Proper spring rate for a 3rd gen for max flex

This is a repost.. didn't get answers...

I'm insecure about losing droop with my 886 coils. I know the shocks add ~1.5 inches of travel or so, but the way my truck is lifted I am using all that travel at ride height. I'd like to reduce the lift for more travel. Id like to reduce the spring rate for better flex purposes.

Is this worth spending the time and money to do? Or would adding sliders and skids make it better?

I think the armor won't fix the issue. I suspect it would reduce ride height, but flex would be hindered by spring rate

Thank you in advance

 

This is not on 5100 shocks. This is on nitrochargers

 

Stock is 717 pounds, you are at 660 for the 886 i personally wouldn't go any lower in poundage or you will see some sag.

More droop? Get rid of the sway bar, get aftermarket UPC because that is probably the next limiting factor, then the limiting factor is likely your CV axles which you might not be able to change much with it.

 

I don't have sway bar and I am lifted 3 inches. I am getting more droop by reducing lift I mean.
The stock spring is 14 something inches. The ome 886 is 15.8, so the preload is higher for OME.

I want to know if I will see an increase in flex with a lower spring rate. Also if the 888 will give 2.5 inches over sr5 height or offroad height

 

Spring rate is one of many factors in flex. U need to have correct spring weight for the weight of your truck including accessories. Then the correct travel shock from max up travel to droop. Limiting factors are: ball joint bind, axle cv bind, sway bar, shock length. Spring rate controls your weight. Shocks control suspension compression and rebound.

Also lift has nothing to do with your travel. Most bolt on lifts actually have less travel then your stock suspension. Being that it is decreasing down travel for the lift it's giving you.

 

You might find these useful.

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC6XtYxepOgzORaxKt1d-8Lg

 

In fact Tinkerer's adventure is why I am swapping my coils out. a great channel for sure
does he mention spring rates anywhere?

 

Ok, you should understand then that coil springs and ride height have no effect on suspension travel. Or maybe you are just using different definitions of terms than I am used to.

 

what do you mean?
A lift will have an effect on suspension travel. The total travel of course remains the same, but your down travel decreases and up travel increases

 

My definition of suspension travel is the distance between the lowest point to the highest point that the hub or axle can reach. This is pretty common in motorized vehicle communities.

 

ok whats your definition of down travel?

 

The distance from ride height to the bottom of the suspension travel.

 

I want to reduce my lift because it has reduced my down travel.

I want to regain more usage of the travel with a lower spring rate.

Next I plan to add 300 lb of armor at some point.

I am considering OME 888 and OME 887, but I can't find whether the amount of lift they provide with nitrochargers is over sr5 height or lift over trd OR height.

 

By a majority of reports I have read, the ride height of all trims is identical with the exception of the Pro.

ARB gives an approximate optimal weight rating for their coil springs and also an approximate 2” increase in ride height at those weights. If you really want to dial in the ride height, I suggest a coilover with adjustable preload.

I’ve adjusted the preload on my kings twice. It makes a minor difference, but I’m having fun tinkering with it.

 

One other thought… maintaining some down travel is a good thing. Many people don’t take this into account when modifying their truck.

 

thats my goal. Most good aftermarket shocks have "extended travel". I have 9.5 inches of travel. I am trying to get down to low level of lift and fit some 35s when my stock tired go bald

 

I run 13" 600lb springs, with a full plate bumper, winch, heavy ass skids, etc. Sits at 1.5" over stock with the max amount of preload before coil bind.

 

Mid travel or long travel for max flex. Everything else is similar to stock numbers.

Rear end is easier to gain some flex by going with longer shocks.

 

A lot of aftermarket shocks have more travel than stock. Look at bilstein 5100. The pro has more travel as well. I think it's called extended travel

Yes long travel or SAS is down the line. Maybe in 5 years

 

If I remember right, the 5100s actually have more travel than any other front bolt in/stock configuration out there. More than the Fox/King/etc "extended" travel.