[rusty]

Would like some clarification on coil lift.

Understandably, the coil lift does not add travel. With its higher spring rate and the reduction in sag, lift is obtained. The suspension stroke is now starting with shock in a more extended position. Questions:

1) With suspension settled on flat ground, what is the clearance between the UCA and top coil bucket? (This would be the max possible increase in shock length w/o changing UCA's.)
2) Would longer shocks close that gap and offer a bit more lift?
3) For those running longer shocks (off other applications like pathfinders), does your shock limit the down travel, or are you now seeing contact between the UCA and coil bucket like those with spacers? If not contact, what are the longer shock PN's and dimensions (extended and compressed)?
4) Has anyone tried fitting a spacer just shorter than the clearance to maximize lift (although this would nearly eliminate any room for droop)?
5) Are springs so stiff as to not allow full compression? (which actually decreases the amount of usuable travel) I believe the answer is "no", but wanted clarification.

Thanks for any feedback from those with coil lift and/or longer shocks.

 

[Guest]

5) Are springs so stiff as to not allow full compression? (which actually decreases the amount of usuable travel) I believe the answer is "no", but wanted clarification.

yes, absolutely. the vehicle is not heavy enough to fully compress the AC springs. when i installed the AC coils with the daystar 2" coil spacers, it was near impossible to get any compression on the coil, just to reconnect the UCA at the ball joint.

 

[Muzikman]

That might be true without a bumper and winch, but I can get my wheels stuffed up into my wheel well so far I can hit the fender. So, with the extra (maybe 120lbs) up front, they will compress.

 

[Guest]

That might be true without a bumper and winch, but I can get my wheels stuffed up into my wheel well so far I can hit the fender. So, with the extra (maybe 120lbs) up front, they will compress.

pic?

 

[Muzikman]

I'll see if I have one. I don't "pose" all that much when I am wheeling.

 

[Muzikman]

Can't find any pics of when I had the fron sway bar disconnected. It's no longer disconnected so any new shots don't show it.

 

[S_e_X-Terra]

3) For those running longer shocks (off other applications like pathfinders), does your shock limit the down travel, or are you now seeing contact between the UCA and coil bucket like those with spacers? If not contact, what are the longer shock PN's and dimensions (extended and compressed)?

I dont think anyone is running longer shocks. I currently have the rancho 9000 shocks on AC coils (which are up for sale... see 'swap meet'). but the shocks arent longer they are just an upgrade, so yes they are probably the limiting factor, because i havent noticed any contact between the bucket and uca.

 

[syndicate]

Do you think running a 1-2" longer shock would cause any problems?
________
Uggs

 

[usmc xterra]

Do you think running a 1-2" longer shock would cause any problems?

On XM radio last week they had a show on and the guest was Parnelli Jones who has a gigantic winning off road record. They got to talking about suspensions and tire sizes and he said, When they design a suspension they pick the tire first and design the suspension back from that and swapping out rims tires and weights is always a bad idea unless you have the knowledge to re do the suspension to match. He said he "Blueprints" the suspensions he designs on his special cars beyond factory specs. The length of the shock is very important and my guess is that it is not a good idea because they determine the safe travel It's not like the rear you have the IFS and that might cause driveline problems.
After listening to him, I'd never do what I have already done. The shop that Pony went to seems to know the rules regarding what needs to be done to accomplish that safely and retain the reliability of the suspension.

Here is what Parelli is working on now. Maybe you can find his off road record. MC

http://www.moddedmustangs.com/2007-ford-saleen-mustang-parnelli-jones-edition.html

 

[lifeinthesouth]

Do you think running a 1-2" longer shock would cause any problems?

Coil bucket contact!!! ... the solution is TC UCA's

Here is what Parelli is working on now.

And here's his tires that have been around forever. http://www.dirtgriptires.com/

 

[Muzikman]

That might be true without a bumper and winch, but I can get my wheels stuffed up into my wheel well so far I can hit the fender. So, with the extra (maybe 120lbs) up front, they will compress.

pic?

Well, I was crawling under the X today to tighten up some skid plate bolts and noticed that my front bump stops were clean. So I can only assume this means that I can still fully compress the AC front coils.

Front Drivers Side Bump Stop

 

[B Slater]

Wow thats some massive compression on those springs!

 

[syndicate]

MC, do you have Timbrens up front too?
________
Extreme Q

 

[usmc xterra]

MC, do you have Timbrens up front too?

Yep and I love em. It's here in the timbren thread. MC