What was done to this suspension?

Hey folks. I just picked up this 2000 trd 4x4. Its been lifted. The rear was done with 3" blocks. I can't really tell how the front was done. I already have to rebuild the whole front suspension and I want to maintain the lift it has but with new shocks and coils. The truck is pretty level at all 4 corners, but rides like crap when I hit bumps. I assume this is due to the fact that the coils are already have a lot of preload on them.

Can anybody Identify what was done to the front?

And what can I replace it with to improve handling and maintain the height?

Also, I know about the cvs

 

http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/me...ab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_2395.jpg

and For rear id remove blocks and change out the whole leaf packs.

 

I'm wondering abt. mine in an almost indentical way, mine has 2.5" blocks in back, no idea whats been done up front, sits perfectly, back
1.5'' higher than the front unloaded. want to rebuild the front suspension without lowering it more than .5" or so.

 

I'm guessing its an aftermarket strut ,but what is that on top ? (looks like a washer)

 

I thinks it's a rubber trim packer

 

No, he's taking about on top out side of the strut...

 

Yeah, it's a washer. Its there to keep from over tightening the nut into the rubber piece.

 

I'm in pretty much the same predicament. Got blocks in rear. And I believe a top plate spacer AND top and bottom poly spacers in the coil for the front. Front rides ok. But pretty much maxed out. The rear is all shot. Just been waiting to get the funds for a proper lift. I really want an ome lift for the front but I believe I'll still need a spacer of some sort to retain the current lift. I figure either way it's gonna ride a ton smoother than it currently does. Can't wait, I've been suffering for the three years that I've owned her. Been putting it off far too long. Ha.

Edit. And I may be wrong on this but I've been wondering as well, and hopefully someone can clarify, but, I think the only way to retain full suspension quality without the added preload or strain, is to do a drop bracket lift, or get lift spindles? But I assume with the drop bracket lift you sacrifice clearance. Maybe articulation too. Not sure on the lift spindles, especially with 4wd...Can someone clarify this for me?

 

A firmer ride doesnt have to mean a worse ride. Even 5100s set to 2.5 rides better than stock imo. At ride height the coils are compressed the same amount as factory.

 

Here's what's been on since I bought her. With the exception of the uca's I added as the coils were clanging against the stock uca.

Edit: measuring 39.5" from ground to fender. 1" higher in the rear. Rear looks like 2" block with aal. Cam someone confirm? Don't mean to thread jack or anything, figured I'd add to the list as I'm wanting to change all this out for a proper lift as well and still maintain or increase current ride height. And if someone knows what shocks/coils are up front as I have no clue. Ha.

 

t

that is a rancho strut. it doesnt provide any lift. looks like all you have is a 3" strut spacer lift and 2" block in the rear (no aal)

 

Cool thanks. Weird that the rear is higher than the front. Is that normal? Since the rear is 2" and the front is 3"... Not sure if the front is actually 3. Looks a bit smaller than that. I shoulda measured that too. Oh well anyways, seeing as whatever lift I get should pretty much retain or increase the current lift. I plan to get ome kit. I see it comes with top plate spacers for 3". And the dakars, I'm assuming provide lift as well? As there are no options for shackles. It's either or..?

 

Looks like your coils are shot. Remember on front the spacer isnt actually gona be 3" to get 3" of lift

 

Dakars will provide about 1.5" of lift. And yes I'd get those crappy spacers out of there. The whole truck should ride a lot better with a proper setup. Optimally you want the front to be lifted about 2.5" max, so you can maintain some level of down travel. If it's too tall you'll barely have any down travel and it will ride like shit.

 

trucks in general are higher in the rear for carrying loads. also known as a "rake." When you get the money (or if you do already) spring (pun intended) for a complete suspension kit. like @thunderone said the Dakar leaf pack will give you the lift and also allow you to relocate that e-brake cable back above the leaf pack where it's supposed to be. seems whoever had it bent the guide sleeve to accommodate the higher position of the leafs.

 

When I ordered my leafs from Alcan, I asked for 2.5" of lift because I knew they'd sag eventually. I also asked for extra 200lb load capacity. I've hauled around 3-4x that much and I still can't get the damn things to sag. But I'd rather it sit a little higher in the back (not even noticeable) than it sit too low and start dealing with tire fitment and rubbing issues and having to crank down the front...

 

Awesome thanks guys. Pretty much answers all my questions and suspicions..

Did anyone ever answer the op's questions? He's got a bit of a different setup in front than me.. just wanted to throw that out there as I kinda hijacked his thread a lil, my bad, lol.

 

Dakar's are 2.25" of lift! Used with the OME aal it'll increase to around 3".

Toendanger you can get shackles too if you'd like... Have you checked out wheelers off road before? Good site and good people too! Also have a complete line up of OME stuff and lots of suspension goods!

 

Op has skyjacker struts

 

Question... Are those rear shocks fabtechs? Reason im asking is, if your complaining about the bad ride in the rear... those shocks are the problem. I recently replaced my rear springs with the dakar/ome springs that net 2.25" in the rear. But before that i had the fabtech 3inch block on the stock springs with an AAL and fabtech shocks. I pulled the shocks off and let me tell you... i swear i think they have them valved for a school bus. I could barely compress and contract them. I replaced them with Bilstiens and kept my stock springs, AAL, and block until my new springs arrived. Just replacing the shocks alone seriously made a night and day difference. Felt like i was driving a Cadillac.

But yea shocks alone will make an improvement in ride

O yea and the fabtecs are not gas charged, there just a plain hydraulic shock. They say there a 9 stage shock but i dont believe it