Extra capacity springs w/o lifting questions?

Gentlemen,
I have Armor (skids to transfer case, sliders, front and rear C4 Bumpers), Dual Batteries, lightbar, truck vault and ARB compressor ready to install for a 2019 truck that isn’t built yet. Toyo 285/55-16s are sitting here as well for a DCLB. I plan on the OV tune and 4.88s, but was hoping to NOT lift and struggle with vibrations as I’ve read so many having issues with...but would like to adequately support the addition weight In the front and rear of the vehicle. Application for the vehicle will primarily be mild overland exploring/camping with the family.
Trying to be thorough and proactive for the project.
Thanks again
Greg

 

your going to have to change out springs front and rear.

 

Do you have any recommendations for extra capacity springs that aren’t specific to lifting the vehicle?

 

I am by no means a suspension expert,but you are going to have to change that OEM stuff out for that kinda weight. I have seen rigs on TW that have mild lifts-1.5”-2” with more weight carrying capacity that don’t have driveline problems. Do your research and I’m sure you will find the right solution. Talk to one of the vendors recommended on TW, I used Head Strong Off-road on my last truck, very happy with the results.

 

Putting significantly stiffer springs on the stock struts and dampers is going to not ride great at all. The dampers are specifically valved for the stock rates, so I wouldn't recommend changing the springs and leafs without changing the dampers/shocks.

 

Put in an adjustable lift kit (front/rear) and adjust it for "1/2" inch.

 

What's an adjustable kit available for the rear? Fronts, yes, you can do coilovers, but rear you are stuck with whatever leaf springs you buy..

 

You should start with the vehicle's GVW and then do the math of adding or replacing all your mods. That will give you a modified GVW to use as a baseline for determining a heavier duty suspension capacity for a "dry weight." In other words, not loaded for campming. You should ten approximated the payload of all your gear, including food and water. That's the capacity you need for your suspension to be effective for your intended use. But it's a truck. When empty, it will be stiffer. Adjustable coilovers and different coil heights can help you dial in the front end, and leafpacks can be cusom made, but more payload geneallge means more leafs stacked together, and that means more height at the U bolts no matter how much they deflect at the tips.

1. Do some homework.
2. Work with a knowledgeable vendor.
3. Something's gotta give, and I think that is goinh to be your expectations.

 

Vibrations from lifting can be isolated and fixed fairly easily. Sounds like your planning on 4.88 gears. Install the EGGS bushing at this time. the clamshell will be apart anyway and should not cost extra aside from the part. I had 4.88s installed and then did the eggs bushing myself after the fact. Not too much work but would've been easier if the shop just did it with the gears.

If you develope driveline vibrations the carrier bearing drop can remedy that, cost less than $30 and only takes 10 mins to install.

The front 1" diff drop isn't necessary but does have a positive effect on CV angles, is cheap and a quick install.

I have Icons with 700lb springs and probably close to 3.5" lift 255 85r16 ST Maxx and the truck drives super smooth

 

Some kits let you stack the leaves in different orders, with the order of the stack setting the height....takes research.

 

^^^call Headstrong for this.

 

Any solution to your weight problem, I don't really want to lift too much either but want bumper and winch with sliders and skids. I did some research and think that the toytec 112-620 springs might work. they say 1 1/2 inch lift for 2nd gen. So in theory they should yield 1/2 inch on our 3rd gen. Question is, would that be enough spring for the weight. Also just a thought if you want to maintain factory rack get some hammer hangers they give 1/2 lift with stock leaf springs, or just get an add a leaf.

 

Your cheapest would be get (4) Bilstein 5100s and set front at 1” lift and get 1.5” add a leaf in the back, costing maybe $400 if you install yourself. It’ll settle close to stock height if you have some weight in the bed.

For something better, you’ll spend $2k or more for new everything and better shocks.

 

All,
After chatting with Marie at Headstrong via email (she provided extremely thorough answers and information w/o saying “buy this”), I chose to go down the path of an ADS system with #700/extended travel remote reservoirs/SPCs and extended travel/Dakar heavies in the back. She was very well informed and a dream to work with. The product arrived in a short amount of time as well. This was the very last of product to arrive waiting on the new truck for install.

 

Awesome, went from no lift to 3" lift.

Did you order the ECGS bushing as well, the tool is generally sold here as well but if you are doing gears they can swap it when doing those.

 

Not trying to bash you, but

and

Are conflicting.

By all means put whatever suspension package suits your needs best, but to me that is getting a brand new luxury sedan when you are in the market for a commuter. It's your money and spend it how you like, but if you're really looking to drive fire roads and get a little remote for camping then there are more budget friendly options that will suit those needs. Of course there's no doubt you will be very happy with an ADS kit.

 

Are conflicting.

By all means put whatever suspension package suits your needs best, but to me that is getting a brand new luxury sedan when you are in the market for a commuter. It's your money and spend it how you like, but if you're really looking to drive fire roads and get a little remote for camping then there are more budget friendly options that will suit those needs. Of course there's no doubt you will be very happy with an ADS kit.[/QUOTE]
You are very correct. Originally I was interested in budget all the way with the suspension and didn’t care if there was marginal clearance on the tires. After barely understanding lifts and the additional weight that will be supported, I chose to go the route of adjustable coils to ensure everything is leveled out the way I hoped the final product would be. It was kind of like the saying “if you’re going to New York...don’t get off at Chicago”
We’ll see how everything goes when the assembly is complete and decide if this was all money well spent.