Trying to dial in suspension! Advice needed!

2015 Crewmax with clapped out fox 2.5 remote reservoirs front and rear…

Wants: New coil overs, new UCA, new rear shocks, new leaf springs, new rear shackles.

First of all, I’m getting harsh rides in the rear currently. I have stock leaf springs and I have added Firestone airbags (unfortunately) to accommodate for my travel trailer that I maybe tow 30 days out of the year. Travel trailer weighs 3200lbs dry. I would say when I do tow I maybe have 4500lbs added weight to the vehicle. Fill trailer up with water(30gal) generator in back of truck, firewood, tools, giant cooler full of beer, etc…

I don’t like the ride quality of the other 335 days of the year I don’t have the trailer attached. Also I don’t want to install/de-install airbags every time I might take the trailer out to get a better ride quality.

Also I do like to mess around doing 60mph on dirt roads and moderate rock crawling… Sedona is 45minutes away…

Truck add-ons that add weight:
- ~200lb c4 front bumper w/ winch
-Snugtop camper shell with cab and shell prinsu rack. ~200lbs?
- RCI skid plates 50lbs?
- RCI rock sliders 120lbs?

I’d like to find the happy medium without airbags that would accommodate better off-road handling and having the capability to tow around 4500-5000 lbs. I’m more interested to the off-road/highway handling aspects than the towing aspect. As I’ve stated I only take out the travel trailer a handful of times a year… I am into the new bilstein b8 8112+8100rears. Looking at the JBA UCA’s. And need to know what deavers, Alcans, or other brand leaf springs I should go with. Open to other UCA’s, kings, icons, what have yous… what is the ideal setup for my situation? Still want to be on 35’s…

 

This sounds like a questions for @memario1214

 

Honestly just want to revamp all suspension goodies. Truck has 105k. I purchased it around 70k in 2020. It has fox 2.5’s on it now that are pretty oxidized and slightly leaking… they’re prob 8 years old atleast… pretty sure it has stock leafs. I think getting rid of airbag setup and finding the correct leaf spring setup will do wonders but I’d like some input from you guys. I’m tempted to pop on the new Bilstein b8 8112’s with 8100 rear bypass shocks. They’re pretty pricey and I don’t know if I’d use them for their full capabilities but the vids and reviews look nice. I have heard they don’t tend to do well in high speed highway conditions but am curious what your thoughts are on that as well… I’m leaning away from fox regardless and am considering king, or icons as well. Also as far as UCA I’m liking the JBA’s and total chaos…

 

If the Fox's are still usable (no crazy severe damage), you can have them rebuilt and revalved for your weight and driving style. This will be your cheapest option. Find a suspension shop. Lots of suspension people here in Arizona. I like https://jtechmotorsport.com/ . Tucson shop, and has a great reputation.

I would put new springs front and rear, too.

 

Definitely have considered that. It’s kind of an issue for me seen as how I live in flagstaff. They’re aren’t any companies here in flag that I know of that do rebuilds. I also don’t have a spare set to cruise around on waiting for rebuild as this is my daily driver/work truck… tucson is also like a 4-4 1/2 hr drive… was considering getting them rebuilt and selling them. Don’t know what the market would be for them and don’t know how much to ask for if I did get them rebuilt…?

 

I basically have this setup currently.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/fox-2-5-w-dsc-questions.97208/

 

Here's a teaser for you....

FS: 8112/8100 Suspension Combo - 1 Available

Edit: It's the weekend, so he's probably out doin' fun stuff, but Colton is a really good dude and will treat you right (whether it's just answering questions or selling you parts), and I'm sure he'll hit you up soon to chat about options and help point you in the right direction

 

Yep! That’s the ones I’ve been looking at the dude that “reviewed” on that link has the JBA UCA’s as well. Pretty much what I’ve been floating towards. Just gotta convince the wifey.

Edit: Wifey likey and gave permission. New setup on the way

 

I guess there is the downtime issues. Not sure if anyone rebuilds shocks at the Overland Expo, but that's happening right now in Flagstaff.

 

How would just the rear shocks pair with a set of Kings in front? I have the 2.5 with compression adjusters and the 600 or 650 springs in front now. I'm just looking for some rear shocks and have been eyeing these 8100s for the rear.

 

You’ve already gotten some good responses, so this is just repetition for the most part.

I use my truck like you’ve just described and am mostly pleased with my setup.

2018 CM that is a heavy, fat pig. Canopy, bedslide, stereo, skids, air compressor, you name it. It weighs 7,200# with me in it. Fatty.

I tow a 25’ Grand Design travel trailer (sitting in it right now) that’s in the 7,000# range with more tongue weight than you’ve got. I used to run airbags, but pulled them because they sucked the rest of the time. Even with no pressure, they sucked because they’d bounce when you hit something hard.

I have Deaver U748 rear springs
TC shackles
MCM UCAs
ADS 2.5” smoothies in the rear with hydro bumps.
ADS 2.5” coilovers up front with 700# springs and Duro Bumps.

285/75-18 tires. Skinny 35s.

Ride is great, but that’s a pretty subjective statement. Handles my trailer really well with a good WDH. Very minimal squat and it doesn’t porpoise when driving down the highway. Tows better than I woulda thought.

If I were to do it again, I’d do bypasses in the rear. When I’m getting after it in the bumps, my rear doesn’t keep up with the front. Could use some tuning and bypasses would simplify this. I’ve got about 50K miles on this setup and still love it 99% of the time. I’ll be due for a rebuild soon though, and will be talking to Tyler at ADS about any options that may benefit my use.

Good luck! Sounds like you’re working with Colton at Hot Shot, and I’ve heard nothing but great things about his support of this industry. I’d go with him if I needed more parts, fer sure.

 

Noone in flag that i know of, but if you're still trying to get them rebuilt to sell, Joey at podium suspension in phoenix rebuilt one of my coilovers that was leaking. Super quick turn-around too. I drove the shock down there, got it fixed, and was home by noon. 310-955-0616

 

I have the same setup as @Chad D. except I have the triple bypass rear shocks. I also tow a 25’ grand design (about 5500 loaded) pretty regular and get after it pretty hard on the trails. With the Deavers and a properly adjusted WDH I think you’d love it for towing and it’s ready to rock trails as soon as you unhitch. Keep in mind, Even nice shocks like the bilsteins will be limited by the stock leaf pack.

I also used to run airbags but ditched those. No regrets at all.

hydro bumps are friggin amazing for big hits.

another thing to think about is your tire load rating. I used to run E rated 295’s but they were just harsh on the road in my opinion. Last year I switched to C load Toyo 35’s and they’re so much better. I tow in the west, in windy conditions, at 65-70mph, no front sway bar and I’ve never felt out of control. If you’re gonna get 6 mpg, might as well enjoy the ride!