What is the best way to stop a stock suspension 2 door from bottoming out up front?

[Justin_]

Hey guys, when I am running my 98 2 door around the mountains I sometimes end up with the front end up the truck bottoming out hard going over large bumps.

I haven't had any damage caused by that yet, but I know it can't be good. I would like to do something to try and make it a bit harder to bottom out and or a bit more gentle when it does.

Currently the suspension is at stock height, I have the softest torsion bars (can't remember the code) and I have bilstein shocks on it.

Where should I start? TT to give it more downward travel? Stiffer torsion bars? Something else?

Thanks guys

 

[swshawaii]

Front bump stops still installed? Pics of front bump stop travel clearance?

Stiffer t-bars may help, but could be simple as using low profile bump stops.

10mm control arm stud holes must be enlarged to 3/8" for installation.

Universal Bump Stops | Polyurethane | Several Styles and Sizes

www.suspension.com

 

[Mbrooks420]

A TT isn’t really going to help. I’d grab a set of bars that were a step heavier, and stiffer shocks.

 

[Justin_]

Front bump stops still installed? Pics of front bump stop travel clearance?

Stiffer t-bars may help, but could be simple as using low profile bump stops.

10mm control arm stud holes must be enlarged to 3/8" for installation.

Universal Bump Stops | Polyurethane | Several Styles and Sizes

www.suspension.com

Didn't think to look there. Still stock. Went to take some photos and there doesn't seem to be a lot of clearance. Photo is on a fairly flat and level spot. CV axles look a bit bent up too. Maybe I should do a bit of a TT either way to level it out.

 

[CDW6212R]

You need a shorter bump stop, either cut down the stock one, or buy a shorter aftermarket version. If you have some of the softest springs, you might be smart to swap to a stiffer pair of torsion bars. Lowering the truck and having soft bars, will end up with a lot of bottoming out until you help it in some ways.

 

[swshawaii]

Temporarily remove the bump stops with a 10mm socket and short extension. Drive SLOW over some speed bumps to see if it still bottoms out.
Stiffer t-bars would definitely make a difference, but for minimum $$$ these may do the trick. Right angle drill and a 3/8" bit is all you need to try.

9.9121 | Universal -Bump Stop | Height 11/16 in. Dia. 1 5/8 in.

Universal flange bushings 1 5/8 in OD with 11/16 in height. Made of premium polyurethane with a lifetime warranty. In stock and available to ship now! | Energy Suspension 9.9121

www.suspension.com

Problem with cutting the stock rubber bump stops is there is solid metal about 1/2" down. A half inch may not be enough added clearance.

Explorer Express bump stops

I know they are out of business. Reading through some old threads I remember that they used bump stops (modified somehow) from the older ARC Explorers and modified bump stops from Energy Suspension. Anyone know the specifics on either of these? I have a photo of the ones that they used to...

www.explorerforum.com

Doing a torsion twist is free and easy, but camber kits may need to be installed and a $100+ rear thrust alignment should be done after ride height is adjusted and dialed in.

 

[boominXplorer]

Id crank the t-bars up and go for a ride. Tighten the drivers bolt up to the max, leave a solid 1/4" of threads left on the passenger side. This will still keep you in good parameters with the front end / cv angles. I think you've probably lost at least an inch of ride hight from sagging. Then after a drive use a tape measure to see where your at side to side and adjust the bolts accordingly. Then consider shackles + possibly 4dr leafs to lift up the back end to level it out.

 

[Justin_]

Temporarily remove the bump stops with a 10mm socket and short extension. Drive SLOW over some speed bumps to see if it still bottoms out.
Stiffer t-bars would definitely make a difference, but for minimum $$$ these may do the trick. Right angle drill and a 3/8" bit is all you need to try.

9.9121 | Universal -Bump Stop | Height 11/16 in. Dia. 1 5/8 in.

Universal flange bushings 1 5/8 in OD with 11/16 in height. Made of premium polyurethane with a lifetime warranty. In stock and available to ship now! | Energy Suspension 9.9121

www.suspension.com

Problem with cutting the stock rubber bump stops is there is solid metal about 1/2" down. A half inch may not be enough added clearance.

Explorer Express bump stops

I know they are out of business. Reading through some old threads I remember that they used bump stops (modified somehow) from the older ARC Explorers and modified bump stops from Energy Suspension. Anyone know the specifics on either of these? I have a photo of the ones that they used to...

www.explorerforum.com

Doing a torsion twist is free and easy, but camber kits may need to be installed and a $100+ rear thrust alignment should be done after ride height is adjusted and dialed in.

It runs just fine on the road over speed bumps. Mainly I am looking at when I am offroading. If I get most the weight off the front axle when it comes back down it slams into the bump stops.


Ill probably try out a TT first, then look at new bars. Will be out of town for a week first though. Will definitely get an alignment afterwords.