2wd lift AND ride quality setup?

[Whitson Metalworks]

So I finally built my wife a roof rack and after I put it on I thought, time to ditch the running boards. So after they were off I thought, wow that's a saggy rear end. So now that I have some parts store springs in there (had to put something in for a Christmas trip), it's got me wanting to do the front, and probably the rear again. I got permision to do bumpers at some point for it too, or at least she didn't say NOT to. It's the baby carrier and her ride so any lift would have to be an improvement in ride quality as well. I can't see going over 2 inches up front, slightly higher in the rear since I like a little rake.

For a mild lift and excellent ride quality, what's the recipe? Bilsteins and oem springs (99 tall) or some other combination? Basic coilovers up front and oem out back? I know there's not many people that lift 2wd but any help is appreciated.

 

[jeff88]

Where'd you get that roof rack?! :jk:

I don't claim any knowledge of suspension components, just regurgitating what I've read here. Bilsteins seem to be pretty popular. Maybe the SS 1.2A? I can't remember, but maybe the bilsteins will be a little rough until you get some extra weight from the bumpers? SCRunner has Fox COs up front and likes them. I'm planning on getting those when the day comes. If you want a little rake, you should look at some adjustable ones, so you can get it just right. What about airbags?

 

[Kryptoroxx]

If it's a family ride I would go with 99 springs with some billies for a couple of reasons.

1. Don't make her reach up with the kiddos as it will come back on you lol.

2. For rear Cargo handling you can add some air bags that will allow you to tow without sagging.

3. If you aren't going to be wheeling this vehicle I would not spend the cash on bumpers. They are for recovery points and bashing into rocks. They are also very expensive. If you want a tougher look take a look at adding some lighting or a brush guard with some tailgate protectors.

Just my .02.

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

Thanks, I hadn't thought about air bags at all. She doesn't go offroad but I'll take it hunting now and then and down washboard dirt roads and fire roads, not sure if airbags would be ideal for that? Plus I'd need on board air to do them right. I keep reading that CO's offer good ride quality but it's from the 4 wheel drive crowd and balancing offroad manners with street. I'm assuming you could adjust some CO's to do whatever you want or would spring rates need to be dialed in just right for a pavement pounder?

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

If it's a family ride I would go with 99 springs with some billies for a couple of reasons.

1. Don't make her reach up with the kiddos as it will come back on you lol.

2. For rear Cargo handling you can add some air bags that will allow you to tow without sagging.

3. If you aren't going to be wheeling this vehicle I would not spend the cash on bumpers. They are for recovery points and bashing into rocks. They are also very expensive. If you want a tougher look take a look at adding some lighting or a brush guard with some tailgate protectors.

Just my .02.

I like the thought of 99 springs and bilsteins, it's a top contender, just want to do it all right, once.

I'll build bumpers, she likes the way they look too, and it's fun. Brush guards...eww.

 

[jeff88]

I like the thought of 99 springs and bilsteins, it's a top contender, just want to do it all right, once.

I'll build bumpers, she likes the way they look too, and it's fun. Brush guards...eww.

She sounds like a beaut already! I think the 99 talls and the billies are going to be a good choice for normal daily use... not sure about when you add the weight, but there's only one way to find out if you're going to like it.

With what you do on the roof, I can't wait to see what you come up with for either end of the rig!!! op2:

+1 on brush guards.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

I like the thought of 99 springs and bilsteins, it's a top contender, just want to do it all right, once.

I'll build bumpers, she likes the way they look too, and it's fun. Brush guards...eww.

I agree with the opinion of brush guards unless it is just a road trip type vehicle or hunting purposes. Then building a real brush guard with a little more quality than toyota put into theirs....and you would have something worth mounting without dragging down the front end.

In fact it might be kind of a cool project.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Thanks, I hadn't thought about air bags at all. She doesn't go offroad but I'll take it hunting now and then and down washboard dirt roads and fire roads, not sure if airbags would be ideal for that? Plus I'd need on board air to do them right. I keep reading that CO's offer good ride quality but it's from the 4 wheel drive crowd and balancing offroad manners with street. I'm assuming you could adjust some CO's to do whatever you want or would spring rates need to be dialed in just right for a pavement pounder?

The air bags mount up inside the spring so they aren't exposed and you're supposed to only inflate them when you're needing extra support. Sonoran Steel actually sells a specific kit for their rear springs. Never heard good or bad from them.

You can either run oba or you can just roll up to any gas station and pressurize them there. The kit comes with a tire nipple attachment.

As far as CO goes I think since you have a 2wd giving total chaos a look might be fun lol. No cv axles limiting front travel.

 

[jeff88]

The air bags mount up inside the spring so they aren't exposed and you're supposed to only inflate them when you're needing extra support.

Don't guys run these 24/7? I didn't realize these were an 'every once in a while' usage item. So not really for DD use unless you're always carrying a lot of weight?

 

[blizz86]

the OME 881 with comfort shocks for the front end are nice, firm on road but not jarring.

OME 906 provide a nice lift in the rear but i would not pair them with the OME "comfort" rear shocks.. i would put some billies in the back with them (im waiting on some more $$ to do this)

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Don't guys run these 24/7? I didn't realize these were an 'every once in a while' usage item. So not really for DD use unless you're always carrying a lot of weight?

If you are carrying a lot of weight constantly I would recommend ome springs as they are designed to carry weight more than lift (they do lift....but only from the standpoint that your truck is now supported correctly if you have a lot of extra weight 24/7 like a tire carrier bumper