Air suspension lift for a 4x4. PLEASE HELP!!!!

[hydrospec2001]

I've always knew living in a subdivision with an HOA was difficult but now they are going too far. In July I was sited for my truck being too tall for the subdivision.  They said the height limit on vehicles is 7 feet. Well since their so called rule was not directly related to trucks. My truck is currently 8 feet tall.
Well this week these douche bags sent out a voting ballot to change the rules to better enforce the laws and bylaws. One of the rules states that ALL vehicles must be under 7 feet. I know it is directed towards me considering I am the only one in the subdivision with lifted trucks. I'm sure it will pass. I'm the only one it will apply to.
I need some help in a bad way. I refuse to get rid of my truck. My Grandparents helped me buy this truck right after I joined the Air Force. My Grandad passed away in 2007 so it means everything to me.
I have seen a few videos on YouTube with trucks with air bags that will raise and lower trucks. Kelderman in particular makes kits but they don't sell anything for 73-87 trucks. Does anybody out there have any ideas tips or advice?   

[Irish_Alley]

not 100% on this but i would bet there is a grandfather clause in your hoa. i mean if you lived there under one set of rules then they decide they want to change these rules then they would want you to pay for another vehicle? if you signed up under one set of rules, they cant force you to change unless something changes like you got another truck and lifted it. think of it like owning a dog bread that isnt ban (lab). but the hoa decides they want to ban it, they have to vote and even if it passes it wont apply to you until that currant dog passes away

[Captkaos]

Air suspension uses links and you are on leaf springs, you would have to change a lot to have an adjustable ride on a solid axle setup.

[Edahall]

Yeah, just let the air out of your tires every time you park your truck.  lol

What you can do however is buy 4 suspension air bags.  They would need to be the tall ones though to be able to go up and down 12".  You would then need to re-arc your springs or buy another set of springs to lower your truck down to 7 feet.  You then use the air suspension air bags to lift your truck back to the desired height.  The air bags would be fitted under all 4 corners.  Anyways, let me know how this goes.  I plan to do exactly the same thing on my truck but haven't got around to doing it.

[ehjorten]

I would fight this with every fiber of my being!!!  If it is a new rule and you are the only one it would apply to, then that is clearly going after you!  I'm also with Irish on the Grandfather clause!

DON'T do anything to your truck just for them.  Remember to be calm and civil in all dealings with them.  Your attitude during this issue will speak volumes.  I just hope someone will be listening!

[HAULIN IT]

Just curious, what would be in the housing development that would be effected or more correctly...what would having a vehicle taller than say, the 7' make to something? I can see lots of rules having a purpose..."only allowed to have 2 vehicles per household, vehicles must be registered/inspected, ect. can't park on the grass, can't dig a hole in the yard, no outside pets, no clotheslines, ect. ect." lots of other things, but what is there that makes the extra height a problem...width, length should be much more of an issue than height. Lorne

[silent]

Raise it up higher and run open headers. My HOA is getting very strict too, caught a $200 fine for a engine hoist in the driveway.

Good luck!

[hydrospec2001]

Hey yall!

I know its been a while but I've been very busy with work and all but I figured I would update since I had some spare time. In October the HOA tried to implement a new rule stating any truck over 7 feet tall was prohibited from the subdivision. I went to the meeting to discuss the new rules and made sure my voice was heard. I made sure they knew that if the rule was passed they would be certainly facing a lawsuit considering I am the only resident in the subdivision with a truck over 7 feet. I also made sure they knew this new rule stemmed from a prior disagreement I had with the HOA president. Well the residents voted and it was thrown out!
 I thought this would be the end of it but in February they tried once again. This time they went thru an attorney to make it official and the new rule they wanted to pass stated any vehicle too large to fit in the garage was prohibited from the subdivision. These guys are relentless!!! But, I guess they didn't think about all the other residents that would be in violation as well. The garages are small. Too small for a full size van or even a Suburban! Once again it was voted on and was thrown out. I really hope this is the end of this and we will be left alone.

Anyway, I haven't looked into doing the air bag suspension much further since. The cost of the parts really was not too expensive but the labor. WOW! The labor cost to have it done was more expensive than the parts. I'm a decent mechanic but when it comes to fabrication strong enough to hold the weight of the truck I draw the line.
Just thought I would let yall know how it turned out.

[DesertK20]

I've noticed that once you're on the HOA's radar, they are relentless, and it feels like a personal attack.  My wife is property manager that manages several communities and her meetings are made up of old people with nothing better to complain about.  She'd never let a rule like that fly considering we have a big lifted K20 in our driveway haha. 

I'd say if they try to implement something again you threaten a harassment lawsuit. 

[Irish_Alley]

yeah im with deset i would get a lawyer involved, i think even now you can sue for harassment. i would also see what it would take to the president kicked off if he/she is the one harassing you

[hydrospec2001]

I'm hoping they will leave me alone now. There is only 4 houses on my street as we are the next to last house on a cul de sac. Nobody has to drive by my house if they don't like my truck. I have seriously considered seeking out an attorney for lawsuit purposes but I really don't to go thru the hassle and cost. I've talked it over with my wife and if the harrasment continues then we will be heading down that road. As far as the president getting kicked off, even if we filed a lawsuit he would probably remain president. He is a real brown noser with the older people in the neighborhood and knows how to earn their vote.

[Irish_Alley]

Yeah ibdont know how the hoa works but if the hoa is responsible for his actions then if you sue they will have to pay not him. No one wants to be sued for some idiots actions.