Time for suspension; ICON, OME, SLEE, ARB, Bilstein....?

[LR LC200]

Crew- I realize there are tons of threads on suspension, just hoping for some advice with my specific goals in mind...

I've had the 09' 200 for over a year now and have been putting up with a little scrubbing of the new wheels/tire (32.4 in) combo. Already modified front mud flaps and sanded down the wheel well surrounds.

So thought now is go ahead and raise it up some to see if I an eliminate rubbing all together. Additional goal would be to get some better handling. Set on going to Overland Expo East, in October, and don't want to be limited when I participate in some of the driving clinics.

I invite suggestions. Again, goal is get some clearance and improved on road (mostly) and off-road performance. Ok with spending some coin, but focused mostly on front, so don't need some of the $4k + kits I've seen online.

Please Advise and Thanks!

LR

 

[Desert Nomad]

OME, TJM, Ironman etc are basic low maintenance shocks with varying spring lifts 2"-3". Icon, radflo, king etc are more expensive, race spec that would require maintenance (oil + seal replacement) instead of replacing the shock once it's worn out. If you don't want to put with maintenance go with a basic setup, stiffer springs will give you slightly better on road handling as it will lessen body roll but then again a lift increases your center of gravity. If possible keep an extra set of 20" or 21" wheels with lower profile tires for best on road performance and stiffer springs to reduce body roll and 17" wheels for offroading. Best all round performance would be 17/18" wheels with a slightly aggressive highway terrain tire with 2" lift (shocks and stiffer springs)

 

[MScruiser]

I ill add to the above: The Ironman Foam Cell Pros are completely rebuildable, but are also a low maintenance shock with a 60,000 kilometer warranty.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ironman-foamcellpro-installed.840477/

Really, OP, it comes down to how much money you want to really spend.

 

[LR LC200]

I ill add to the above: The Ironman Foam Cell Pros are completely rebuildable, but are also a low maintenance shock with a 60,000 kilometer warranty.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ironman-foamcellpro-installed.840477/

Really, OP, it comes down to how much money you want to really spend.

Thanks to both of you for the input! Currently have Method Racing basket weave in 20" with Toyo AT2 Extreme, looks bad@ss, but not ideal for off-road with the short sidewall. I did keep stock wheels. One option is to trade out rubber to something more aggressive than stock on those 18" wheels. Other is lift it with shocks just enough to clear rubbing, but without lifting CG too high.... I do like the idea of new shocks to further improve handling.

 

[LR LC200]

 

[LR LC200]

I ill add to the above: The Ironman Foam Cell Pros are completely rebuildable, but are also a low maintenance shock with a 60,000 kilometer warranty.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ironman-foamcellpro-installed.840477/

Really, OP, it comes down to how much money you want to really spend.

Thanks for the thread link. Read the whole thing. Think I'd only want to lift an inch or inch and a half, but have the option to raise it up higher. Don't want to exceed 2K in cost. Can I assume that I wouldn't have to get new UCAs? I'd do the work myself. Also, Mrs. is 5-9" without heels…lol.

 

[MScruiser]

If you are only at 2", you shouldn't need new UCAs. And the Iranmans with the regular springs adjusted to the lowest setting should give you 2" or less if that's what you want.

 

[LR LC200]

Ok does it follow that if you have the coil-over threaded collar at the minimum height then the spring is tensioned making for a firmer ride? Conversely, if it's at the highest, your getting a softer ride with more articulation? Learning as I go.....thx, LR

 

[NLScooby]

I believe the opposite is true. The more height you select, the firmer the ride.

 

[Billfish]

LR LC200, heres my understanding:

If you wind down on the coilover adjustment you are compressing the springs. This is called increasing the preload on the springs. As you correctly surmise this has the effect of both firming the ride and raising the vehicle's ride height while at the same time marginally reducing the total 'available' spring compression since some of the spring is already compressed. I believe however that under normal compression conditions that wheel travel will 'top' out before the springs are fully compressed so usable spring compression length is not effected - albeit the force to do so is increased.

 

[LR LC200]

Thanks to all for the input. Next, when I have some time and "me money," I'll need to source a kit.
Will jump back on with reseller and Ironman component recommendations.
Cheers,
LR