheel Lift?

[Mike Diaz]

I got a killer deal on my 04 ECSS because it had previous minor flood damage (no long term effects so far, it's been 2 years). I really wanted a 3/4 ton truck to convert over to a repo truck. There's a few companies that sell hidden wheel lifts like the one in this picture:

 

 

I do a lot of mechanical work on the side and it would be great if I could convert my truck into a tow truck. Now, I don't plan on towing anything bigger than a S10 Blazer, and because I'm a Honda/Acura specialist, I'll be towing cars 90% of the time. Is there a huge difference in the frame between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks? If not, can I perform suspension upgrades to help my truck handle the extra tongue weight? I may perform reposessions for a friend's "buy here pay here" lot as well, so I have to keep that in mind as well.

 

I'm 100% serious about this subject and have the ability to get it done, I would appreciate sincere answers. Most likely, I will not consider buying a 3/4 ton truck.

[tobias]

Can't say for sure but with the proper aids such as air bags and leafs you should fine to haul those little things with a 1500. I've seen 1500's hauling thousands more pounds from the OEM hitch so while not optimal, I'd be surprised if you'd do any damage hauling around those little things if you set up the suspension correctly. I am no expert but that my opinion.

[Mike Diaz]

Can't say for sure but with the proper aids such as air bags and leafs you should fine to haul those little things with a 1500. I've seen 1500's hauling thousands more pounds from the OEM hitch so while not optimal, I'd be surprised if you'd do any damage hauling around those little things if you set up the suspension correctly. I am no expert but that my opinion.

 

I thought the same thing. I haul a full car trailer (1800 pounds) and I've had my 3200 pound stock car on it and it hauled it just find. Granted, the tongue weight wasn't too bad, but it was still hauling it just fine.

 

My biggest concern is the frame rail differences in the rear because the hidden wheel lift will need to be mounted up like the 3/4 ton.

[Mike Diaz]

I'd like to hear more opinions

[Zembonez]

I'd like to hear more opinions

With beefed up rear springs and a set of high quality shocks, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'd make sure you had a good trans cooler installed and 3.73 rear gears would probably be the minimum necessary gear for the job.

 

I say go for it.

[SLESierra]

1500 has a hydroformed box frame while the 3/4 is boxed at the front and C thru the center and box at the rear. I would go 3/4 ton as with the 3/4 you have a beffier rear axle and if you find one with an Allison tranny your never going to regret the purchase. While a 1500 is great for small vehicles if you are repoing there may be the day you have to repo a full size vehicle and you want to have all your angles covered just in case.

[2000DV4.8]

You can beef up the suspension all you want, but I'd still be worried about the wimpy 10 bolt rear end.

[Mike Diaz]

1500 has a hydroformed box frame while the 3/4 is boxed at the front and C thru the center and box at the rear. I would go 3/4 ton as with the 3/4 you have a beffier rear axle and if you find one with an Allison tranny your never going to regret the purchase. While a 1500 is great for small vehicles if you are repoing there may be the day you have to repo a full size vehicle and you want to have all your angles covered just in case.

 

 

I don't have any thought of ever towing anything heavier than 4000 pounds.

 

But if the frame really is different, I guess I'm screwed because these are bolt-ons for the 3/4 ton trucks.

[Mike Diaz]

You can beef up the suspension all you want, but I'd still be worried about the wimpy 10 bolt rear end.

 

This is something that can be upgraded correct? I've replaced rear ends on a lot of cars and trucks.