Hi Everyone,
I'm writing to ask for suggestions about how to maintain stock suspension height and rake after adding a winch (HWMS with Smittybuilt X20 10k), undercover armor (RCI aluminum package), and rear airbags (Firestone) for towing.
(Note: this is a sort of continuation of a thread on undercover winch mounts and overland suspensions, but I figure the issue is common enough to merit it's own thread).
After making the above modifications (and running the rig off road for a while), I've noticed that, on average, the front end is now lower by 1/2"-5/8" (34" from ground to top of front wheel well moulding is now down to ~33.5"), while the rear is lifted by a full inch (36" to 37" from ground to top of rear wheel well moulding), which is due to airbags inflated at ~5psi for running without towing. As predicted by many of the post members, the stock suspension still performs wonderfully under moderate off-road abuse.
My question: what do you suggest I do to return the rig to its stock height & rake specs as closely as possible? I figure the easiest fix is 1/4 or 1/2" top spacers up front, which should gets me back the 1/2-3/4" I lost...but still, the rake is off since the rear is now still ~1" higher than before. Perhaps also/instead install a set of Bilstein 5100's up front set at .85, but now haven't I lifted the truck 1" all around? Maybe just go top spacers and leave well enough alone for a while?
One final question: Does anyone know if these minor mods all require roughly the same amount of installation work? (with the possible exception of the 1/4" spacers, which don't need longer bolts, so perhaps can they be "slotted" in without removing the top of the shock?) The 1/2" top spacers come with longer bolts, so maybe put in 5100's while I'm in there?
Thoughts? Comments? Ideas?
Many thanks in advance for your ideas and comments!
I'm writing to ask for suggestions about how to maintain stock suspension height and rake after adding a winch (HWMS with Smittybuilt X20 10k), undercover armor (RCI aluminum package), and rear airbags (Firestone) for towing.
(Note: this is a sort of continuation of a thread on undercover winch mounts and overland suspensions, but I figure the issue is common enough to merit it's own thread).
After making the above modifications (and running the rig off road for a while), I've noticed that, on average, the front end is now lower by 1/2"-5/8" (34" from ground to top of front wheel well moulding is now down to ~33.5"), while the rear is lifted by a full inch (36" to 37" from ground to top of rear wheel well moulding), which is due to airbags inflated at ~5psi for running without towing. As predicted by many of the post members, the stock suspension still performs wonderfully under moderate off-road abuse.
My question: what do you suggest I do to return the rig to its stock height & rake specs as closely as possible? I figure the easiest fix is 1/4 or 1/2" top spacers up front, which should gets me back the 1/2-3/4" I lost...but still, the rake is off since the rear is now still ~1" higher than before. Perhaps also/instead install a set of Bilstein 5100's up front set at .85, but now haven't I lifted the truck 1" all around? Maybe just go top spacers and leave well enough alone for a while?
One final question: Does anyone know if these minor mods all require roughly the same amount of installation work? (with the possible exception of the 1/4" spacers, which don't need longer bolts, so perhaps can they be "slotted" in without removing the top of the shock?) The 1/2" top spacers come with longer bolts, so maybe put in 5100's while I'm in there?
Thoughts? Comments? Ideas?
Many thanks in advance for your ideas and comments!
