SAG, JIGGLE and RUB

[CrispyCracker]

I have a sorta-kinda build thread in here but I'm creating this new discussion since I'd like to poll the resident heavyweights in regards to three specific issues. I have three concerns re: my (new to me) 2001 Gen 3 XLS: 1) a saggy ***-end and 2) a pretty good vibration at 30-50 MPH that shakes the steering wheel side to side, and 3) a lot of loud tire rub at full turn in the front of the vehicle.

SAG
Now, I've done my homework on the sag -- that is, I know new springs will likely remedy the issue and that ride quality will be directly tied to spring choice. What I have not been able to ascertain is which springs most experienced expeditioners would recommend for my specific application: DD, trailer a 2K boat/trailer 2-3 times a month, and haul lots of camping gear on long drives with the fambly. I'm committed to getting new springs -- just want to hear which brand you folks recommend given intended use.

JIGGLE
I suspect that the vibration in the wheel is due to one of the 285/75/16 Treadwright (retread) tires being out of round...though that's admittedly guesswork. I plan on replacing them with KO2s, but I want to ascertain -- if possible -- whether the tires are at fault or whether it's a suspension issue. As for mods, the PO added a strut tower front spacer kit (which likely exacerbated said sag), KYB gas struts up front and some "off brand" struts in rear. I noticed a torn boot on the passenger side yesterday. That's the context I have, for now. So...is it common to have vibration issues in lifted Gen 3's (as it is in fixed axle vehicles)? Any advice re: where I should start to isolate the culprit? Sorta bums me out since the smooth ride quality I keep reading about has been compromised by something in my current setup. I'm definitely willing to "ride lower" if it'll smooth out the annoying jiggle.

RUB
The 34" AT tires rub something awful on the front bumper (and I believe inside wheel well) at full turn each way -- in fact, they rub so much they make the entire vehicle hop until I straighten out the steering wheel a bit. (FWIW, I know that the PO added spacers to the stock 16" rims). I've seen folks in here maintain that 285/75/16s will fit without issue but that has not been my experience -- even with the aforementioned spacers. They look damn good, though, and I'm a fan of larger/wider tires so I'm willing to trim and even hammer a bit, if required. I've run across a few folks in here who've run this size tire but they seem to have hit few obstacles and the way they adjusted to rubbing is not outlined as much as I'd hoped. Can anyone with experience fitting oversized rubber on a Gen 3 weigh in, please? Would you do it again or move closer to stock? If the consensus is that the tires are simply too large, so be it -- I plan on replacing them with a brand I trust, anyway.

Thanks for any related thoughts.

 

[normal_dave]

Springs:
These are popular in Australia for towing with Pajeros: about 2" lift. I'd scrap the spacer(s), get some decent springs somewhere, plan on downsizing the tires a bit, tow the boat safely and comfortably.

Lovell's springs: quoted by Kollar Racing (GTO parts importer out of Florida)

CFR-90
CRR-91
Just above $ 400.00 for the set of 4 delivered to US.

Here's an Aussie Distributor that has more tech info:
http://www.4wddirect.com.au/scart/html/763.html

I imagine Old Man Emu springs or our friends at ADD could help as well.

 

[CrispyCracker]

Thanks, Dave. Good advice, and I will be doing what you propose. Just had an exchange with Adam at ADD. Good dude who outlined some of the options they offer for springs. Also picked up a new crank bolt and washer from him. I'll check out the Lovell Springs. Good to hear that they're available from a vendor out of Florida.

I'll likely resolve the saggy springs with new versions and figure out the rubbing issues with some trimming. What concerns me most is the vibration in the steering wheel. I realize that many things can contribute to wobble in lifted vehicles but I'm wondering if the Gen3's are sensitive to specific suspension alterations...or if the steering components themselves can wear out due to greater stress caused by bigger tires and whatnot. Like I say, the wheel itself vibrates, not the entire vehicle (although there's a bit of that going on, too). Any input here would be appreciated.

 

[offthepath]

Loose the spacers up front for sure. ASAP.

I'd be amazed if you have any down travel in the suspension. Have you had an alignment done?

Probably be a much better rig over all if you kept the tires at 33in or below like said above. Smaller tires and a proper lift and you just solved all your issues:sombrero: