Experience with WNY Accessory shop?

Had a buddy refer me to these guys for some suspension stuff(namely, Bilstein 6112 front struts, springs, rear add-a-leaf); have been extremely happy with the quality of service/willingness to help from everyone involved.

Have talked to a couple different vendors at this point; the primary reason I'm even doing this lift is to help the truck clear some 285/70R17's that I have been gifted; I'm looking forward to mounting them on some 17" black FJ Cruiser steel wheels I have sitting around. I think, overall, it should make the truck look pretty good.

Secondly, yes; that is my primary motivation here(at the moment anyway); appearance. I rarely do any offroading with it currently; more than anything else its used to tow my four wheelers and off-road toys(hence why I believe an add-a-leaf might be a good option).

Now, to the point(s):
-I understand that the rear add-a-leaf will increase suspension rigidity, therefore making the ride a little rougher. If it reduces rear end sag when towing, and provides a little lift in the process, I'm ok with it. What is everyone's experience using these? Do they ever sag over time, therefore compromising the lift I'm attempting to gain by installing them?
-Is it recommended to change out the rear shocks when doing an add-a-leaf, if for nothing else, to maintain consistancy? The truck is already at 25xxx, and although that may not be a lot to most, I know the suspension is well broken in at this point. I'm tempted to change them out, if for no other reason, to ensure that the truck is 'refreshed' on all four corners, and not just in the front. Opinions?
-Using 6112's in the front(with springs) and an add-a-leaf in the back; will this typically be enough to clear the tires I'm looking to install? More looking for people's experiences on this one; I know every vehicle is slightly different, etc.
-lastly; does anyone have personal experience with WNY Accessory Shop in western new york? Ethan has been incredible helpful in answering all my annoying questions; I'm inclined to give him my business, if for no other reason, because of how awesome he has been in assisting me.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read all this crap; I appreciate all advice.

 

Come to Ptuning, we are looking for more 4x4 projects! Were located in manassas VA!

 

This is actually quite convenient.....I used to deal with you guys in the past, back when I built Honda's and WRX's.....I may have to give you guys a call. Who would I ask for?

 

This has been discussed many times and info can be found in suspension forum but I'll answer your questions somewhat concisely.

BLUF: Call Marie at Headstrong or Stephen at Wheelers Offroad and they can help get you the parts you need for your planned uses and application.

Now, to the point(s):
-I understand that the rear add-a-leaf will increase suspension rigidity, therefore making the ride a little rougher. If it reduces rear end sag when towing, and provides a little lift in the process, I'm ok with it. What is everyone's experience using these? Do they ever sag over time, therefore compromising the lift I'm attempting to gain by installing them?

All leafs (not just Add a leafs) will sag over time some more and quicker than others. The progressive add a leaf packs will ride much nicer and closer to stock than adding a single leaf for say an inch or two inches of lift. A single leaf, like Spacers will ride like shit. Progressive AAL are not as good for handling a lot of added weight as a new full replacement leaf pack. Break out your wallet if you want one of these. ($500 to $700+ for a full pack replacement)



-Is it recommended to change out the rear shocks when doing an add-a-leaf, if for nothing else, to maintain consistancy? The truck is already at 25xxx, and although that may not be a lot to most, I know the suspension is well broken in at this point. I'm tempted to change them out, if for no other reason, to ensure that the truck is 'refreshed' on all four corners, and not just in the front. Opinions?

It's only recommended because you'll need increased travel based on the amount of lift you add. This has to be determined before you know which shocks to buy.

-Using 6112's in the front(with springs) and an add-a-leaf in the back; will this typically be enough to clear the tires I'm looking to install? More looking for people's experiences on this one; I know every vehicle is slightly different, etc.

Lift alone will not clear the tires. See the links in my Sig block below to plenty of feedback on how the 6112s work. Also see links in my Sig Block about Tire Size
Fitment

-lastly; does anyone have personal experience with WNY Accessory Shop in western new york? Ethan has been incredible helpful in answering all my annoying questions; I'm inclined to give him my business, if for no other reason, because of how awesome he has been in assisting me.

I do not

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read all this crap; I appreciate all advice.

 

My name is Nathan, if Im not there you be working with Freddy or Daniel

 

This shop is just down the road from me. Just opened up recently. I can't speak for the shop itself but our dealership does a lot of business with the owners car dealership he runs right next door to this shop and they have done some crappy repairs. I'm pretty sure they are the same guys who work out of that shop as its one big building.

 

Noted; I'll give you guys a call. Thank you Nathan!

Smitty; thank you as well. I've already talked to Mrs. Marie at Headstrong; she was incredibly helpful. However, it seems like I'm engaged in a never-ending game of phone tag with her, through no fault of her own.....my service is too spotty at the house most times to make/receive calls consistantly; its ridiculous.

 

Thank you for the info!

 

Wheelers is great too. You can email them.

 

Or just PM Marie.

As Smitty said above lift alone wont clear those tires. You will more than likely need a cab mount chop, pinch weld flattened, and trimming.

 

So wild that this much is needed to make these clear; but thanks for taking the time to break it down for me. I was hoping to be able to push out the wheels slightly with a inch spacer if it came down to it, although I'd rather avoid the use of spacers if I can. Its starting to look like id be better off just purchasing a set of properly sized tires, rather than purchase a lift.


I'll be making a phone call to Wheelers, as well as Marie, tonight.....thanks a bunch everyone.

 

Spacers aren't bad despite what everyone thinks. I run 1.25" spacers on mine and have zero problems. I wanted the tires because I off-road and the extra width and clearance will be useful. If you're doing it just for looks I personally don't think it's worth it unless you are comfortable cutting up your truck because you will have to. You might get lucky and not get any cab mount rub or pinch weld, but that's not likely. The CMC can be done for an extra 100 bucks depending on who/where you go. And they might do your pinch for a little more. I had mine notched and then hammered. And then comes plastic trimming. This parts easy but you do have to take a knife and cut. I still need to cut some of my actual bumper off as I'm rubbing when I'm turned passenger and flexed.

 

How did you get hooked up with them, with you living in VA?

 

Oh you know....someone I know recommended I talk to someone he knows there. LOL

I really appreciate the input man....and yeah, I'm thinking you're right. I'm not opposed to taking the family on wheeling trips in the future in this truck, but our tendency as of recent has been to just ride the quads for these sort of adventures. Either way, I can't see any bad from getting the suspension taken care of on this truck early.....although an alternative is always to just get properly sized tires put on these wheels I have, and politely declining the gift of the 285's. Decisions decisions....