Towing/off-roading suspension decision

I have a 2014 CM 4x4 with 112k and I spend half of my days on fire roads, the other half on highways. (I’m a surveyor) I also tow my boat once a month or roughly 1500 mi a year. I currently only have a 1.5” spacer leveling “kit”. My problem is this: I need to replace my rear shocks and I’m going to do all 4 corners. I’m leaning towards 6112/5160 over to Fox 2.5. The 5160s, long term, require at least 1” of lift. I’m ok with that. Naturally, this is where I fell down the rabbit hole...
Now I’m looking at the CB+2 and Firestone air bags with daystar cups. I don’t usually get into anything too crazy when I’m out in the field. I do like to be prepared though. Advice? Suggestions?

I’m not looking to get crazy with anything. I just want to be more comfortable and safer out there. I run a 50ish gallon fuel tank and a Yeti in the back permanently. My gear weighs less than 50lbs. Let’s say 550lbs permanent weight in the bed.

 

What does the boat weigh? Any 1/2 ton needs bags if you tow much. They are tuned for soft ride more than towing since they have become more popular. IMO I would do shackles and bags w/ 5160 out back & 6112 up front no shims. I would consider pulling off the sway bar if you spend that much time off road, with heavier springs it will minimize body roll. But it will be considerably better on the rough stuff

 

The boat weighs no more than 3500lbs or so with the trailer. It will sag the rear by 3” though.

 

It must be very nose heavy, I pulled a smaller bobcat on an 18 ft 10k capacity trailer that weighs 8k total and it sits just about level or 2 inches lower

 

I’m spitballing the drop. Could be 2” or so. Either way, I’m not having it.

 

I've heard guys complain about the 5160's harsh ride, but no personal experience; my 5100's in rear ride very nice. The 6112's do sound like a nice easy choice that most guys like - but I would personally try to keep the lift notch around what you have now roughly 2-2.25" max lift - unless you want to go down the rabbit hole of replacing upper control arms.

Are you happy with 2", or where you trying to get up to 3" front lift or more?

 

I am perfectly fine with the look of a 2”/0” setup.

 

I've made a decision.

Bilstein 6112's on the top circlip up front with 5150's in the rear. Icon RXT leaf springs in the rear on option 2 and the Firestone airbags with the Daystar cradles.

I decided to replace the springs after dropping the rear tires and seeing my stock springs were flat as a pancake. I chose the middle option on the springs because I'm also installing a 50 gallon fuel cell in the bed along with the gear I run with all the time. I also have the diff drop kit and the carrier bearing drop just to smooth any binding that may occur.
Everything is in hand except for the Icon RXT springs which should be here today.

 

Sounds like a great plan! Please post a few pictures when it's all installed.

 

Springs came in today... Incomplete!!! The option spring was missing on one set of the leaf springs. Unfortunate. I was hoping to get everything installed this weekend.

 

Sorry your having a delay, hopefully the shop you got them through is making it right so you can get those things installed. FWIW, I just added the RXT leafs to my firestone bags and daystar cradles when I installed my new shocks. I'm really enjoying the quality of the ride. It is a noticeable improvement over just the airbags.

 

Hey I'm a timber cruiser and it sounds like we do a lot of the same kind of driving. Do you have any details on the aux fuel tank you are installing? I researched it and didn't like the idea of the gas nozzle on the back of the tank. I may go with the transfer flow tank replacement. Just kinda spendy$$$

 

I had a custom tank welded up for my by a buddy at work. They have a CNC cutter and he made it out of 10g. I’ll attach some pics. I just installed it last weekend. This weekend I’ve been working on my suspension. Pics to come!!!

 

Awesome!

 

Ok. I’m at a crossroad. I went with option 2 with the Icon RXT Leaf springs and even with my gear, it’s sitting taller than I had hoped. I know it’ll settle but I’m starting on the front and have a question. The Bilstein 6112’s will also settle and I have them at the 2.5. The truck sat level before this and I prefer that look. Short of pulling the leafs and going back to option 1, how do y’all feel about this?

Taking off the 1.5” spacer and cutting shims out of it? Either 1/2” or 3/4”? I have the Camburg 1.5 UCA’s going in at the same time.

 

The pic of the front is with the stock equipment and a 1.5” spacer.

I also have the diff drop kit ready to install and the carrier bearing drop installed.

 

No spacer, it is. I can always alter down the road.

 

All done for now.

 

All said and done, here’s what I went with:

Bilstein 6112/5160
Icon RXT leaf springs on option 2
Camburg 1.5” uniball UCA’s
Firestone ride rite airbags (for towing)
Diff drop
Carrier bearing drop
OME brake/ABS line relocation kit


I’ll add more if I think about it.

 

Waiting on spec sheets, but my toe was way messed up afterwards. It’s on the rack at Firestone now. Not ideal, I know. I had hoped it wouldn’t be too far out until the springs settled. Oh well, it’s only money, right?

 

So now I have rubbing on the mud flaps in reverse. I took measurements and I know I increased in height. WTH? I realize I altered the geometry but, I thought it would've allowed me to go 295's. Currently running 275/60r20 with Nitto RG. 5.75 backspacing on Fuel cranks. Any thoughts? Yes, I'm aware i can remove the mudflaps and likely will, however, I'm curious about the rubbing and where I stand with 295's.