Shock Lengths

[tiessen]

I currently have a Superlift 6" with rear SOA and find it a little too much for driving around 100+ km a day. I have the new brackets with the 4" holes and was thinking of taking the lift down to 4" by cutting the front springs. For the rear I would de-arc the leaf s some down to 4-4.5". My question: Should my shocks be OK? I like the lift, it's just that my gas mileage is in the crapper with 33x12.5's and the huge lift. I am thinking of putting on 33x10.5's to get better mileage. I also service a lot of clients in my vehicle and although I love the way it looks, EVERYONE else thinks it's BIGFOOT. I hate having to conform....

Cheers

Dale

 

[RON COX]

Dale,
Your shocks will be too long. They may be O.K. for around town, but a hard hit will put a kink in your shock or relocate your shock mounts for you. I run 32x11.5's on my '91 with a 5-1/2" Superlift, automatic and 3.73 gears. My milage hovers around 15 mpg. As for cutting the coil springs, I would'nt. The heat will distemper them. By the way what is "SOA"? Have'nt heard that before.
Happy trails!

 

[Paul]

Tiessen -
I agree with Ron - - don't cut the springs. New coils for the 4" lift go for about $130 (U.S.), or you could probably sell or trade the 6" coils to a 4" coil owner who wants to upgrade... Also, be aware that your front tires may rub with less lift (it seems to vary from vehicle to vehicle with 33s and 4" of lift). I imagine the narrower width of the 33x10.50s may alleviate that concern.

Ron -
"SOA" is the acronym for "Spring Over Axle" conversion.

Paul

 

[Paul Gagnon]

Dale,

Try increasing your tire pressure. It makes the tires stiffer and improves the on road ride considerably. Also should increase mileage a bit.


------------------
Paul Gagnon
Calgary, Alberta
"No Brain, No Pain"
Dead Link Removed

 

[SpikeMan]

tiessen,Your gas mileage will not really be any better with a 4" lift and skinnier tires. I have the 4" Skyjacker lift with 33x12.5's. The main reason your gas is down is because of the gearing in your axles. If you still have the 3.55 gears in there your mileage is going to be crap. You need to go with 4.10's or numerically higher. Also, replace your fuel pressure regulator wheather it needs it or not. This will help alot in the mileage situation. The only real difference you will see in switching tires is if you go with 31x10.5's

 

[tiessen]

When here is where I am. I forgot to mention that the setup I have right now has about 8.5" of lift in the rear and 6.5" in the front (arc'd rear springs and spacers up front). My drive shafts are too short, front really short with bad vibrations over 20km/h and rear with intermittent vibrations at certain speeds. I really don't want another project vehicle. I don't mind putting some money into my truck but I don't want it to consume my entire paycheck.

Things I have found out:

1. Shocks in front will be way too long, back shocks may be OK.

2. Superlift lift says OK to cutting springs, just don't do it with heat. Otherwise same **** different pile as 4" springs.

3. Superlift says extended radius arms will work with anything over 4" so that's OK.

I have 3.73 gears right now and will not be changing ever (unless I frag my gears). Tall and skinny 33's would be great for clearance but I may go back to 31's for the better mileage.

Cheers

Dale