Front Sumos Super Thread

They should only be touching when your loaded down. Stock height you’ll have a gap (i have an aal, installed after I sagged with the cap so I’m not far off from stock but a hair higher) I have just under an inch so if I was to guess you should have anywhere from 1/2”-1” gap unloaded. That’s exactly, a stiff ride. So that’s why a spacer was offered for those that are lifted to compensate (have similar gap for similar engagement), others have reported getting the 2nd gen because they have a lift. Then many have gotten the 2nd gen for the “lift” and complained about the ride. To be fair not all fall into those 2 categories- there wasn’t a 3rd gen version available right away (probably not until all the complaints). As for the fronts they do touch unloaded at stock height and dont cause a stiff ride

I posted this already as a early disclaimer because I started seeing it get traction again but I’m done. Just tried saving people the research into the few threads already on the rears but tbh it’s probably best to understand or learn the hard way.

 

Installed fronts this morning, didn’t get a chance to test drive it right away as I works night shift. Tonight on the drive to work got a good feel. Gotta say, would definitely recommend these for anyone on stock suspension. Made the small bumps such as manhole covers pretty much nonexistent. I could hear the sound of the tire but didn’t feel anything. Great results even for the kinda high price of $180. But significantly cheaper than a suspension replacement. Will probably wait to buy the rears maybe when they have their next sale cause I do occasionally have weight in the bed and would be nice to not squat as much. Just can’t spend $400 all at once right now.

 

Yea I love that feeling or non feeling I should say when you hear you're running over something and don't feel it at all. It's pretty fun to be honest.

 

Yeah I was driving and purposely driving over the rough sections of the road that I usually avoid just to see the difference

 

Me too. I usually slow down on road dips but not this time. I usually look for them now.

 

Agree, I think I'm ok with the rear on mine with a 1/2 or a little more and the front is sightly touching. Perfect with a very moderate lift. I'm not changing a thing as my ride as improved greatly and like I said earlier, it was fine to begin with. It just makes it even more refined. I haven't been off the pavement yet, maybe I will but I'm sure it will be smooth when I go on the beach next year. The truck to me as seeing it everyday looks as if the truck is sitting a little more level than before. I had the taco lean which was corrected when the lift was installed with a 1/4 shim/spacer and I still was about a 1/4 lower but not noticeable at all so I think the front bump stops may have helped some. Maybe this is the cure for the taco lean on stock setups or slight lifts. Maybe it balances it out since the stops are touching.

 

I have a simple question: if I purchase a stock SR5 and install these on both the front and back, will it lift the truck at all? I don't mind 1/2" or so, but I have no plans for anything else after-market, ever. Boring on here, I know, but I want to tow a camper, not customize the appearance . Thanks.

 

I would think maybe a 1/4 inch in front at the most and maybe a half inch in the rear. This is totally a guess. I think my front looks a slight bit higher on the driver's side. I did a 1/4 shim when the lift was installed and it helped at the time. I do think it helps a little, however I would not buy them with the intention of it being a lift.

 

It won’t lift but it will help with your towing and you can drive faster on forest roads without bottoming out . More stable too.

 

Pulled the trigger on these Sunday night. Arrived today. Forgot to ask about the spacer so I'll email tonight about it and see what they say.

 

Which Bilsteins are you running?

 

Anybody bottom out the front end with these installed yet? Curious to see how they affect the amount of flex you have.

 

5100s and leveled

 

Delivered yesterday and installed last night, took about 40 minutes. Like others have said, on my stock SR suspension you have to press them in and be careful to line up before screwing them in so to not cross thread. I have a tap and die set, been there done that over the years, so wasn't too concerned. Mine do make slight contact all the time which is ideal IMO.

I didn't notice a big change in softening the ride, expectations were probably too high and my roads aren't bad. What I did notice was the improved handling with much less body roll on corners which I like very much, even takes a little getting used to.

I have a road trip this afternoon through some back roads of Southern Kentucky and Northern Tennessee on the Cumberland Plateau so should be a good test of ride and handling. I'm participating in creating a new section of hiking trail on the Sheltowee Trace this weekend. The Trail is being extending creating a new southern terminus into Rugby TN. So lots of back roads to get to the middle of nowhere.

 

I don't see any way these could "soften the ride" I understand the benefits of reduced body roll as you are adding a squishy block in place of a hard bump stop and they engage much sooner than the stock bump stops would but I can't fathom how they could make the ride softer.

 

I'm in the same boat. The only thing I'm considering is that maybe the sumo springs make up for the initial lack of dampening being provided by the shocks. But generally, I'm with you and not understanding how adding additional spring force makes for a smoother ride.

 

I think that it absorbs some of the energy and prevents that energy from being transferred to the body of the vehicle. I can feel a difference. I ride over speed bumps faster now too lol.

 

Thanks for this post and all of the comments/reviews. I have had rear Sumo's on my 2nd gen for around a year and a half. I did not know the fronts were available. I like the rears quite well, I am going for the fronts now.

 

I was skeptical as well, but in my experience they definitely make the small jittery stuff (cracks in the road, manhole covers, etc.,) much smoother and have complimented my shocks quite well in the front and I still have plenty of wheel travel.