What next, coil springs?

[CookJ]

Still trying to figure out how to get rid of excessive body roll going into turns or tight curves and firm/tighten what appears to feel like a loose front end. I know some of this can be expected, especially with any lift, but, not to the extent I'm experiencing. The 6" superlift went on about 30K miles ago and I was suprised at how tight the truck drove. However, in these last 10-15K miles or better, it think the springs have relaxed/weakened. According to superlift, the coils will relax after some period, but, will still retain the 6" lift height.



As of late, I've installed the dual Bilsteins up front, SSI adjustable trackbar and replaced the drag-link tie-rod (at the pitman). The other tie-rods are tight and the upper/lower ball joints are in similar condition, as told to me by two shops. I inspected for play at the steering box (both ends) and did not see anything alarming. Also, I replaced the grommets at both sway links and did not find any wear at the bar mounts. Although I feel I made some improvement with the Bilsteins, I still have not corrected the problem.



Any suggestions on where to go from here? thanks

 

[rbattelle]

What about going with a larger sway bar? And maybe adding a bar to the rear?

Ryan

 

[CookJ]

Ryan, I purchased a Hellwig rear sway bar prior to installing the superlift and have already extended the sway lengths to (4") to that of the rear lift blocks. However, I haven't installed because it will interfere with the exhaust pipe and 35" spare tire I have tucked beneath the bed. At some point, I plan on re-routing the exhaust and do something with the spare for installing the sway bar. I believe I will see some improvement but wanted to rule out everything up front before installing it.



By going with a larger sway bar, are you referring to the Kore or other?

 

[rbattelle]

By going with a larger sway bar, are you referring to the Kore or other?

I didn't have any specific manufacturer in mind, I just figured if you've got excessive body roll a sway bar is probably the simplest way to solve it.



Certainly if you move your CG 4-6" farther from the ground you're bound to encounter a lot more sway.



I carry my spare tire in the bed, but since I rarely haul anything it only becomes a problem occasionally.



Ryan

 

[AH64ID]

It may seem simple, but have you checked the air psi in your tires? There is a lot more sidewall there, and if they are a little low they will flex under the higher CG of the truck...

 

[CookJ]

Well, as I mentioned earlier, it seems like it has gotten worse in the last 10-15K miles which is why I was suspecting the coils. As for tire pressure, I've ran anywhere from 35-50psi and found the 45-50psi range is best. I failed to mention this earlier... the passenger side sway link is very close to the spring and will actually rub on occasion. Neither of the links are bent. Could the swaybar (arms) have weakened and caused this?

 

[AH64ID]

The sway bar can actually move side to side in the bushings, just pull it back where you want it...

National Spring could probably wind you some coils that would work better and last longer.

 

[BLACKJACK]

New coils are in your future. I would try Don Thuren at thuren fab. He's helped alot of folks with basic suspension geometry problems. He would know where to get some new springs if he doesnt have any in that height.

 

[CookJ]

Appreciate the responses guys. I made a check last night and found the sway has actually moved about 3/16"+ towards the driverside. Maybe this is what's causing the passenger side link to rub? I would have never thought to check as the bushings at each block don't appear to have any significant wear. I guess the fix would be to go with an aftermarket bar, being that if I try to re-allign, she'll just move again? thanks

 

[DGamelin]

I read 08. 5 1/2 tons will get coils in the rear.