Best bang for your buck, cheap and effective (not ready-made)???

I've never worked on suspension, outside of my scooter and using brand-new aftermarket parts.

I am wondering what kind of cheap-but-effective suspension/lift mods people have done, if any. Thinking more along the lines of junkyard-shopping, DIY-welding, etc.

I'm on a budget and just can't really justify dumping tons of money into the pristine and pricey aftermarket. This applies to whole truck (and the topper I will have to make myself, as well, but I digress).

 

bilstien 5100s and aal

name your budget and how much lift you want that will help us help you

 

this

 

5100's for the front (not aware of any junk yard shopping you can do for the front).

For the rear, check out 4w (Doug's) spring replacement. He's grabbed old Ford or Chevy leaf springs, torn them apart and slipped leafs into a stock leaf pack to 'beef it up' and add lift at the same time. So far, it seems people have been pleased with the end result.

 

Nothing crazy is planned. Pretty much minimal lift is wanted and enough suspension to carry a decent load of kayaks, camping gear, and 2-3 people (driver included) through some rocky terrain. As an added perk, it would also allow oil-changes without the need for a jack/lifts.

Thanks for the info so far. Checking out the 5100s, aal and also Doug's spring replacement.

 

i would go with just 5100 set a 1.75 in the front and aal in the rear should be pretty cheap and look good

 

That may very well be the ticket for me. Seems pretty straight forward. Bilstein 5100 set @1.75 and Add a Leaf. Probably be more than enough for my needs.

What kind of tires are you sporting with just that?

 

They are adjustable just set at the first or second notch tons of info and pics on here

 

What size wheel do u have?

 

When mine were set at 1.75 I have 265 75 16s but I just recently upgraded and now running 33s and 3in lift

 

As it turns out, I have 15" wheels with the 5-lugs, so some of the more affordable suspension/lift options mentioned are not applicable to me. Oh well. Maybe simply getting the biggest tires that will fit it stock is all I'll need.