May be time for Shocks. Lift Kit?

[Dave04]

It is looking like I will be replacing the OEM shocks soon. Should I go a head and put on a lift kit? What kind? I dont want to go over say 5 or 6 inches. I was thinking a 3 in suspension and 2 inch leveling kit. Truck is not really a daily driver and does not tow a lot. What do you guys think?

 

[AEdelheit]

If your gonna do anything dont mix and match coils with spacers, just get a good quality all coil kit. Anything over 3" will get very expensive to do properly as it should really have long arms.

 

[Dave04]

I was looking at one of these?
http://www.roughcountry.com/suspens...cle_drive=3&vehicle_model=264&vehicle_year=71

 

[AEdelheit]

If you want terrible ride quality then that should work well. If you want a good performing suspension then I would look at Carli or Thuren.

 

[Dave04]

If you want terrible ride quality then that should work well. If you want a good performing suspension then I would look at Carli or Thuren.

I want something that when I hit a small pothole it will most likely throw me off the road or at least in to the next lane. A plus if it breaks after every off road adventure. Even if I drive in to someones yard.

 

[Dave04]

LOL I will check in to your suggests. I assume your very happy with Thuren?

 

[AEdelheit]

Haha , I have helped a lot of people with there trucks and that is pretty much how it feels when you do a cheaper lift but you forgot the part of the ****** off wife that doesnt want to ride in the truck anymore.

I have been very happy with my setup, higher initial cost but cheaper then doing it twice.

 

[cerberusiam]

Should you add a lift kit?? Only if you want to screw up a decent vehicle, spend a lot of $$$, and cause massive headaches tuning cobbled up suspensions.

That aside, are you looking to build a mall queen or something functional? Anything more than 3-4 inches will require some massive changes in suspension design and associated parts, ie. not a cheap operation or you have junk when done. Rough Country lives up to its name, nuff said.

Thuren or Carli are a good choice but the systems are the best and they are not cheap.

 

[Dave04]

A couple inches max is what I want. I am running 315/70/17 on stock rims and the rub just a bit. I want to clear that up and have a good truck.

 

[cerberusiam]

If the tires are rubbing on the fender the lift will help, if they hit the control arms that will require a different wheel.

The Thuren soft ride springs are a good product. Matched with the Bilstein 5100's they will perform better than worn stock springs which you likely have at this juncture and come close to leveling the truck, leaves about 1" of rake in it. It does move the axle back and that may cause problems with that tire requiring adjustable control arms. A 34" tires works fine but a wide 35 might be too close.

 

[AEdelheit]

A couple inches max is what I want. I am running 315/70/17 on stock rims and the rub just a bit. I want to clear that up and have a good truck.

A good set of high clearance control arms will solve that issue and you would not have to lift the truck and continue running the same wheels, just another option.

 

[Dave04]

Tires rub control arm just a bit. 165xxx on the truck OEM suspension. Need shocks soon. Tires and wheels will wait for a while just got new tires.

 

[Dave04]

Well just go the word it needs all four shocks..... UUMMMM

 

[cerberusiam]

Geno's garage, Bilstein 5100's are a good choice. The 5160's a better choice.

 

[Lorenz]

If you happy with the height, shocks will do just fine. A stock ride height truck with the correct wheel Back spacing will just clear 315/70/17

http://lorenzindustries.com/products-fox-shox.html

 

[Dave04]

I think I am going to replace all four shocks and the steering stabilizer. And add the 2 inch leveling spacer. BDS kit with fox shocks upgrade.

 

[AEdelheit]

Good Luck.

 

[Dave04]

Lol. Don't like the fox shocks?

 

[Dave04]

Ok nevermind. I cant make up my mind been looking at the carli kits but I don't want to spend the money just yet. So I am thinking about just going with the bilstein 5100's for all four shocks and the steering stabilizer. Then maybe do a lift kit later on. The coils look good but sway bar links are somewhat rusted.

 

[AEdelheit]

I will say if you are looking at the Aluminum body Fox IFP shocks you are simply paying for a name. Internally they are identical to a Bilstien and do not have the best valving. Either way with the stiff spring rate the shock is limited in its ability to dampen which is why you are best off to replace the coil too.