Build Primer?
- Thread starter RJ Howell
- Start date
85_Ranger4x4
Well-known member
They have to match, double the fun.
RJ Howell
Active member
Thank you! That puts the diff upgrade on hold for now (down the list a bit). Suspension is next it seems.
RJ Howell
Active member
I have purposely designed with very little weight over the cab! Beauty of a pop-top! Actually the majority of the weight is still bed height. Best I figure right now is 10-15% of the weight is above what would be bed rail height. I just saw a unit where only 8" was above the cab (thought the mattress was quite thin..) I figure I'll be 10-12" over.
nitro_rat
Lunchbox Lockers
Yes, you won't be able to use four wheel drive if the front and rear tires are trying to travel at different speeds!
RJ Howell
Active member
Running gambit of reviews.. Seems if someone bought Sumo Springs 'It's the way to go' and of course those that AAL'ed feel the same. Then you find the real honest folks that have Sumo and switching to AAL and of course the opposite as applies.
Sumo seems the complain is it runs stiff. Figure it would once in contact and doing it's thing. Biggest con seems to be shock travel is limited with them when loaded down. Seems to me same condition with AAL, no??
AAL complaint seems to be squeaky mainly (tough folks speak of rusting hardware). Folks are saying more comfortable ride, yet I really wonder about this..
I'm leaning towards the AAL. My thoughts are basically the SS's are single point contact vs. the leaf being two point and of all seems a better suspension. Both are fairly equal for the lift/load ratings and costs also balance towards the AAL.
Looking at these: Hellwick
Thoughts folks?
Sumo seems the complain is it runs stiff. Figure it would once in contact and doing it's thing. Biggest con seems to be shock travel is limited with them when loaded down. Seems to me same condition with AAL, no??
AAL complaint seems to be squeaky mainly (tough folks speak of rusting hardware). Folks are saying more comfortable ride, yet I really wonder about this..
I'm leaning towards the AAL. My thoughts are basically the SS's are single point contact vs. the leaf being two point and of all seems a better suspension. Both are fairly equal for the lift/load ratings and costs also balance towards the AAL.
Looking at these: Hellwick
Thoughts folks?
Last edited:
nitro_rat
Lunchbox Lockers
Sumo Springs don't add lift, they only limit "sag" under load. They only engage the suspension when there is enough travel either under load or due to suspension cycling.
AAL adds lift but typically makes the ride rougher due to adding spring rate to achieve lift.
Timbren makes an "active off road suspension" for some applications. Timbrens are the same concept as sumo springs. The difference between the active off road suspension and the overload setup seems to be a lower rated "Aeon Spring" (the rubber bit). If they don't make the active setup for your application you can probably duplicate the functionality by specifying a softer aeon spring. They have a chart available that lists all the available springs. You can pick a softer one in the same series as the one in the standard overload kit.
AAL adds lift but typically makes the ride rougher due to adding spring rate to achieve lift.
Timbren makes an "active off road suspension" for some applications. Timbrens are the same concept as sumo springs. The difference between the active off road suspension and the overload setup seems to be a lower rated "Aeon Spring" (the rubber bit). If they don't make the active setup for your application you can probably duplicate the functionality by specifying a softer aeon spring. They have a chart available that lists all the available springs. You can pick a softer one in the same series as the one in the standard overload kit.
RJ Howell
Active member
Okay so far I have chosen the Bilstein 5100's for shock replacements. Went with a Moog replacement front coil (seems most of the sag is age). Rear I still haven't decided on how to deal with the leaf's. Leaning towards the ReadyLift 1.5" Add-a-Leaf (like the cost and the way it installs).
RJ Howell
Active member
Coils and struts complete! Brought me within an 1" of level! Darn close to what I expected to happen.. So happy!
Heading to the rear now to remove the bed.
I'm researching tires and like these Toyo Open Country A/T ii 's. Looking at the LT25580R17. They measure out at just over 33" tall and I believe will fit fine!
Anyone have or opinion there of?
Heading to the rear now to remove the bed.
I'm researching tires and like these Toyo Open Country A/T ii 's. Looking at the LT25580R17. They measure out at just over 33" tall and I believe will fit fine!
Anyone have or opinion there of?
RJ Howell
Active member
Haven't updated here in a while..
Time for an update! With the roof in pace it was time to prototype the lift bracket (my H bracket) and give it a try. Hinged in the middle, it folds and extends nicely. I like!!
This only shows the back lifted, but the front will be as well.
Door went on the back entry and starting into shelf placement in the storage areas.
And best of all, it fits in the garage!!
My piano hinges and latches are coming in soon, so need to get busy on the storage doors and painting out the back. Material for the roof extension is on it's way and some sewing time is in my near future. It's getting closer all the time!
Time for an update! With the roof in pace it was time to prototype the lift bracket (my H bracket) and give it a try. Hinged in the middle, it folds and extends nicely. I like!!
This only shows the back lifted, but the front will be as well.
Door went on the back entry and starting into shelf placement in the storage areas.
And best of all, it fits in the garage!!
My piano hinges and latches are coming in soon, so need to get busy on the storage doors and painting out the back. Material for the roof extension is on it's way and some sewing time is in my near future. It's getting closer all the time!
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