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Choosing between two similar front suspension setups

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by ardrummer292, May 23, 2020.

  1. May 23, 2020 at 12:58 PM
    #1
    ardrummer292

    ardrummer292 [OP] 500k or bust

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    I could use some advice. I have two possible front-end suspension setups that will yield the same lift and load carrying capacity, but am unsure what one setup offers over the other.

    Setup 1: uses a longer spring and standard shock, which has 4.4 inches of travel.
    Specific parts involved: Dobinsons C59-354 spring and GS59-221 shock.

    Setup 2: uses a shorter spring and extended travel shock. This shock has a coil seat 1 inch taller than the standard shock above. It also has more travel, at 5 inches.
    Specific parts involved: Dobinsons C59-350 spring and GS59-220 shock.

    As previously mentioned, both setups have the same spring rate, the same lift, and the same load carrying capacity.

    I'm not sure what kind of performance difference I could expect between the two setups. Ride stiffness, risk of topping- or bottoming-out, suspension geometry issues, something else? Any experiences you can share are welcome.
     
  2. May 24, 2020 at 9:19 AM
    #2
    ardrummer292

    ardrummer292 [OP] 500k or bust

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    Bump. I’m sure someone has an opinion.
     
  3. May 24, 2020 at 9:25 AM
    #3
    ZekeR7

    ZekeR7 Well-Known Member

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    Not sure about performance-wise, but just make sure if you go with Set-up 2, you install an aftermarket UCA. For any extended/mid travel you need an aftermarket UCA. OEM will hit the springs at full extension.
     
  4. May 24, 2020 at 10:23 AM
    #4
    ardrummer292

    ardrummer292 [OP] 500k or bust

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    Yep, that’s the plan. I’m still trying to decide between SPC, JBA, and Dirt King. Getting a (near) perfect alignment is really important to me, but I don’t know how much adjustability I need to get there.
     
  5. May 24, 2020 at 10:43 AM
    #5
    ZekeR7

    ZekeR7 Well-Known Member

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    Honestly, you don’t need SPC. Kinda over kill.
     
  6. May 24, 2020 at 2:51 PM
    #6
    ardrummer292

    ardrummer292 [OP] 500k or bust

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    Why do you say that?
     
  7. May 24, 2020 at 4:05 PM
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    ZekeR7

    ZekeR7 Well-Known Member

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    Were you planning to get the adjustable spc? You don’t need it unless you plan to go long travel.
     
  8. May 24, 2020 at 4:45 PM
    #8
    ardrummer292

    ardrummer292 [OP] 500k or bust

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    I was considering SPC specifically because of all the fine tuning available for the alignment. Tires are expensive, so I’m gonna do everything I can to get the most mileage out of them.
     
    Front sight likes this.
  9. May 25, 2020 at 11:42 AM
    #9
    MT Hunting/Fishing Tacoma

    MT Hunting/Fishing Tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Have you thought about Dobinson’s UCAs?
     
  10. May 25, 2020 at 11:45 AM
    #10
    ardrummer292

    ardrummer292 [OP] 500k or bust

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    I haven’t done much research into them, since they appear to offer less adjustability than SPC at an equal/higher price. What’s your opinion on them?
     
  11. May 25, 2020 at 12:38 PM
    #11
    MT Hunting/Fishing Tacoma

    MT Hunting/Fishing Tacoma Well-Known Member

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    3 degrees of caster built in seem to be pretty stout. Not sure if there is any clearance issue if you decide to go a wider tire. Just figured since you were going with Dobinson, why you would not get the UCAs. SPC are well respected here except for a very few manufacturing defects that have been correct
     
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  12. May 25, 2020 at 12:46 PM
    #12
    Rawdoggy

    Rawdoggy Well-Known Member

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    Jba
     
  13. May 25, 2020 at 12:49 PM
    #13
    ardrummer292

    ardrummer292 [OP] 500k or bust

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    The idea of sticking all with one brand is appealing, just to minimize potential interoperability issues. Trouble is, the Dobinsons have no adjustability and come in at $640 for the pair (with ball joint installation). I'd rather get the highly adjustable SPCs for $10 less, or go non-adjustable with JBA for nearly $200 less.
     
  14. May 25, 2020 at 12:50 PM
    #14
    Rawdoggy

    Rawdoggy Well-Known Member

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    200$ to do freely with is way better.(they do mil dsc, I see your profile says navy)
     
  15. May 25, 2020 at 12:54 PM
    #15
    ardrummer292

    ardrummer292 [OP] 500k or bust

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    On the flip side, saving $200 means nothing if my tires wear out too fast due to poor alignment. I'm leaning towards SPC because I can get my alignment perfect.
     
  16. May 25, 2020 at 12:57 PM
    #16
    Rawdoggy

    Rawdoggy Well-Known Member

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    Your setup it way different than a standard, I revoke my rec’s. I misread. My bad!
     
  17. May 25, 2020 at 7:46 PM
    #17
    ardrummer292

    ardrummer292 [OP] 500k or bust

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    I just pulled the trigger on the short spring/extended shock setup. I won't be buying the rest of the parts (UCA, ECGS bushing, axle shims, etc.) for awhile, so the installation won't be any time soon.
     

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