I currently have a 1978 Ford F-250 4x4 extended cab that has a eight inch lift with 38in Super Swamper SSR's and reside in New Mexico. This set up here is completely legal as long as my headlights arn't over 54" and tail lights over 72" from the ground.
Where I am running into a problem is that in July I am moving to Augusta, Maine and want to be able to register my truck there. Is there anything I can do or start doing to keep my truck?
I have searched the internet and am having difficulty finding a concrete answer to my question. All I have is that the original suspension can not be "disconnected" what ever the hell that is suppose to mean. I found that a heavy duty suspension can be bolted on but it does not give a definition of what they mean by "heavy duty". They also state something like that you can only go two sizes larger from the original factory tire spec.
The law in accordance to vehicles in Maine seem to be not real clear. Can someone help me out so I can start getting ready to go. Do I need to reduce my lift? Do I need to reduce my tire size?
ANY help would be appreciated!!!

And by the way FORD RULES!!!!

 

Quick and easy.. NO...

I just called a buddy that does Maine inspections and on a vehicle between 7500 and 10000 GVW it's 28 inches to front frame from ground and 30 inches to rear frame from ground. He also said he thinks there is a limit on the kit itself being 5 or 6 inches. The heights are right out of the book and he was going by memory on the kit height.

New Hampshire has about the same limits if not exactly the same but goes further to say "no modification what so ever". Figure that one out????....????

And you can also get ganked on a loud exhaust system to, but usually only if it's overly obnoxious.

 

Ok, thanks. I have come to the conclusion I have to change some things since right now my front frame is 32in from the ground. I guess I'll lower it to 28" by getting smaller tires and lift kit...

 

Sport Truck did a hole issue on lifted trucks this month and all the Lift Laws by State & for Maine this is what they had to said: "Headlights: Don't even think about going higher than 54" inches. However, keep in mind that the-original suspension cannot be "disconnected," but don't let that stop you from bolting on heavy-duty shocks and over-load springs. Other need-to-knows: Don't remove or disconnect the ABS, and the tires can be only two sizes larger than the manufacturer's recommendation. Spring-shackle extesions are also a no-no. For more information, check out www.maine.gov

Hope this will help out! I think I'd say where I was at with those laws!

 

tex you hit the nail on the head two inches over stock tire size period and they are real ****** about it up here too.

 

So what size would that be? I have a 78 Ford F-250 supercab 4x4 camper special...

 

I would think a 285/75/16 would be considered stock. Some where on the net, I have found a tire calculator. Search for 1. It will give you the size of the tire, then you will know what you can use!

 

bpatton74
Mainers tend to keep a low profile.lol. They have been getting pretty strict up here the last couple of years with inspections. A lot of guys used to doctor their trucks to get a sticker,but they go by the original equipment these days. They are fussy about window tint also. I'm not sure what you might have,but they won't go for the stick on type.
On a side note,I can't imagine trying to drive around the Augusta rotarys with your current setup. Good luck with your move.

 

I have done all kinds of searching on the net and have not found any information about body lifts in Maine, do they allow them?

 

You can check https://www.ford-trucks.com/lc/lc.ph...StateLaws.html and lookup Maine in the PDF file. I looked NewHampshire and it is TOTALLY WRONG.

 

If it's registered as an Antique, it's exempt from inspection. There are rules about what the requirements are about being an Antique. One is that it's 25 years or older. Also, mileage limits.

 

In NH Antiques have to go through state inspection every other year.
I'm sure Maine has something similar. I don't think they would let any vehicle on the road without some kind of safety inspection.

And Showgirl... Welcome to the site.
What state are you from? I am guessing Maine.

 

Thanks for the welcome!!!

I double checked the law. There are no inspection requirements whatsoever. There are restrictions that were similar to the restrictions of my collector's insurance. Farm vehicles in Maine have to have only a few things inspected. If anyone else has anything to add, by all means. I got the info from the Maine DMV website and might just give them a buzz!

I live in Maine, yes.