2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Up Gradeing Front Coil Springs

[KBrennan]

Any sugestions for an upgrade to the stock Coils? I am installing a Buckstop bumber on my 99 2500 this weekend and I know the old springs will sag (Over 150K miles on them) under the added weight.

 

[BigFun]

KBrennan

I have a Road Armor Stealth and upgraded with a 2" Kore leveling kit. Couldn't ask for a more improved ride or weight handling.

BF

 

[Midnite]

BF, given that the Kore springs are supposed to give a 2" lift with no other changes, did the Road Armor bumper basically put it back to stock height, or did you still get a bit of lift even with the heavier bumper?

Mike

 

[BigFun]

My front end is about two inches taller. The truck rides level and is smooth, straight, and true. Spring bounce with that heavy bumper is firm and solid. If I hit a big speed bump, I can hit the bump stops if I bounce it hard. It doesn't happen unless I make it happen (which is NOT very often).

 

[KBrennan]

Thanks Master Chief. Are you using the stock sspring with the sapacer?

 

[Curious Dave]

You may have to get some longer control arms. I did on mine.

 

[KBrennan]

You may have to get some longer control arms. I did on mine.

How much lift did you go for? The Buckstop bumper will drop me about an inch from adding 250 pounds to the front (bumper and 10K winch Oo. ) so a 2 inch lift will reult in a one inch overall gain.

 

[Curious Dave]

I went with some 1000lb over stock springs and got 2". I then went with Thurens control arms. I also put on a Ute front bumper and plan on going with a winch. At least a 16k. Without the winch the truck still sits level in the front. The factory springs were not worth a darn from the begining due to the NV5600 and HO combo. The auto's could get upgraded springs but not the HO's for '01.

 

[KBrennan]

What was the problem that you had to get longer control arms? it sounds like you would have been close to being back at the stock hight. The stock control arms should be good for +/- 1. 5" from stock hight.

 

[Curious Dave]

The cster was way off. The truck didn't handle correctly and it ate tires like crazy. The front had to go forward another inch and the oly way to do it was to get the longer arms. Plus the arms really made the front much more stable and secure. Way nicer ride and handling.

 

[KBrennan]

What did it cost you to do that? When you say move the front forward are you talking about the axle? I am not much of a suspenion person so please excuse my ignorance

 

[Curious Dave]

I forget exactly... I think the arms were @ $600. The installation was @ 5 hours at shop rate, plus I had ordered all new bolts and nuts from Dodge. They had to torch out the old hardware. The bolts and nuts were @ $100.

Front ends aren't that difficult once you get the hang of it. Basically what happened was that when the taller springs went in... the front went up and the front diff rolls up from the back. From the drivers side the housing rotates counter clockwise. That places the bottom ball joints behind the top ball joints in a straight line from 12 to 6.

Got it? Okay... so then in order to rotate the front axle back forward... pinion down... you have to get longer control arms. This places the ball joints back in the correct "positive" position.

The best way I can explain this i like this... . When you were a kid and you jumped your bike... . If you landed on the front wheel and were on the back side of the 12 position... the back tire came down to the ground and all was good.

If you landed on the front wheel far side of 12... well you went over the bars.

The same thing for your truck.

If the top ball joint is ahead of the lower... then you have a bad situation that is hard on parts and throws your steering off. It may track straight. . but when you turn you may feel a very strange leaning sensation.

 

[Tinman]

I've got some KORE springs laying around I'd part with. PM if interested.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

just a couple of places and sources out there. for you.

Lift Kits, Leveling Kits, and Shock Absorbers - Suspension System Specialists! - Top Gun Customz

Welcome to DT PROFAB BEST DODGE PARTS

Dunks Performance



alot of these companies can custom build the lenght of control arms if you want. but I can say that from my oem control arms to my long arm set was really nice really stable speed bumps didn't thump by butt anymore.



2002 HO 6-SPD LB 4X4 QC HTT 62/14 SB-DD3600 TST PM3/*REVO-BETA*SMARTY MACH 4'S, RINGED AND STUDS, AFE/2 " FTE 6" STACK D/PRICOL GAUGES, FASS 150, VULCAN 1/2 DRAW-STRAW, 3/8 FUEL LINE, DSS-BOX DT PRO-FAB TRAC BAR, CONV-T STYLE STEERING,DUNKS TRACTION BARS, AIR BAGS,17'' KMC BLACK HOSS, 37" TOYO MT'S 6" RCD LONG ARM LIFT. :-laf... THANKS RIP DiPricol Gauges

 

[HHhuntitall]

Stock ride height, Super Coils, by supersprings, with a heavier weight limit, as do the lift springs. They will not sag with a replacement bumper. I've got over 100k on several sets, including several of my own trucks, both 2x4 and 4x4, and they work better than most other options out there, and are usually cheaper.



SuperSprings Self-Adjusting Suspension Stabilizers

 

[KBrennan]

Thanks everyone. i have some good options to ponder over.

 

[KBrennan]

Well I got he Sky Jacker 2" lift springs and they are great so far. I did upgrade to a BD adjustable track bar, all new tie rods and drag links and had to replace the lower control arms as they were rusted in solid. The mechanic working on it came up with all new cuss words. It took 7 saws all blades to free the old arms. The shop had arms from a 2007 and put those in. After a new set of 2007 cam bolts and an alignment she seems to be riding real nice. A lot firmer from the old worn out coils but sits perfectly level. Now I do need to use a step stool to get in to the engine compartment. I may upgrade next year to adjustable control arms but we will see.



Thanks again for everyones inputs. It gave me a solid base to go with.

 

[Regcabguy]

I had a 2. 5" Kore lift on my '98. 5. No worsening of the inherent wandering of the 2nd gens over stock nor excessive tire wear. I retained the stock arms. The new Kore springs should be ideal for a 2nd with an aftermarket bumper/winch coming. Throw some Bilstein 5100's on there also.

 

[KBrennan]

Well I am back from our vacation and the new BD track bar, BD Steering Box stabilizer, Sky Jacker 2" over stock coils, new tie rods and an alignment the front end was much smoother and ran straight. There is still a slight bit of vibration but I am counting that up to be worn ball joints and it is a 2500 4X4. Steering was responsive and a world of improvement over before the upgrades. Thanks everyone for your help and advice.