This suspension looks ok right?...lol (lots of pics)

[garydan]

As you can see from the pictures below, I have a bit of a suspension problem. From what I can tell, there is no lift on this truck. I'm going to be searching for new components springs and shocks. I'd like to keep the same ride height and stance. I have a couple of questions.

It looks like I will focus on the front suspension first, since it needs the most work

1) How do I know what size shocks to purchase?
2) Same question for springs.
3) Is there any brand I should stick with?
4) Should I hold off on upgrading the rear suspension until after I install a 14-bolt, or does it not matter?

On a side note, I took off the valve covers for an inspection today and I was quite pleased. Everything looked nice and clean in there.

This is the stance of my truck, does it look lifted to you???

 

[Chaddy]

What size tires are those?
The front springs are toast.

 

[garydan]

What size tires are those?
The front springs are toast.

Yeah, those springs aren't supposed to bend that way....

They are 35" tires.

 

[Chaddy]

They are 35"

Its probly got a 3 or 4 inch lift with bent springs.....

Get a 4 inch lift with shocks to match, and you dont need the double shock mount either....

 

[garydan]

Its probly got a 3 or 4 inch lift with bent springs.....

Get a 4 inch lift with shocks to match, and you dont need the double shock mount either....

Well I'd like to keep the height as close to what it is, so it still fits in the garage

I have a feeling when I upgrade those front springs I'll have major saggy butt syndrome.

 

[K5dreamer]

those look like my springs!!

and how im justifying a lift kit .

other than that, take what chaddy said and x2

 

[garydan]

Get a 4 inch lift with shocks to match, and you dont need the double shock mount either....

Please explain this more. I like the idea of not needing double shocks. Do I need to change the mounts or just install one shock?

 

[Chaddy]

Please explain this more. I like the idea of not needing double shocks. Do I need to change the mounts or just install one shock?

You could do both Im sure, but I would cut the double mount off and install a single. If you dont have the means/tools to do the job, then just install one shock and you will be fine.

 

[K5dreamer]

yeah, my brothers bronco had the twin shock setup, and it was a kidney killer, we just took one shock off each side, absolute no brainer. and if for whatever reason he decides to put the twin shocks back on, it will be just as easy.

 

[badmix]

Just install ONE shock, eliminate the extra one. Im running Bilstein 5150s and Rough country 2" lift springs and I like the combo.

 

[jonathon]

Check this out: http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255835&highlight=monroe

I'd agree with it being a well sagged 4".. those springs look like Tuff Country just going by how thin that pack is, the stiffer springs don't sag that bad.

4" lift and 35's here, and the only sag is from the rears since they are stock with blocks.

As far as your situation, if the rears aren't all bent like the fronts are, maybe a 3" spring in the front, with a zero rate if you needed it?

 

[garydan]

I'm still confused as to what I really need. All I know now is that I need 2 springs and 2 shocks.

What is a "zero rate"?

 

[Chaddy]

I'm still confused as to what I really need. All I know now is that I need 2 springs and 2 shocks.

What is a "zero rate"?

I would get 4 4"springs with 4 shocks and a zero rate.
A "zero rate" is basically a 1 inch block that levels out the ass end.

 

[garydan]

I would get 4 springs with 4 shocks and a zero rate.
A "zero rate" is basically a 1 inch block that levels out the ass end.

OK thanks. That brings up another question on the rear. The rear axle has 2 shocks on either end (total of 4 on the rear axle). Can I go down to 2 on the rear as well?

 

[Chaddy]

OK thanks. That brings up another question on the rear. The rear axle has 2 shocks on either end (total of 4 on the rear axle). Can I go down to 2 on the rear as well?

Absolutely.

 

[garydan]

Absolutely.

Do you just alternate the mount location on each side of the axle?

 

[Chaddy]

Yep

 

[bot0611]

On pirate4x4 theres a guy (Mike330R) whos selling a set of tuff countrys 4"

Go single shock, i agree 100% go Bilstein

On the rear well there are a lot of mixed opinions here its all up to you.