Donahue racing suspension questions

That's a lot of pre load?

Oh ok thank you!

 

It's well over the recommended amount of preload.

Considering you're on stock control arms I'd say your lift(preload)is preventing your alignment from being what most consider to be acceptable.

 

Well shoot,
So I need to get different springs to achieve the same lift more comfortably (less preload) plus rebuild them, then it would be smart to get different UCA to get proper alignment?
Then new leaf pack to level out the rear to acomadate for the added weight in the back?

 

X2 this is unfortunate news for sure! Seems abrupt and wonder about the future of icon? If I didn't already own their stuff I wouldn't go out and buy it.

 

If I bought everything starting from stock I would personally go fox, but I need to get my stuff running "correct"

 

14" coils for reference/perspective:

 

Holy, so do certain springs fit certain coilovers? What's a good option for me

 

You'll want coils for your size shocks. I'm assuming 2.5" shocks, same as mine. The 600# 14" coils ride very well for me and didn't require cranking the adjusters down to the shock shaft to get the lift I wanted

 

Sorry I'm being a pain, but got a link to a set?
Or will a good ol fashion google search put me on the right ones?

 

There have been a few pairs for sale recently around $100 which is what I got mine for. There might be a set for sale in the classified section still. If you've got no extra weight in the front(bumper/winch/rocket launcher/etc) you'll like the results.

 

Ok I just searched "600# 14" coils 2.5""
So 600# stands for 600 pounds, then 14" is just actual height of spring before compression, then 2.5" is the diameter of spring and should meet with a 2.5" shock seat (for lack of a better term)
So as long as it's those dimensions it should work out
I do want a winch bumper, but idk if that will ever happen

Edit, I am about to put on bolt on sliders, then I have a prinsu rack as well

 

Yes, just make sure the coil fits a 2.5" shock body(so a 3.0 coil).

A heavy winch and bumper might require a higher spring rate in the future. Bolt on sliders and a rack won't matter much.

 

Ok cool, sorry for making you force feed me knowledge but it does help, looks like I have some purchasing to do, I'm making a list in my notes haha

Is it difficult to change out springs from coil overs (ill YouTube it..)
I'll just replace axle (to have a new boot an have a spare I guess, or can you just get a new boot)
If I'm at this point I might as well do the 3" lift, I mean it sounds like I'm going to need new uca's anyways so might as well.. should I go with a uniball setup?
Or what's some good uca?
Do I need to worry about the lowers, or should they be fine?
What kind of spring for a 3" lift?

 

I feel like one of the guys who ask "will this tire size fit on stock suspension" post's right now

Excuse my ignorance

 

I changed mine with an air impact and a rented auto zone coil compressor, although I'm pretty sure I was pushing the tools past their limits and don't recommend this for safety reasons. A qualified shop shouldn't charge much to swap them if you bring them in.

Lowers are fine. No reason to upgrade at this point.

Some prefer balljoint uppers in snowy areas to avoid corrosion issues associated with snow/salt.

 

Ahh copy that, maybe I'll lurk the for sale threads and see what's up
I appreciate the help

I've changed my Subaru springs with lowering springs(not coilovers, just struts and top hats) and did it that way. It was a pain in the ass and I don't feel like it was done very well

 

Also one last thing,

So if with the springs you suggested that puts me at 2.5" of lift, if I did do 3" would I need a bigger poundage(600#) or taller springs with the same 600#?

 

FYI From when I receive them, so add 2-4 days shipping each way.

From my understanding qualified techs that can rebuild shocks are better off building new units to sell. IMO once it's the "norm" customers looking for service will get taken care of as good if not better than direct from Icon.

 

@Firebird
Meant to tag you, posted some pics a little earlier from the front, thought I could get your 2 cents

 

Hey dude, took a look and there's a few things I want to point out:
-You have a lot of preload, you might be better off with a 14" coil instead of your current one. Make sure whatever coils you buy don't taper (oem does).
-You're going to want to get an aftermarket UCA asap. It will fix your camber and caster. Also, if your coilovers are extended travel (no clue if they are or aren't) you're going to blow out that ball joint in no time if you're wheeling it. Go with a tubular UCA, find out if you have the extended travel coilovers and if you do go with a uniball instead of a ball joint. This is going to fix a lot for you.
-Check to make sure your swaybar has a relocation bracket like this:


I also don't like your rear leafs. They might be fine, but I really think you'd do well to swap out to a whole new leaf pack. You're going to need to if you're looking to lift it a bit more anyway. Just don't forget extended brake lines and new (longer) U-bolts.

If you fix the CV tear, get new coils, rebuild the fr & rr shocks, get a leaf pack, and grab UCAs you're going to have one hell of a ride!