Light duty springs experience on stock 60

[Beachcomber Bernie]

Would like to hear from y'all before I $pend.

Looking for anybody with an opinion/experience for the right springs to soften my highway driving. Currently running OME shocks with original springs but I'm ready to pop for new springs and gotta smooth out the ride for long drives.

Lifestyle: No off-roading, 1 wife, suitcase, small dog and minimal lift to retain stock profile.

What are the stock guys happy with?
Thanks

 

[gregnash]

Only really one company out there that makes "stock-ish" size springs, everything else is at least 2" lift. If you are looking for OEM height then look at the SOR Grocery Getter setup. One guys on here did a review of them when he installed, looking for basically the same thing as you, and from what I remember he liked them.

If lift height isnt and issue then talk to Kurt at Cruiser Outfitter (@cruiseroutfit) or Georg at Valley Hybrid (in stockton) @orangefj45 about their suspensions. Kurt does OME suspensions and the light suspension might work for you, Georg does Terrain Tamer which is new to the US but very well known in AUS and other countries.

 

[Beachcomber Bernie]

Thanks G,
I chatted up with Kurt last week and his recommendation would come with a 2" lift. Not sure how that would look with stock wheels. Can't believe SOR has cornered the market on OEM height springs but I guess I'm really in the minority.

Georg is on-board for the swap but I still would like to hear from folks with first hand experience.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I have calls into both Hell Creek and Alcan about a stock spring height for my new 60. I don't want a lift for it. I hope to know more in a few days.

J

 

[Output Shaft]

When the 60 was new with stock springs it drove on the road really great. I remember it clearly as if it were yesterday... although it was actually 28 years ago (holy hell)

 

[Beachcomber Bernie]

I spoke with Alcan last week about how they can customize for the 60. Sounded promising... and expensive. The only Mud opinion I've gotten so far about them is inconsistent fitment.

J...
Half tempted to wait on your expertise and experience.

Shaft...
I'm gonna need you and your OEM memory to test drive after installation.

I just know I can't afford to swap 'em out like cheap shoes that give me a blister.
If a search wizard can find that Grocery Getter review, I'd be much obliged for the link.

Your experiences please gentlemen.

 

[Beachcomber Bernie]

J!
Found this...
Aftermarket springs for 60 with zero lift?

I asked Cruisin AK to give us his his opinion since he bought the SOR springs in 2012.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

@Beachcomber Bernie

I've heard mixed reviews on Alcans, but been around quite awhile.
BDS I've never used or heard anything about them to make any kind of sound decision on.
SOR grocery getter kit is $$$ 1800.00 +


I have this response from Suspension King right now and waiting for more info... I asked if the springs were a stock OE replacement height or did they have any lift....

Response:

"They are OEM equivalent. These will give you "showroom" height."

I have inquired where they are made, no response back yet. From what I have read they are built in the US. I'll probably order these next week. I don't need a lift and will never take the rig off a maintained road. I haven't decided on bushings, rubber vs poly bushings yet. Rubber will give a smoother ride, just wear out faster from what I've experienced. Then looking at Bilstein OE replacements for shocks.

J


EDIT-- Springs are made in PA-USA -- been building springs since 1973. I'm gonna pull the trigger on these.

J

 

[Cruisin AK]

Hello Beachcomber.

I did purchase and install the SOR grocery getter kit for my '85 60, and I'm pleased with the results. I'm not sure if it's mentioned in a previous thread, but the SOR kit is the standard OME, 2" kit, minus 1 leaf, which brings it down to stock height.
I occasionally load the cargo area with home renovation demolition debris, and take it to the dump. I've noticed that about 300 lbs. of drywall will make the back end squat lower than the front, which is pretty light. If you have plans of taking passengers or some trail gear, this may be a consideration.
Otherwise, the ride is great, and the height is right.
When the package shipped, SOR inadvertently sent one of the rear springs from the 2" kit, and when it was installed, it was uneven. I spoke with SOR, took some photos, and had the shop remove one of the leaves. SOR was apologetic, and reimbursed me for the service costs. All good, no complaints. I mention it as caution to count the leaves. The shop that I used was awful, but that's another story.
Good luck.

 

[Output Shaft]

As had been mentioned on another thread (somewhere), the SOR GG are not OME springs with a leaf removed. At least according to someone who called them up and inquired. Their website may say so, but a phone call will reveal otherwise. Not to say that is bad or good (might be good). But you won't be getting OME LD with a leaf removed.

 

[lcgeek]

That was me that called SOR on these and OS summarized it correctly. SOR GG lift not OME minus a leaf.

 

[Beachcomber Bernie]

This thread's startin to get some meat.
You got any light spring experience to share LCGeek?

 

[lcgeek]

No experience on light duty. I am riding stock now. Have some SOR mediums in the garage...debating these or staying stock. My last 62 were OME heavy. Sorry nuttin to add really

 

[MACFJ60]

Extremely interested in others thoughts on this topic as well. I'm not looking for much if any lift but would love to freshen up the suspension on my 1987.

 

[hank14]

This thread has pictures of the before and after of my 60 with the the SOR 11/2 inch comfort ride springs.

I think they call them something else now, but I have been happy with them and the amount of lift on 31 inch tires.

Front end vibration- Driveline angle?

 

[Beachcomber Bernie]

Thanks Hank!
Seeing the before/after pics from you and Cruisin AK really helps a noob like me.

 

[Beachcomber Bernie]

SOR grocery getter kit is $$$ 1800.00 +

Just confirmed that SOR won't sell just the springs. You gotta buy the whole package with their shocks.

I'm gonna hold now to see how J's install works out.

 

[hank14]

Just confirmed that SOR won't sell just the springs. You gotta buy the whole package with their shocks.

I'm gonna hold now to see how J's install works out.

That's too bad. I bought just the springs, bushings, and ubolts and reused my stock shackles. Then I installed OME shocks. It was economical and suited my needs.

FWIW, I can't see having any less lift than what I have. It's just right for me for street use and light trails with 31 inch tires. The only way I'd want stock height is if I was going to keep stock 235 tires.

 

[jamesg]

Would like to hear from y'all before I $pend.

Looking for anybody with an opinion/experience for the right springs to soften my highway driving. Currently running OME shocks with original springs but I'm ready to pop for new springs and gotta smooth out the ride for long drives.

Lifestyle: No off-roading, 1 wife, suitcase, small dog and minimal lift to retain stock profile.

What are the stock guys happy with?
Thanks

I too am looking for stock height for springs and shock replacement. I am restoring mine and I want the "factory" look I am going to go with Atlas springs out of California when I have the money. Their website offer springs specific to the 60; stock height and up, and an expedition set-up.Atlas springs.com

 

[BlueLow]

Greetings
I have a stock everything 83, and just replaced the shocks with Monroes. I used the Sensa Trac load adjusting shocks in the rear and it rides incredibly sweet. Also leveled the rear, no sag.
I rode it on hunting/logging roads and 300miles towing my tent trailer back home.
I do have 31 AT BFGs...