Lifting a stock exhaust?

[uncle_handsome]

I noticed on stock trucks that the top of the tailpipe is maybe 5-6 inches lower than the bottom sheetmetal of the bed. Is it possible, by shortening the exhaust hangers to raise the exhaust a few inches. I'd like to see more ground clearance without buying a full cat-back exhaust system, if possible; preferably a 2-3 inch improvement, but for even 1/2 an inch I think it'd be worth it.

[a28doc]

you could also buy another hanger or strap and place it rt behind the sheetmetal with it raised
Doc

[uncle_handsome]

Originally Posted by a28doc

you could also buy another hanger or strap and place it rt behind the sheetmetal with it raised
Doc

Is there any disadvantages to raising the exhaust? (ie. metal fatigue) Would I want to put in more heat shielding for the body or the bed?

Why is the stock exhaust so low anyways? I've seen many commercial pickup trucks with crunched tailpipe tips. Their rear bumper usually has over 20" of ground clearance yet the tailpipe has 12-15". I don't think anyone likes the look of a low tailpipe on a high pickup truck, so why does Detroit do this? Is it just a cheaper or easier way for them to bend up an exhaust?

[a28doc]

they usually try to keep the heat away from painted surfaces to keep the paint from cracking due to heat stress also after awhile the hangars get fatigued and get slop in them and tend to droop... My opinion it wont hurt anything to raise it just keep it off painted surfaces by about an inch or so
Doc