[rsavage]

If you notched the frame for the drop, I personally wouldn't use it as a tow vehicle for 5000lbs +. I would be worried about the structural integrity with that kind of load/tongue weight/leverage. 1/2 ton axles will certainly pull that weight, but you will need tires and wheels that can handle the load. I've towed for 35 years 90% of the time with 1/2 ton pickups. Had a 23" Baja that was about 5500 lbs with the trailer and a 4Winns Liberator that was heavier than that before. Currently, I have a 1/2 ton 08 Ram 4 door shortbed with a Coachman truck camper - the camper weighs about 1900 lbs, and I pull a 6 X 10 enclosed trailer with my Harley in it - about another ton, but fairly heavy tongue weight. I wasn't comfortable with the stock 20" aluminum rims and stock tires as I weighed the rig. I bought steel wheels and found some cooper 20" extra load tires that have a rating of 3000 lbs each as compared to the stock Goodyear's 2400. Firestone air bags keep it level. I tow 3500 - 4000 miles a year, most on one trip south and back to get some sun and riding in. Maybe I overdo it, but I don't want something breaking at 70mph. Pulling a trailer with a lowered vehicle also presents clearance problems on driveway/parking lot approaches -just my 2cents