Can't decide on springs!

[atomsk]

Hey guys!

Sorry for adding another spring thread. I've been looking at a lot of threads, and was hoping someone could offer some advice a little more tailored to my setup.

I'm in the middle of piecing together the first part of the suspension overhaul. I have the ICON stage 3's in hand, and will be ordering the UCA's, springs, torsions, and diff drop from JT's this coming week.

My only concern currently is what springs to go with. I'm planning on having front and rear bumpers in the future, I just can't say for sure when. I'm afraid to go with a heavier spring and deal with a crappy ride until the bumpers are on (this truck gets driven daily). I'm totally fine with doing something like the 2860's for now, but I was looking at the spring rate of the progressive 2866's, and at 240/300 vs. 220, maybe the 2866's aren't that bad.

Am I going to notice a difference between the two springs, without bumpers? If so, I'll just do the 2860's for now and switch springs later. It's really not that big of a deal to me. However, if I'll eventually just end up with the 2866's, and they aren't much different at the initial spring rate, then maybe I'll just do those.

Would love any input you guys have. Thanks in advance.

 

[kelly saad]

I went with the OME medium springs. I will get heavy springs after my rear bumper, if I feel I need to. I want to see how it works with the lighter springs. I loaded the back with 9 sheets 3/4" and 5 sheets 1/4" birch plywood and 220' other birch lumber and it dropped maybe inch. This wood was heavy! So it seems like these springs can handle a lot more weight than my old factory springs. They ride stiff with nothing in the back, a little bouncy on bumps so I couldn't imagine the heavy springs with no bumper or weight on them.

 

[benc]

I had the heavies on mine for a bit with out bumpers or winch. I really didn't notice a difference in the ride. I have been driving with and with out my front bumper for the last month and can't feel a difference either way

 

[benc]

Here is a pic of mine without the rear bumper and the with heavies. As you can see it didn't lift it 4" like they told me it would when I ordered . I got mine from slee and I don't think they use the ome in there heavy kit so I'm not sure if you would get the same results as I did. them

 

[atomsk]

Crap.. so now I need to consider heavies.

@benc - It looks like the Slee kit is Slee springs. I'll need find their spring rates to find a comparable OME.

@kelly saad - Thanks for the input. Just to confirm, you are running the 860's?

@spressomon - I just found some older threads where you talked about your dislike for the 866's. Maybe I should take those off the table and look at a different option? Any input you have from your vast experience would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kelly saad]

Crap.. so now I need to consider heavies.

@benc - It looks like the Slee kit is Slee springs. I'll need find their spring rates to find a comparable OME.

@kelly saad - Thanks for the input. Just to confirm, you are running the 860's?

@spressomon - I just found some older threads where you talked about your dislike for the 866's. Maybe I should take those off the table and look at a different option? Any input you have from your vast experience would be greatly appreciated.

That is correct, the 2860 OME 2.5"

 

[atomsk]

Thanks, Kelly! I just spoke with Carl at JT's, and he convinced me to go with the 866's. He's running the exact same suspension setup, so I'm hoping that it works out!

 

[Atx100]

Thanks, Kelly! I just spoke with Carl at JT's, and he convinced me to go with the 866's. He's running the exact same suspension setup, so I'm hoping that it works out!

It's been awhile since this last post, but I pulled the trigger on the same exact set up as you and wondering the same thing. Which spring rates....Can you provide an update on how you liked the 866's since switching over? what is it just right or on the harsher side?

I also DD my rig and plan to get front and rear bumpers in the sometime future... wanting to see if anyone has tried anything different than the 2 options discussed above. I called JT and they recommended I stay with the progressive springs that come with their kit but then I've also heard from others go with 863's. I also want it to sit fairly level without a ton of rake, suggestions?

 

[kelly saad]

I have had mine on for a while now. The ride is fine, not too harsh but it sits high in the back. Slee has the same rated springs but an inch lower. I will probably get those, but my trailer levels out the vehicle now with the OME springs. I hate it when the back drops lower than the front with a trailer, so I'm not sure. I think I will just sell the springs I have now and try the Slee springs.

 

[DJCloz]

I started with 863's, cranked T bars and OMU nitro shocks, No armor. Then got bumpers and sliders, so I upgraded to Slee heavies, sway away torsion bars, diff drop, TC UCA's and Icon stage 3 shocks. I didn't get the height that I wanted, So I added 30 mm spacers (appx 1" I think). couple months later, I added a rear drawer system and a fridge with gear. I noticed I lost an inch and any kind of additional gear load would sag the ass end a little. I added air rite, air bags, but I think they leaked. I do wheel my 100 4-5 times a year though, so I am sure the lines leaked from all the articulation. I recently finally switched to 864's and removed the spacers and the air bags. Its been about 2 months and I am pretty happy with it. I also feel the truck is more stable when driving and taking off from a start. This all happened over the course of 2 years for me. I think my point is, unless you can get to your ideal end point right away, you may need to go through a couple set ups. At least rear coils not very expensive, easily resalable, and pretty easy to swap out. This past swap, I didn't even remove my tires, just disconnected sway bar and jacked up one side at a time. 20 Minute job? I think I am currently sitting 23.75'' fender to center hub in rear and about 23'' up front for reference.