2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Daystar 2" Coil Spacer Questions

[Hollywud]

Hello!



I am currently mulling over which direction to proceed with suspension/lift options. Hopefully someone out there has asked the same questions before.



Here's the background info:

- Truck: Rear GAWR = 6,084 lbs (i. e. exibits the usual jacked-up rear end look)

- Lift: Daystar 2" Coil Spring Spacers (want to level the nose with respect to tail height)



Questions:



1. What do ya'll think about this lift option? Does it require additional upgrades, such as longer shocks, dropped pitman arm, longer track bar, etc? With respect to a standard 2-3" lift kit, will coil spacers place more or less wear and tear to the overall system?



2. I have targeted 35X12. 5 tires on Weld S. S. II 16. 5X9. 75 wheels. Will I have enough room with the stock (jacked-up) rear suspension and Daystar 2" spacer up front to fit my tire of choice?



Thanks in advance for any insight...



jon

 

[RO'neal]

Originally posted by Hollywud



1. What do ya'll think about this lift option? Does it require additional upgrades, such as longer shocks, dropped pitman arm, longer track bar, etc? With respect to a standard 2-3" lift kit, will coil spacers place more or less wear and tear to the overall system?

Jon,

The Daystar spacers are indeed a good product. However, I've used both the spacers and the Skyjacker 2. 5" coils and I recommend the coils hands down. They improve the ride quality considerably while maintaining the factory load rating.



Either route you take you do not HAVE TO do any additional upgrades. Having said that, it is a good idea to add longer shocks if you intend to have it offroad much. Regular on road driving will not affect the stock length shocks though. I will also recommend adding either a Skyjacker track bar drop bracket or a DT track bar for 3-6" lift. If you don't the differential will be pushed to the driver's side and MAY cause you passenger side tire to rub.

Originally posted by Hollywud



2. I have targeted 35X12. 5 tires on Weld S. S. II 16. 5X9. 75 wheels. Will I have enough room with the stock (jacked-up) rear suspension and Daystar 2" spacer up front to fit my tire of choice?

Are you planning on running MT's or AT's? This will definitely make a difference in clearance. I ran the 2. 5" spacers with 35x12. 50x16. 5 BFG MT's and they rubbed on regular turns, not to mention it was a pain to go offroad. I know guys who ran the exact same setup with 315 BFT ATs and said that they didn't have any rub at all... the MT's have big cleats that stick out the sides which is why they rub.



If you're wanting to run MT's and you DO go offroad with it, I recommend doing it right the first time and getting the Skyjacker 4. 5" lift. Here is a picture of my truck with the 4. 5" kit and 35" BFG MTs.



Hope this helps,

 

[Hollywud]

Thanks!

If you haven't read my other post, I added an auto-signature, so you'll know a bit more about my truck.



My truck is a daily driver and frequent tow rig. I held off on performing mods for sometime but, when I needed new tires, I decided to upgrade slightly. I chose to install BFG MT's because I have always had good luck with the brand/model. I've had them on both a Jeep CJ-7 (32X11. 5) and Ford Ranger (33X12. 5)... . granted they are both light vehicles and having heard they wear rapidly on full-size truck, I still decided to give 'em a try. To date, I have been very pleased with how they've worn (approx. 20,000 miles) and I'm extremely please with their off-road prowess (the stock tires are good hauling rubber but, can't even handle wet grass!!!). What I'm slightly dissatisfied with is general on-road handling. As a result, I started researching options. Option #1... Install 16X8 wheels, in hopes of providing the tire more support and flatten the tread. I quickly ruled this out because I would have limited tire options for a future lift. Option #2... My next thought was to install spacers, 35X12. 5 tires, and 16. 5X9. 75 wheels. After reading your post and finding out the level of disassembly necessary to install, seems like a lot of work for a slight improvement. If I already have the front down that far, I might as well install a "real" lift (and replace the ball joints ).



With that said, I'm going to install a lift vs. spacers. I have put thought into this already and go from mild to wild. Yes a standard Skyjacker (have always liked their products) lift would be cheaper and easier..... but then again it would be trick to install King or equivalent shocks. I don't want to go too high because I frequently load things into the bed (moto-x, street bikes, etc. )... . and I don't need gobs of travel because I'm not going to be rock crawling. I won't even be doing serious off-roading for that matter..... mainly fire roads, construction sites, snow travel in the great white north, boat ramps, etc. I like the set-up on your rig and will probably travel the same route. The only thing I may do different is install the new Skyjacker Skyking coil overs up front and platinum series shocks in the rear (when they are available, it they aren't already)... . means an easier install vs. fabrication work for King shocks or the like.



Oh yeah, I'll probably switch to BFG AT tires too. I figure since I'm not doing any serious mudding and would like to improve hauling handling, this would make the most sense. I will have a tough time making the switch, since MT's haven't let me down yet... . I hope I won't be sorry.



Finally done babbling :-laf