lift plan

[salvo2002]

Goal: Add ground clearance for occasional off roading with plans on fitting 265/75/16 tires and adding a radiator and oil pan skid. I like ConradM's build but want to change the springs out.

After reading a lot of build threads, The Complete Lifts and Suspension Accessories Thread, Lift/Tire Size Chart, Factory Spring Part Numbers & Associated Lift, and various other threads
Here is what I am deciding on:

-BDS 2" front and rear kit
-BDS 5500 rear shocks
-Bilstein HD front shocks
-Z71 rear springs
-86 front springs or MOOG equivalent (I currently have 6SJ = 83 & 7SH = 82 stock)

I want to replace the OEM upper strut mounts. The only two options I've seen are the BDS or MarcMc's 3". I have read threads of both failing (bushings) and also read that BDS's no fine print warranty isn't all it's cut out to be. Are there any other kit options?

Should I flip my UCA? I read the thread but all I get out of it is that it gets you better ball joint angles (which I have no clue what that means) and messes with the camber.

I also read about topping out. I don't want to and since I am not going to add a bumper I don't need the 89's, which is why I opted for the 86's. The MOOG series all have the same spring rate and according to JD "Based on their numbers, their rate is equal to 65N/mm, which puts it between 85 and 86s stiffness-wise." So would the 81114's be ok? They have the highest design load but I'm not sure how that affects the stiffness...

[v7guy]

In theory the moog springs will work. Nobody has documented it though. Maybe you can be the first/offroadtb legend.

Ball joint angles are important, if you exceed them you break the ball joint and your tire goes wherever it wants and destroys your front fender and wrecks your truck.

The MarkMC 3" lift is great and the mount is solid. If you run an 89 spring you will eventually blow up the shock and taking it apart will result in it exploding in your face... from my experience. Any spring of less force will probably be ok. In all seriousness i would get a coilover. 900 or so well spent.


If this doesn't scream do more research and do what you feel is an acceptable compromise nothing will.

There is a ton of options and all of them have their plus and minuses, the information is there, you just gotta make an educated decision.

[boog2006]

In theory the moog springs will work. Nobody has documented it though. Maybe you can be the first/offroadtb legend.

I'm running the MOOGS!

[boog2006]

I also read about topping out. I don't want to and since I am not going to add a bumper I don't need the 89's, which is why I opted for the 86's. The MOOG series all have the same spring rate and according to JD "Based on their numbers, their rate is equal to 65N/mm, which puts it between 85 and 86s stiffness-wise." So would the 81114's be ok? They have the highest design load but I'm not sure how that affects the stiffness...

I'm running MOOGs and marks 2.5" lift. It was a huge change from what I had. See my build thread. I topped out at first but they've settled in nice and no more issue. I have not flipped my UCAs.

[navigator]

I think we decided the MOOG 81114's will give about 2 inches of lift if you were running 83's before.
Coupled with Mark's 3 inch lift that might be a little much.
Keep in mind the RoughCountry lift is also about 2 inches in the front and replaces the upper mount as well. I think Fishsticks is the only one who has reported a problem with a broken weld on an early model that they took care of. I have the RC lift on mine and it has worked great for my purposes.

Honestly, this is mostly speculation but you might be able to run just the MOOG 81114s and get enough lift to run the 265s and basically level the truck out. It might take some trial and error.

[fishsticks]

Keep in mind the RoughCountry lift is also about 2 inches in the front and replaces the upper mount as well. I think Fishsticks is the only one who has reported a problem with a broken weld on an early model that they took care of. I have the RC lift on mine and it has worked great for my purposes.

Damian had the broken weld. Mine went strong for 2 years of HARD use and I just sold them to another member... original bushings and all.

[snowmirage]

I am also using the Moog springs and the 2.5 in lift. I made a post after the install about my thoughts here some place if you search for it.

[v7guy]

Damn, my memory sucks lol