Help me decide on 4 inch springs

[DanMedeiros]

Hi mud world,

I have all the parts together to move up from 33s to 35s. I ordered the new Delta arms and rear panhard bracket. In the process of rehearing the transfer case. I also got all the odds and ends like new brake lines, bump stop spacers, ect.

My question is this. What are the rad options for 4 inch springs? My truck is pretty heavy with dual batteries, ARB bumper, and winch. Roof top tent, drawers, fridge, 4x4 lab bumper, ect.... I one day I hope to add an LRA fuel tank in the rear too. Given all this weight I was thinking about the SLEE 4 inch progressive springs in the rear. Not sure about front springs other than just getting the SLEE's.

Any thoughts?

 

[Heckraiser]

Tons of choices nowadays, and you should probably call the various vendors to get their take (in addition to responses you get on MUD).

Start here: Compiled 80 series suspension component spec thread... shocks, coils & more.

The first page alone lists (I believe) 5 options for 3+ lifts.

 

[DanMedeiros]

@Heckraiser Yea I have looked through this awesome compilation a few times. Still struggling lol. I currently have the OME 2.5 inch lift and was hoping for roughly inch higher

 

[bucketman]

I have the slee heavy springs all the way around on a pretty heavy 80. No drawers, but I’m probably running roughly the same weight. I really like the feel loaded and not loaded. I’ve rolled the scales at 7K lbs then headed out to camp and the rig wasn’t squished down much at all and still felt really good on road and off. Around town it sticks to the road well and feels solid in the corners with not much body roll at all. Big speed bumps aren’t the best due to the stiffer springs so I don’t hit them as hard as in my wife’s 2003 Tacoma.

I hope this helps.

 

[baldilocks]

Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think Slee offers a progressive spring any longer. I have a set of their 4” heavy progressive coils in the rear of my 80. They are a high quality product no doubt but I think a set of Slee 4”heavies would lift you more than just one more inch. I’m getting 5.5” of lift with 4x4Labs double swing out with 37” spare, sliders, skid plates, no rear seats at all. But, I can load everything my wife and I need for a long trip and still be at 4” of lift.

As was suggested earlier, call some vendors and pick their brains. You won’t get too much in the way of technical info from Slee though.

Are you simply looking to be an inch taller at static ride height when loaded? Unloaded? More axle articulation? Have you considered searching for used springs at half price, or less, to test out?

 

[Uglymud]

I'd look into dobinsons I have their flexi coils and have been very happy with them but my rigs probably not as heavy as you. they also make progressive/variable and normal rate springs.

 

[Cruzerman]

Your setup sounds similar to mine. I have front ARB w/ winch, dual batteries, Kaymar rear with tire carier, OPOR sliders, IPOR skid plate, RTT, Fridge. I have a LRA 38 gallon tank and a factory sub-tank. No drawers (yet). I'm running 35's.

I went with the Dobinsons single rate springs. While dual / tapered sounded good, I think my decision was a good one. Very pleased so far with the results. Here's the short thread with some pictures:

Dobinsons 3" Heavy Installation

For what it's worth, I didn't do anything with the panhard, etc. Don't think it is necessary. As I said, I'm pleased. This is an overland rig, not a wheeler. I have another one for that.

 

[ExpoGeorgia]

Tough dog 45mm foam cell shocks and 3 inch springs would be my suggestion. I’ve run OME suspension on 2 vehicles, no comparison. I had full armor and the occasional 4-600lbs of cargo and didn’t notice a difference in ride quality or height in the rear. Would suggest getting panhard rods for whatever you go with to even out the axles.

 

[DanMedeiros]

Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think Slee offers a progressive spring any longer. I have a set of their 4” heavy progressive coils in the rear of my 80. They are a high quality product no doubt but I think a set of Slee 4”heavies would lift you more than just one more inch. I’m getting 5.5” of lift with 4x4Labs double swing out with 37” spare, sliders, skid plates, no rear seats at all. But, I can load everything my wife and I need for a long trip and still have be at 4” of lift.

As was suggested earlier, call some vendors and pick their brains. You won’t get too much in the way of technical info from Slee though.

Are you simply looking to be an inch taller at static ride height when loaded? Unloaded? More axle articulation? Have you considered searching for used springs at half price, or less, to test out?

I use my truck for work and am driving offload every week. I understand that 3 to 4 inches is ideal for clearing 35 inch tires. I would like to be as low as possible, have decent articulation, and handle well on road. Its interesting top hear that the Slee springs raised you up sp much. I run around with tent on all the time but my cargo area typically is not loaded. Would like to be at an even 3 to 4 inch under these conditions. Maybe a tad high in the rear.

