2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 1 Inch Taller front Springs

[SMcFarland]

I just put new KYB shocks on my truck and it still bottoms out on speed bumps. I was told my springs are shot. I do not want to go to a 2 inch levelling kit due to my non adjustable 3rd gen track bar I bought and centrering issues. Does anybody reccomend a 1 inch taller front spring with a slightly firmer rate. I want a good ride and no bottoming out on speed bumps. Thanks.

 

[Cummins724]

Just go to a spring shop & tell them that you want to put heavier springs in the front because yo have a snow plow. Tell them that you want it to sit 1" higher in the front too. Thats what I did & it raised the truck to where it is level & the ride is nice too.

 

[McLaughlin]

Couldn't confirm it personally but I have been told you can do a 2" leveling kit with a non-adjustable 3rd gen trackbar. While it will pull your front axle a bit to the driver's side of the truck it isn't enough of a change to cause problems (usually). I qualified the last statement because when I installed my 3rd gen trackbar I had to pull the the axle about 3/4" towards the driver's side and the suspension shop I was talking to was a bit surprised it had to move that much. They mentioned that it was usually only a 1/2 to 3/4 in movement when a 2" leveling kit was installed. If your 3rd gen trackbar bolted up without having to move the axle I'd think you would be OK. On the other hand, you could contact this company. I haven't done any business with them but apparently they do custom springs.

 

[Mhannink]

it would probably be easiest to slip a 1 inch leveling kit for im pretty sure that www.suspensionconnection.com has them. however a 2inch kit would work fine for your situation the acel will move only slightly but at 2 inches higher its not enough. i just got done lifting my truck 5 inches and i got a pretty good idea how all this stuff works(no expert though). the thing is the track bar is so close to parellel that you dont have to worry about it.

 

[SMcFarland]

Springs

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I asked for a quote from the custom spring company for the one inch lift. I do want to raise it by using just springs as the truck bottoms out with my new KYBs. I do regret buying them now as Bilstiens seem to be the way to go. KYB blames my springs and the truck needs a little more travel for the washboard trails I run in the bush. I was told that the KYBs can tolerate a one inch lift but at 2 inches I need to buy longer shocks. McLaughlin, did balancing this motor make any difference? I hear the fluidamper balancer for the Cummins works well. Sean.

 

[McLaughlin]

McLaughlin, did balancing this motor make any difference? I hear the fluidamper balancer for the Cummins works well. Sean.

The engine was noticeably smoother and and the 4x4 shift lever stopped vibrating. I didn't think the balancing made that much difference (I'm not known for being real perceptive) but my daughter who owns a 96 thought it was a lot smoother. Mixed bag I guess. The balancing was done all internally without a fluidamper while I was having the motor overhauled for a different problem.

 

[SMcFarland]

Thanks, i had always wondered about that and porting the heads if overhauled. I have a 92 5. 0 that is balanced and ported and had always bench raced Cummins mods.

 

[SMcFarland]

Got the custom quote back but I am going to take the truck as suggested to my local spring shop as they said they will install Moog HD 2500 or Light Duty 3500 springs to give me the 1 inch I am looking for and to stop the bottoming out. All installed for the cost of just the custom springs only. Thanks for the help guys. Sean.

 

[jandtjil]

SMcFarland, How did this work out?

I just ordered a set of customs springs (1" longer), was wondering if you encountered any issues with stock front shocks? Or if you went with different shocks.
JJ

 

[Hammer]

Two options you have that can be done cheaply... .



One-Find a member who has a truck with a "snowplow prep" package who went to aftermarket springs up front and buy their used ones out of their ride. They will give you about an 1" more than the normally installed springs.



Two-Install a 2" leveling kit from one of the many manufacturers out there or install a set of SkyJacker D-25 coils to get the 2" added clearance.



Either way can be done without a adjustable trac bar and can be done cost efficently. I paid less than $200 for my D-25 coils new from a 4x4 shop out near Columbus,OH when we did mine.



Here is a shot of mine from a recent club show with the D-25's up front..... Andy

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Being he asked this back on 01-12-2007 I hope to the good lord he is all set :-laf

 

[jandtjil]

I did a search and found this older thread, I revived it hoping SMcFarland would see the thread and reply.
As I mentioned above, I purchased some custom coils and wondered, if he (SMcFarland) was running stock length shocks or a slightly different shock with his similar setup (coils with 1" extra height). I have since called the good folks at Rancho and found out that 1" extra does not require a special length, stocks travel dimensions will work with this setup. So I am trying something new and went with Rancho 9000's, having tried Bilsteins and KYBs in the past.
JJ