Carli suspension commuter 2.0

[KWG]

I'm ready to purchase a carli suspension lift and can't decide which system to get. So I spend all of my time on pavement but do travel gravel roads from time to time. My budget is around 2000. Does any body have any experience with the commuter 2.0 or the starter kit? With the commuter, is there a night and day difference on highway/surface streets between oem and the commuter? Can the commuter handle a drive on gravel roads a half a dozen times yearly? And are you satisfied withe the commuter?

Now to everyone who has the starter kit, how does it ride on pavement and how does it feel off-road? Are you satisfied with the starter? Would you have upgraded to a better system?

All input would be great from anyone's experience

 

[AKorn]

I dont have the complete starter kit, but I do have the same shocks and 5-leaf progressive spring pack. I'm running custom made front coil springs - same spring rate as stock, but 2" taller.

The spring pack makes a big difference for the rear end, since you no longer have the overload leaf that kicks in pretty harshly when you hit bumps. After a couple years of running the spring pack, I decided to remove the factory leaf that is 2nd from the top leaf - that lowered the rear end about 1" (so now it's level with the front) and it provided a softer ride. I've had it that way for about 5 years, works great for my needs.

Being 2" taller in the front helps because at factory height, the front suspension would frequently bottom out when hitting speed bumps, potholes, etc. It has never bottomed out with the 2" taller springs.

The Bilstein shocks are pretty decent. Definitely an improvement over stock - the truck bounces a lot less when going over bumps or uneven ground. But there is still some room for improvement. I dont know much about the Fox shocks in the Commuter suspension kit, but they might be worth the extra cost. I'd suggest getting the best shocks you can afford.

 

[KWG]

Thanks for the reply, basically the springs are the same it's the quality of the shocks. And like you said I do plan on buying the best I can afford.

 

[KWG]

I've made my decision. I purchased the carli back country lift, can't wait to install and give it a test drive.

 

[AKorn]

Cool. I'll be really interested to hear what you think about the Bilstein 5160 shocks.

 

[KWG]

I installed the kit on Sunday morning but I couldn't resist putting the rear 5160s on Saturday after noon. So driving around sat night and sun morning with oem suspension the shocks made a huge difference in the rear. But after doing the whole kit I'm wondering why I didn't do this 200k miles ago. I have yet to get off pavement but speed bumps, expansion joints and bumps in the road are a breeze. I need 35s now, the 285s look a little small now but that will have to be in the future. Hopefully near future.

 

[Wayne M.]

Pictures PLEEEASE!

 

[KWG]

Not sure how to attach pictures. When I figure it out, I will

 

[KWG]

Took it off pavement today and the kit is amazing. Very satisfied and will be taking it out in the near future to run it longer. As far as pictures go I still haven't figured it out. The best I could do is attach a picture to my profile. So you'll have to check out the profile. Sorry

 

[Wayne M.]

If you have a smartphone, that is easiest since there's no transferring and it's done in one step. When making a post, just click on the little framed tree on the menu bar weather using PC or phone. Follow prompts.

Just FYI.

 

[KWG]

this is before with a revtec level kit

 

[KWG]

and after

 

[KWG]

out in a quick desert run

 

[KWG]

testing out the travel

 

[Wayne M.]

Hey thanks- looks great! Makes the 285's look like the OE size, but not lost. The silver tubes are external reservoirs for the shocks? The kit came with brackets and such to mount, or did you have to figure it out?

 

[KWG]

Yes, the silver tubes are remote reservoirs for the bilstein 5160 and the research I did on them says you get more travel and more oil which keeps the cool. The kit comes with everything you'll need. Pretty straight forward, the most difficult was trying to install bolts on passenger side lower shock mouth bolt. I had the luxury of have air tools hd floor jack, tall hd jack stands, and a couple real mechanical guys to help. Took us 4 hours not including the limiting straps. I have yet to install them due to the fact you have to weld tabs to the axle to bolt the strapt to. I have since had the welded on, just need to take tires off drop axle to its limit and drill a 1/2" hole on the spring tower for the other Mont for strap. If you're interested in getting the kit I can give you my number if you you want to call and I can give you advice and tips on the install. Price seems like a lot until you get it on the road and then off road makes it well worth it.

 

[Wayne M.]

Thanks kwg. But I'm just batting ideas. The time is coming though.

 

[KWG]

fully addicted now, I went and picked up a carli steering stablizer for the local carli retailer, started performance. Next will be the carli control arms.