Asking Suspension and Tire Advice

[Sasquatch1]

Hey, guys and gals –

I need advice. I have a 2019 Land Cruiser. I plan to tow a trailer (max wt. 7000, probably 6500 or so in practice, TW 800 or so) and want to firm up the suspension. However, I do not off-road and I only tow about 10% of the time. I am working with Slee in Golden, CO. Here are my choices.

Option 1: 2700 front springs, 2721 rear springs, shocks, etc., w/o UCA + install = $1850

Option 2: 2700 front springs, 2721 rear springs, shocks, etc., w/ UCA + install = $2850

Option 3: BP-51 kit with 2702 front springs, 2722 rear springs, w/ UCA + install = $5050

Slee, as well as the dealer that sold me my LC, recommends the whole enchilada, Option 3.

I know of a user on this site that went with Option 2 and he is happy.

I’m looking at Option 1 but I don’t want the ride (non-towing) to be unduly harsh.

The user I know of suggested I reach out to others, particularly anyone with experience with both options, as "unduly harsh" is a bit subjective.

Advice?

Also, for tires, I was going to use General Tire’s Grabber ATX rather than my go-to BF Goodrich TA KO2 because I can get the E-rated LT tire in the stock size (285/60-18), thereby saving me buying five tires (KO2 E-rated would be 285/65-18 so I’d replace the spare, as well). Cost of 4 Generals installed is $1010; cost of 5 KO2s installed is $1685.

Any advice there?

Thank you for your help with all of this!

 

[99Cruiser]

How about the cheaper option #4 just get air bags in the rear for towing and some LT rated tires. If you don't off-road then keep it stock unless you want the "look". You can also get some stiffer Bilsteins to firm up the ride but I would try the airbags first. You can try the airbags and if later you decide to want springs you can still maybe use the airbags if you upgrade the suspension. That way you can see if you really need to spend all that money and won't be out much on airbags. If you are towing maybe better stay with stock tire size so your gearing is better for higher elevation there in CO.

 

[DPA200]

I'd vote option #4 as well. If this is just for towing and no offroading, that's what airbargs are for. It's not to say any of the other solutions wouldn't work, but the extra $ involved in those options wouldn't be any better unless you offroad. Only catch is what @99Cruiser said if you like the look of a lifted 200, then that's another story

 

[CharlieS]

I asked a similar question recently and got the same advice here. My new airbags arrive on Friday and are going on this weekend. And they are not expensive: about $100 usd.

I want a fancy suspension, but don't really need one.

 

[TeCKis300]

As one that tows on the heavier end, I agree with the recommendation for option #4. It's a great way to get the duality of comfortable unladen ride and spring rate support for larger trailers.

I would also really question the value of UCA's if you don't offroad. Aftermarket UCAs are a nuisance with many having noise and long term durability issues. Only reason to have UCAs is to correct alignment for an aggressive lift. And aggressive lifts would also be questionable for trailering heavy as suspension geometries (i.e. stability and control) suffer.

I would do an airbag with mild pressure when towing (~15-20psi), for the added spring rate and stability. Leveling is more dependent on the weight distribution hitch which you'll want with that type of load. Note that it's important to setup air bags first with the target pressure, then adjust WD tension. As doing it in reverse may have the airbag negate the WD function.