All,
Sorry I have not had a chance to update my rig for awhile...I have been busy with Royals postseason baseball and life in general. Anyways, here are some updates on my rig.
Daystar airbag cradles - I was concerned that the lift that I had was a little too tall for my airbags. I currently have Old Man Emu HD leaf springs and an OME add-a-leaf + coachbuilder 2" shackles. This combination works well, however, I was concerned with my Airlift loadlifter bags being too taught. I could have added another 1" spacer disc, however, I was growing concerned with the taughtness of my bag without any articulation. Here is a pic of my bag with the truck sitting in the driveway.
These cradles will allow for articulation due to not requiring the bag to be affixed at both ends. These fit the diameter of my Airlift bags and I went with it. Here it is now...
ARB Old Man Emu greasable shackles and pins - My leaf springs SQUEAK like a banshee. I have tried everything from pieces of pond lining in between to graphite spray...This issue was driving me crazy. I have been in contact with ARB for over a year to troubleshoot this issue. I must say that they have been exceptional in trying to resolve this for me. I noticed this issue even after adding Coachbuilder 2" shackles and his full bushing kit. ARB recently sent me a greasable pin / shackle kit that they just released. They only problem is I had to replace the 2" shackles from Coachbuilder to do it. I figure since I am in over $400 in labor in trying to resolve this issue, I would give it a go ~ SORRY COACH. These pins are hollow and have a threaded greasable zerk on one end. ARB recommended that I use a lithium based marine grease. I am happy to report that the squeak is no longer there without having to turn up my stereo...I'll keep you all updated on this issue. Here are some eye candy pics. Shackles aren't as beefy as Coach's, but they are serviceable at the moment...
- I got a screaming deal on a pair of these directly from ICON. With my constant load, I have decided to address this by upgrading as much of the suspension as possible. I feel that the 2.5" diameter is better able to handle anything that I drive my truck over ~ peace of mind is a beautiful thing. Depending on how the new drawer project leads, I'm probably going to have to accept that my rig is going to be heavy...We will see though.
You can see the difference between my 2" Bilstein 5100 series shock on the right with the ICON 2.5" on the left.
Initial observation is that these are a different ride than that of the Billies. They seem more supple and my wheels seem to be contacting the road even more. I'll get back to you as I get some miles with these. Here are some parting shots of the shocks ~ ENJOY!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Regards,
BWJ