I called slee. they just said buy their 4 inch springs

 

[baldilocks]

Slee heavies are well over 300lbs/inch rate. The spring material is almost 22mm thick paint included. Due to their design, my progressive’s anyway, they don’t ride harshly and carry a loaded 80 very confidently.

With my rig as described in my previous post, it measures 26” center of hub to naked fender lip. Front measures 25” with Dobinson 3.5” tapered coils plus a 1” spacer.

You might try the Slee mediums. They make it hard to choose because they won’t fess up with tech data.

 

[DanMedeiros]

Yeah why is slee so unhelpful. Will call cruiser outfitters in the am

 

[Shoredreamer]

850J/864 is a common setup for a heavy 80. Wont get you to 4” though and is linear rate. Cheapest.

Dobi 170/171 is very similar to the J/864 springs but more winds on the coil so may be a little more supple ride.

Slee 4” is well regarded. I’d go heavy Progressive rear instead of medium to make sure you’re not sagging ass when it’s Baja time!

 

[Beej]

Dobinson VT Heavies should get you 3+ inches of lift. My 3700 lb rear is getting 23.5" hub to flare.

Heres the kicker though; short of testing another mudder's set up, you aint gonna know which are best until you test them out. Lifts are advertised at a certain height but check the free heights, they are the same in many cases so spring rate(s) matters a lot.

I would highly recommend a trip to the truck scale to check how your weight is distributed front to back; you can have different needs depending on the result.

 

[Lumpskie]

@DanMedeiros Just based on your description, it seems like some of the new dual rate 3" suspensions might be worth. (I believe I read posts of you driving around baja) With the right dual rate, you can have a plush ride, very good flex and maintain load carrying capacity. I have the Slinky setup and I am really happy with it. The shocks really shine when moving over bumpy roads at 35 mph+. For fun, I drive to work over speed bumps at 30-35mph and always get a kick out of barely feeling them. Dobinsons and Icon both make high quality kits. (I believe that Tough Dog has a nice dual rate option too)

That being said, if you get the right spring rate, the single rate springs will ride great too.

 

[bajaphile]

If you're able to, weigh your truck, take measurements between spring perches at ride height and contact David Otero at Dobinsons. He should be able to pair you up with a good setup.

Another option which I just did was installed air bags ... When loaded for 2 weeks of dry camping with 10gal of gas, etc, it was real nice to pump those up...

 

[chap79]

OME does make 4" lift springs. I'm running the 051 in the front and 052 in the rear. Spring rates are 220 in/lb for the front and 320 in/lb for the rear.

Truck weighs in empty at 6040 lbs with tube bumper with M8000, dual batteries, sliders, rear bumper, 37's, and an extra 10.5 gal of fuel. Loaded up it drives well and handles as it should. The rear end is well controlled while rock crawling, expedition hauling, baja bombing, and drifting around corners (yes, an 80 will drift if part time).

 

[DanMedeiros]

If you're able to, weigh your truck, take measurements between spring perches at ride height and contact David Otero at Dobinsons. He should be able to pair you up with a good setup.

Another option which I just did was installed air bags ... When loaded for 2 weeks of dry camping with 10gal of gas, etc, it was real nice to pump those up...

How does one reach Dave? Has to be more helpful than slee lol

 

[alia176]

Just my .02 cents here, but why the need for dual rate or progressive rate springs when our 80 cargo/ass weight doesn't change? The OP has a fat ass and that weight ain't changing from Sunday night to Monday morning before he heads to work. IMHO, OP should only be looking at a linear rate to accommodate his rotundness and I agree with keeping it as low as possible by going with the myriad of high end 3" suspensions that are now in the market. But, given the peer pressure, OP might want 315s and 4" lift height

 

[DanMedeiros]

@alia176 it’s pear pressure for sure. When I go out with my local 80 Friends on the trail I’m the one on 33s getting hung up on everything! . Moving to to 315s andI would like to keep the truck as low as possible but provide great clearance. 3to 4 seems like the sweet spot.

That and I just look lame on 33s given how rad the rest of the truck is lol

 

[DanMedeiros]

OME does make 4" lift springs. I'm running the 051 in the front and 052 in the rear. Spring rates are 220 in/lb for the front and 320 in/lb for the rear.

Truck weighs in empty at 6040 lbs with tube bumper with M8000, dual batteries, sliders, rear bumper, 37's, and an extra 10.5 gal of fuel. Loaded up it drives well and handles as it should. The rear end is well controlled while rock crawling, expedition hauling, baja bombing, and drifting around corners (yes, an 80 will drift if part time).

Seems very similar to mine setup