2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New front bumper on have front suspension question

[BILLVO]

I just installed a ranch hand legend front bumper and it is probably about 150-200 lbs heavier than the stocker. Now the front end sags a bit.



I was wondering if a spring spacer would work or does someone know if there are different coil springs that could perk it up a bit and which would be the best way to go. I am also going to upgrade to rancho 9000 shocks to see if this helps also a bit.

 

[telliott]

i've got the same problem. you could get a leveling kit, but i'm not sure i want my front end up that high. I think you can also order heavier front springs that they use on snowplow applications, i think you can get them through the dealer. i'm undecided what i will do

 

[BILLVO]

I don't know how high the leveling kits start at. I just want to get it up about an inch to 1 1/2 inches. I don't want it level with the back because I tow a lot and then the front would be way up there.

 

[BILLVO]

Upon doing searches I found superlift has 3/4 inch spacers that go under the front springs for $37 each. I will search some more but they look like they will work good. I think these with the 9000 ranchos will perk it up about perfect for my needs.

 

[Bob4x4]

Upon doing searches I found superlift has 3/4 inch spacers that go under the front springs for $37 each. I will search some more but they look like they will work good. I think these with the 9000 ranchos will perk it up about perfect for my needs.

The spacers will lift it but you will probably be bottoming the springs and end up having an inferior ride. I would go with a slightly higher spring rate and a bit longer would make for a better ride.



Bob

 

[RCarrillo]

Check out that Lorenz sight.



RikaRio

 

[03 H.O. Police]

get the snow plow package springs for your model truck adds the height back. and the extra weight of the bumper makes the ride like stock... not too stiff.

 

[BILLVO]

Where is a reasonable place to get the springs? Would factory snowplow springs be better or aftermarket springs?



When they claim 2inch leveling do they mean 2 inches at the front of the rig after they are installed or a 2 inch taller spring? Either way 2 inches is more lift/leveling than I want especially if it is 2 inches taller at the spring that would bring the front WAAAY up.

 

[BElliott]

Check out that Lorenz sight.



RikaRio

Last weekend my buddy (rhestand) and I installed the Lorenz leveling kit on my truck, nice product, improved the ride, no bottoming out over big speed bumps. I don't have an aftermarket bumper yet, on my todo list. But I am confident that these springs will handle it. The springs from the Lorenz (6%) are MUCH beefier than stock and were beefier than the Skyjackers I saw.

I have about 400 miles on the truck since the installation.

My . 02, I would go with the Lorenz again.

Good luck,

 

[BILLVO]

Another member on the offroad forum gave me the part # for the heavier oem snowplow springs,52113988AA they are supposed to work in 94-07 trucks. I found them on the sight below for $92. 52 each.



http://www.allchryslerparts.com/

 

[Bob4x4]

Another member on the offroad forum gave me the part # for the heavier oem snowplow springs,52113988AA they are supposed to work in 94-07 trucks. I found them on the sight below for $92. 52 each.



http://www.allchryslerparts.com/

If you do a search on that part# you will find that they are too stiff to be used on most trucks... ... ... . terrible ride.



Bob

 

[BILLVO]

Is the ride terible with the extra weight up front also?

 

[Bob4x4]

I would be surprised if your bumper weighed as much as a plow.



Bob

 

[BILLVO]

I would be surprised if your bumper weighed as much as a plow.



Bob

That was my question. Is the ride bad even with extra weight on the front? I understand just running stock bumper and heavier springs would rattle teeth out of my head. I think it is about 200 lbs heavier than stock bumper.

 

[FLynes]

I had the snowplow springs on my 97 from the factory... ride was NOT that harsh. I'd feel a helluva lot more comfortable knowing I had springs that supported the weight properly, rather than put spacers in and run the risk of having the current springs fail. You have to decide what's more important to you, now that you have altered your truck with the bumper. My $. 02

 

[RHestand]

IMO if you take the time and trouble to install spacers, for about $50 more you can get and install Skyjacker D-25s springs. ( Summitracing.com ) It's the same amount of work with a much better end result.

I have them on mine with a 240 lb. Buckstop bumper and new Bilstien 5100s and they work great. The front is now 2in. higher than stock and the truck is level, front to rear.

About 3 hours to install, in my driveway with hand tools and floor jack.

Ray

 

[03 H.O. Police]

nope the ride is fine to me but i'm not using OEM shocks... be careful the left and right have diff part numbers. and are side specific... .

 

[rotohead]

Shocks won't lift your front end. They will improve the ride probably alot if you're still running stock. If you can find a local spring shop they can usually custom build progressive springs to meet your exact needs. I'm disabled and didn't want my truck any higher than stock or very close to that. Local spring shop created progressive springs that added a minimal increase in height but will not bottom out. Chuck

 

[BILLVO]

I installed the 988aa springs about a week and a half ago and have several hundered miles on them. It gained me about 1. 25 inches gain at center line of front wheel to lip of fender and about 2 inches higher at the bottom lip of receiver on the front bumper. It sits about level front to back. It rides noticably stiffer but not too harsh for me. It also handles better while cornering that it did before extra weight was added with front bumper. Overall I am real happy with them.

 

[jandtjil]

BILLVO, which shocks did you go with?
JJ