ColoradoTJ tow rig build

Yeah, something is going on. Not sure what. I'm going to stick with what I have, but lower it down more.

Thanks for the recommendation.

 

Depends on the shock. If you lower the shock down 1/2" and there isn't 1/2" extra compression on the shock then it will bottom out. This is what many run into with a top mount spacer added to the shock shocks. Causes the shock to buckle. 1/4" or 1/2" the shock should be capable but dont know unless you have the specs.

To be on the safe side, if a 1/2" shim is used then the height of the bump stop should increase by 1/2"

 

I'm at 3" ride height with no shims and just a preloaded 600 lb spring and my truck rides like a caddy.

 

I'm going to go get after it. Need to go find a spring compressor and let this party start again.

Now I am just trying to decide which one of the two lowest settings I want.

Thanks for the bump stop advice.

I did measure again this morning and the front is actually higher than the rear. 41 1/4 & 41".

Truck rides very nice. Should have upgraded shocks about 75k miles ago.

 

Good and bad news. Driver side done, passenger side shock out. Lunch and beer time.

Bad: I took one shim out and dropped one position on the shock. It wasn't enough to drop it where it needs to be.

Good: I will only have to redo one side.

 

Go me.

Yeah, I just literally high fived myself.

 

I just slapped my monitor. Did you feel it?

 

I thought I did, but then realized it was a 24mm socket that hit me in the head.

 

Off to get an alignment.

 

These guys have been working on the tie rods for about 1.5. Rusted solid.

 

So I can give a little update on the ride with the 6112/5160 combo.

This has been an interesting couple of days. The shocks have been out of the truck 3 times now since yesterday afternoon.

Tomorrow or whenever I get around to it, I will call Bilstein and get a for certain weight on the front springs.

So the truck has been driven 40 miles and tonight I am doing a 27 mile Offroad trail in the mountains. The shocks and springs should be broke in quite well. Not @bandit broke in....but used. I will report back on that later tonight.

The ride is so much improved it is rediculous. The rear 5160's is just smooth. Combined with the CB +2 shackles it is 100% improvement.
The front is greatly improved and will have to see some more road time.

Final setting on front.
Lowest set point with one shim installed on drivers side.

Drivers side is now 38 5/8 and passenger side 38 1/4. I'm going to leave this for a while. If it doesn't lean I will pull off the shim in the spring to level it out.

 

Guess I should have posted a flippen picture. I need beer....

 

Off-road was pretty damn good. Not king CO good, but still good.

Where I went there is a lot of turns and washout with ruts. Rear end did not drift and traction was good. After the first 10 miles, I checked the temp of the reservoirs and they were definitely getting a work out.

Front end was a huge improvement, but not as good as the rear Offroad.

 

I called Bilstein directly today about the 6112 springs and the spring rates and if I have 600 or 700 lb springs.

This kit is only offered in 650 lb spring rate.

 

I would think that is a good choice.

 

Yes sir. See post 78 for the current picture. The height is now 38 5/8 up front, the rear has not changed.

 

Today I did the first tow with the new suspension. I did not have the airbags hooked up, but it did very well. I do believe the issue is resolved.

I also ordered the differential drop kit and the Daystar Airbag saddles. This should make life great.

Last tank fuel ecomomy after alignment was over 20 mpg, mostly all highway. Today my lie-o-meter towing said 11.3 mpg, but I highly doubt that.