Slee 4 inch springs-Initial Impression

[Cruiserdrew]

I finally got around to installing the 4 inch springs I got from Slee off-road several months ago. I previously had J springs and I run 35 inch tires. I also have heavy bumpers front and rear, an M12000 winch and dual batteries. In the rear is a fully stocked trail box, and a fridge mount, but not the fridge just this moment.

The results-a much firmer ride, with much less sway in turns. Actually the truck corners very flat for an 80 series. I have not had a chance to take it off the pavement. The sway and dive that I attributed to the J springs is gone, so I am very happy with my new springs. My wife virtually never gets in the 80, but if she did, I'm sure she would not like the new stiff ride.

We pulled up a J-spring and similarly equipt 80 series (Alvaro Rodriguez) and did some measurements. He has a single battery and a smaller winch. The front is almost exactly 1 inch higher with the Slee 4 inch springs. J springs loose about 3/4 inch with a second battery, so in reality the Slee springs end up 1-2 inches higher at equivalent loads. The rear is 1.5 inches higher with the Slee springs.

Many thanks to Alvaro for helping me. We've done this so many times, that we had the old ones out and the new ones in in 90 minutes.

 

[clownmidget]

Cool, post some pics from the excursion you must take this weekend

 

[MLX450]

Is it on slee's web site? can't find the 4 inch springs. Post some pics please along with all other mods that went with your lift.

 

[alvarorb]

Andy,

Congrats. Your 80 looks awesome. The ride was not harsh at at. I think I will go this way. I can't imagine La Cabra with a 6" lift and 5 gas cans on the roof rack.

I guess we should have taken some pics.

Regards

Alvaro

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Is it on slee's web site? can't find the 4 inch springs. Post some pics please along with all other mods that went with your lift.

I have been through just about every lift incarnation that exists for the 80. OME medium, OME Js and now the Slee 4inch. In time, I'll probably get the 6 inch!

The 4" and 6" springs from Slee cost the same, and the mods needed like adjustable panhards, extended bumpstops are also the same. I went with the 4 inch because I sometimes have a loaded Tradesman roof rack, and the 6 inch springs are really huge/tall. Plus I have a son who will be driving in 8 months, so the lower the better. I do not want to be too topheavy.

For caster correction, I have the caster plates from Slee, but when funds allow, I will be buying the new leading arms with the caster correction built in. I do not yet have the adjustable rear control arms-I don't think I'll need them at 4 inches of lift, but if I do, that's my next purchase.

I'll get up a pic or two when I get a chance.

 

[Photo_Cruiser]

Andrew,

Any reason you would upgrade to the arms as opposed to just keeping the plates? I thought the arms were more for the 6 inch lift, While the plates were perfect for the 4"?

My OME heavies are getting squishy, and I have the 4's paid for, and am just deciding on what else to buy...was assuming, caster plates, panhards, all the drop blocks, already have David's longer lower rear arms, hopefully won't need more than this.....Just wondering your take on the benefit of the front arms for caster over the plates.

Thanks, Hope you Jeff and the fam are well.

Jeff

 

[Nay]

What shocks are you running? How are the 35's fitting? I'll be acquiring an 80 in the next month and am looking at the 4" kit with 35's. I'll probably space the shock travel away from the body with custom fabbed mounts if needed. May also ditch the radius arm design up front to free up front end flex. Also plan much lighter bumpers (prerunner style).

Thanks!

Nay