How to add weight in the front just for testing

One thing I've learned from being around here, ride feel is super subjective, and what feels great to one, sucks to another. I'm not surprised if you feel like the eibachs are stiff, I feel that mine are too. As far as adding weight, I'd say add a passenger and see if it helps any. I can't think of any "safe" ways to add weight hanging off the front if it means its just dangling around driving down the road with other drivers around. If you have access to a large closed lot, or closed road somewhere, maybe others can chime in about how "safe" it would be to hang some weights off of the tow hook? I would imagine the tow hook should be able to handle a couple hundred pounds of downward pressure, but not going to suggest it just in case I'm wrong. Maybe 3/4 of the weight there, 1/4 of the weight hanging from the tie down point? Access to an aftermarket steel skid plate would definitely help with some of that weight

 

lol bet that thing was rocking!

 

Good way to test dampening and spring resistance.

 

What did you end up doing? I just installed this kit also it is definitely stiffer than stock but im gonna adjust my tire pressure see if that helps a little bit.

 

So I tried adding a bit of weight to the front by loading up some mulch bags (I was doing some house work anyway so why not) and it really didn't make any difference with about 5 bags. I'm not sure how much weight it was but there was no difference.

Honestly, I am looking into getting new suspension as I don't see myself adding a bumper and winch relatively soon. I recently tested the suspension at a local offroad park and don't get my wrong it performs great offroad but I still just can't stand the on-road ride quality.

tire pressure definitely helped me a little bit as I currently run at 29psi cold and Its far better than when I initially installed it. I think it's just something you will have to live with if you decide to keep the setup.

 

That doesn't add up for me. If the little bumps on the road are too much for your suspension, then the big ones off road should be even worse. Can you elaborate on what you mean?

I do suspect that going to softer springs could help. I run 600 lb/in springs and it works fine for me. They are supple and I still have plenty of room to adjust my ride height via preload. I can see how 742 lb/in springs could be harsh. Have you checked how much down travel you have? Some of the harshness could be due to lack of down travel.

 

Well I guess coming from a very bumpy ride on-road (feeling every small bump and ridge in the road) versus offroad, where I still feel everything but it seems to take larger dips better than stock suspension (The truck doesn't bounce up and down as much) if that makes any sense. I'm not sure how to measure down travel, but I am definitely willing to try anything to keep the current suspension. I have been debating upper control arms but wasn't sure if they would change the ride quality at all.

 

There is a difference with some to combat the "tacom lean"

 

I measured both sides to see, it looks like driver side is at 22.5" and passenger is at 23" hub to fender. I believe that's normal taco lean.