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Member
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: NW GA
Posts: 473
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: NW GA
Posts: 473
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‘14 TE hit 100k mi - Suspension Refresh?
My 2014 Trail non KDSS just hit 100k miles. I’ve noticed, whether real or just mental, that it seems a lot more floatier and rides like an old Cadillac. More rocking on stopping and accelerating, and more body roll in turns. It’s smooth like riding on a cloud but doesn’t feel sure footed in case of an emergency maneuver.
I had the stock tires for 25k, then stock size C load KO2s for 50k, and now stock size P metric Michelin Defender LTXs for the last 25k miles.
None of the shocks are leaking and when I do the test of pushing the bumpers it seems to settle back to the neutral position pretty quick without a bunch of bobbing.
Do the OEM shocks deteriorate by 100k to feel looser before they start puking oil? Or am I just imagining it?
If they do need to be replaced is it best to go with OEM? Or should I use the opportunity to upgrade everything?
The stock coils don’t appear to have sagged. I measure hub to fender of 20” front, 20” rear. Maybe a quarter inch of driver side lean.
If I upgrade I want to keep a factory rake, or at least something more than level. I hate the reverse rake look and from time to time I load up for a family trip or pull a small utility trailer.
I don’t want a harsh jarring ride as this is my daily driver, work travel rig, and family mobile.
However, I would like a more firm, sure footed feel than it has right now. I do take the family off roading from time to time, up in the North GA mountains. Just day trips so no heavy loading.
As such I’m considering something to make it better for mild off roading and am even considering adding a slimline bumper and winch since we are solo every time.
I’m looking at a few options. I do not want to screw up the factory geometry and do not want UCAs. I want to do something and not think about it for another 100k miles.
1) OME 2883, 2895e on OME shocks.
2) Toytec 1.6” front coil, Eibach 1” Pro Truck rear coil on Eibach Pro Truck shocks.
3) Bilstein 6112 at 1.6”, Bilstein B12 rear coil, Bilstein 5160 rear shock.
4) Bilstein 4600 with OEM coils.
I would probably do another set of KO2s in either stock size or 255/75/17 C load.
What would you all recommend for a daily driver with no extra weight day to day? Will any of these be better than OEM? And do I even need to change at this point?
I realize it’s another can of worms but is a winch a wise and worthwhile investment? It would probably never get used but would be invaluable if I got the family stuck alone in a remote location with no overnight gear.
Finally, I plan to keep this truck for a long time and would just add another vehicle if this one becomes “too old” so I don’t want to do anything to lessen its longevity.
Thanks!
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2014 Trail - 5100s at .85, 265 KO2s
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