Suspension Replacement Recommendations / Questions - 2006 LC

[Tx2006LC]

I believe one or 2 of my shocks are damaged, or broken. A shop said i had a leak on the passenger rear, and it was blown. Ive now been driving with it awhile and haven't noticed anything. The compression and rebound when i try to bounce any of the corners seems pretty normal last time i checked...not scientific I know.

My 2006 LC also has 270K miles, and I think the shocks and springs are all original. I suspect they are well due to a replacement. Was wondering if I should go stock replacement, or upgrade.

Was wondering what suspension kit I should go for, and hoping to get some opinions in 2025.

Couple additional details.
I already have all 4 corners with General Grabbers atx 275/70/18s
I have roughly estimated 450-500+ lbs of stuff on my LC when i go skiing, or out to the beach. Including
-ARB Bumper
-Sleeping Plat form in back
-Misc Gear
-Removed third row
-2 roof boxes and bars
-Extra Water/Gas
-Dog/Passenger
-Need a winch soon, and probably more rescue gear - Open to suggestions.

I usually drive mostly on road, majority of miles, but in the summers I am on the Texas coast driving on the beach in sand, south of Padre Island National Sea Shore, and in the winters I am up in Colorado and Utah skiing, and sometimes in the summer, 4X4 or overlanding a bit on 4X4 Trails
Some trails I have done, and other i would like to do are.

Done
Shafer Trail in Canyonlands Utah, I think this is where i broke the Shock last year
Random Off road Trails off the Blue Ridge Highway
Random off Road trails in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend ranch State Park like Solitario Road
Outside Grand Junction out to Rattlesnake arches, i believe i took the Jeep Trail or maybe Black Ridge Road. Couldnt finish the last little bit (few 100 meters) to trail head, didnt have enough clearance, didn't want to risk it.
Trails around the Mcinnis Canyon National Monument Area

Would like to do
Moab to Montrose Rim Rocker Trail
Trails up the Grand Mesa and around Grand Junction like Lands End Road
White Rim Road – Canyonlands NP
Gemini Bridges in Moab
Many other National Park trails


I was recommended the OME kit, high heavy springs, from Metric Offroad, but there was never any availability or parts to get that job done. Was also recommended 1 1/4 inch wheels spacers. Thoughts?

I do like the ride of the LC currently. Nice and soft, but still seemingly capable. I and seen lots of people say replace with the stock tokico and get a 1 inch spacer, and work on the torsion bar to get a "1 inch lift"
I couldn't find any good posts on that, so any help there is recommended as well.
Did find this - For those with torsion bar questions

 

[OEMGUY0720]

KONi Raid is my favorite after OEM. OEM is still my top option for practically, ride comfort, longevity and reliability. If you are looking for aftermarket, KONi Raid has adjustable damping plus all those 4 positives that I mentioned OEM has.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Springs don't really go bad. If the stock shocks are served you for 270k and are doing what you need to now, just replace with those, they're super affordable.

 

[Tx2006LC]

Just seems like my LC sits a lot lower than what others look like.

Just checked the 4 corners from center of hub to the fender
Passenger Rear - 20 1/4"
Passenger Front - 19"
Driver Rear - 20"
Driver Front - 18 5/8"

 

[Bisho]

Just seems like my LC sits a lot lower than what others look like.

Just checked the 4 corners from center of hub to the fender
Passenger Rear - 20 1/4"
Passenger Front - 19"
Driver Rear - 20"
Driver Front - 18 5/8"

Looks like you need to crank up your driver TB 3/8” and call it good. I’d probably stick with OEM shocks with your setup.

 

[Tx2006LC]

Thoughts on Wheel Spacers, are they worth it? Seems to go both directions on this. Do they add an real benefits?

Do i need to consider any of the other suspension components? Bushings etc?

 

[Bisho]

Thoughts on Wheel Spacers, are they worth it? Seems to go both directions on this. Do they add an real benefits?

Do i need to consider any of the other suspension components? Bushings etc?

I added 1.5” spacers on my 100 so the tires would protect the fenders from obstacles offroad. I did the Amazon specials for ~$100, and that was probably 70k miles and a lot of off-roading ago.

 

[Tx2006LC]

I added 1.5” spacers on my 100 so the tires would protect the fenders from obstacles offroad. I did the Amazon specials for ~$100, and that was probably 70k miles and a lot of off-roading ago.

so not the spider trap that everyone recommends.

Any strange wear on the tires? Did you get an alignment done afterwards?

 

[Tx2006LC]

Springs don't really go bad. If the stock shocks are served you for 270k and are doing what you need to now, just replace with those, they're super affordable.

So what would warrant upgrading shocks?

I would have though the added weight and the off roading may warrant something more robust

 

[Bisho]

so not the spider trap that everyone recommends.

Any strange wear on the tires? Did you get an alignment done afterwards?

No on the alignment and tire wear. They’ve been headache free. I do rotate every 5k miles.

 

[Bisho]

So what would warrant upgrading shocks?

I would have though the added weight and the off roading may warrant something more robust

You upgrade springs for added weight. Shocks impact the rebound and compression rate. You also may change them if you are lifting the truck more than the originals can accommodate, or if you need better performance (lots of washboards can overheat a shock, which is what foam cells are designed to improve).

 

[Tx2006LC]

1. I have noticed that on a lot of the trails I have been on, there does seem to be a lot of washboarding going on. Higher speed driving over smaller bumps.
2. I do have extra 500 of things in the vehicle excluding me and the passenger when currently fully loaded
3. Would a 1" lift provide much benefit?
4. Are the stock Torsion bars enough to do the job

Additionally i just adjusted the torsion bars and not the front rides about 1/2 to 3/4 inch lower than the rear, when measured from fender to center of hub