Time to rebuild both the front and rear suspension...

[MikeO]

I spent some time on rockauto.com. I've narrowed the search down to Spicer Red Label and Spicer Professional. Spicer Professional is about 1. 5x more than the Red Label. My assumption is that Red Label means Chinese and therefore low quality.

I run the truck empty 90% of the time and put under 3000 miles a year on the truck now. Could I get away with the Red Label stuff or am I really just asking for trouble?

Second, it's a toss up between the Spicer and Moog coil springs. Any difference in quality? Additionally, what are the real differences between the Heavy Duty and Severe Duty coils? I'm after some ride quality considering I have custom heavy springs in front and 11 leaf springs in the rear. I am going to pull the leafs in the rear apart and take every other short leaf out to get it to 6 or 7 and replace the bushings and install a traction bar while I'm at it. Are the heavy duty front coils really going to be that weak?

Oh... and any recommendations on a clutch? I have a Banks kit (with intercooler), PODs and tweaked pump and run about 30psi. Stock doesn't slip although it has 280,000 miles and the pilot is shot. I have to replace the rear main seal so the transmission is going to be out anyway.

TIA,
Mike O.

 

[dpuckett]

If the clutch looks good, leave it in there. Upgrade your flywheel to hold a ball bearing pilot bearing. Quad4x4 quit making theirs, not sure where to get them now. The Sachs clutch is better than most aftermarket stuff, excepting South Bend.



As for the springs, go for the Severe Duty- not much difference in ride quality, IMO.



For the rear, I'd go with a local supplier, or someone who does Dana70 rears. May or may not cost a little more, but differentials are not something I'd go cheap with.



Daniel

 

[Greenleaf]

Do the entire front end. Everything, not simply the springs. All pivot bushings. Ball joints. Likely the pressed steel components are cracked and broken. Weld all that.



My shock tower was rotted away. I had to cut the front cross member apart and replace it with one from a salvaged truck.



Do the tie rod links and ends too. Have a shop do the press work. Not worth fighting with.



Scott