Looking for recommendations for my DD/Overland build

Hi all,

I've been searching around this forum and the web for the last hour but haven't found a really satisfactory answer to my question. I apologize if I'm missing it: I probably just don't know exactly what to search for.

Here's the deal. My 2020 OR is my daily driver but also my weekend warrior overlander. I do trails, but I'm not rock crawling. I already have rock sliders and RCI steel skids. I will be adding a bumper and winch soon. I am looking to accommodate this added weight and _maybe_ gain a bit of lift. I want to avoid going over 1.5" of lift because a diff drop kit will not work with my skids. I have read some people say the kit isn't necessary, but I'm not really needing a bunch of lift right now so I don't see why I should bother.

Mainly I'm trying to figure out the most economical way to support the added weight. Between the skids and sliders I've added over 250lbs and the bumper with winch will add significantly to the front. I think technically the only thing I need to do is get stronger springs--is that right? But, I kind of figure that while I'm doing it it might be nice to go ahead and get the lift installed.

What kind of kit would be recommended for my situation? Most likely the highest I'll go in tire size is 33s, but I don't technically need the lift to do that since I can fit 255/85R16s on. I see a lot of people recommend Bilstein 5100s since they're relatively cheap, but I think the 6112 has the spring strength I'd want for all the steel.

So if you were in my shoes, how would you proceed?

 

I’m in almost exactly the same boat(truck) and I went with Bilstein 6112/5160 on 5/4 settings, headstrong 1.5” AAL, SPC UCAs and 255/75/17 C load KO2s. This seemed to me to be the ideal setup combining cost, driveability, off road capability, and peace of mind. Still receiving everything so haven’t driven with this setup, but conceptually comfortable with my decision.

 

Thank you! Can I ask how much you paid for everything so I can get an idea on cost?

 

Like @Big_Salad said, 6112/5160 if you want cheap, but better performance/ride quality than 5100s.
You don't need SPC UCA though unless you are going Long-travel or going up to 35s. JBA or Camburg UCA will work. You are just going to confuse your alignment guys due to the SPC UCA being able to adjust. I wouldn't recommend 5100 to anyone that will be hitting the trails w/ ton of weight. I already think the 6112/5160 is a rough ride as it is (of course ride quality is subjective to the individual) and preload would be sketchy for me.

Definitely go with suspension first then armor. I ordered/installed at the same time, but my suspension was a bit late (being custom built to order) and man did it rub like crazy just me trying to move it around the driveway. I am at 2.5" lift and I didn't do a drop kit.

 

I already have the skids and sliders installed (but not the bumper yet). I keep hearing you should put the weight on first so you know exactly how you need to adjust the suspension to accommodate it. Thoughts on that?

I don’t necessarily need to go cheap, I just want to avoid doing it twice. What type of suspension upgrade would you recommend if you think the 6112/5160 is just OK? I’d prefer to pay a bit more to get quality.

 

Well you already know roughly how much weight you are putting on the front and if you get coilovers, you can adjust for the sag as long as you get 650lbs or 700lbs springs (depending on how stiff you want it) and don't put too much preload.

Anything higher than 6112/5160 will start putting you in the $2k+ suspension category in just parts alone. At that price point, I would get Fox, Radflos, Kings, ADS, or Elka. I personally don't like Bilstein or Icons due to digressive valving (meaning stiffer ride/valving). A lot of people do though since they are better at cornering and like that sporty feel to them.

You also got to think about it as a DD. Will you always have those weights on? For instance, my third and current suspension are Radflos custom tuned specifically for my vehicle, needs, and driving characteristics. It also has a compression adjuster to allow it to firm up when I add weight/go offroad. When I am on the road, I lower the compression to allow it to be softer. That kind of set up will put you around $3k+ though.

Honestly, my advice to you is figure out what you will put on your vehicle that will weigh a lot. Then figure out where you plan to take (type of terrain) and what type of feeling you like (do you like Cadillac kind of soft/plush feeling or stiff like a sports car). Take that information and call Accutune, they sell Fox, Kings, and Icon that are custom valved. You can call Radflo directly as the manufacturers themselves will tune/custom build it for you. Or you can contact Headstrong if you want a generic tune any of the brands I have mentioned (except Radflo).

Try to find someone with 6112/5160 with as close of a setup/weight as you plan to do and ask for a test drive. Feel how it is and see if you even need/want to upgrade. Most are satisfied with 6112/5160.

 

Read up on there info/tech pages. You can also contact them. www.accutuneoffroad.com

 

Thanks for the thorough response! A lot to chew on here.

Will do! Thanks for the suggestion.

 

If you’re looking for a slight lift with better performance, I would suggest going with old man emu nitro charger shocks. A lot of people on this forum love these shocks. Great performance at a reasonable price. Another thing to consider is the style of spring that goes with your coil over setup. Bilstein 5100s have open ended springs, most of the higher end ones have flat ends. This means it is a bit harder to find quality springs if you plan on really tuning in your spring for your weight.