The 2nd Gen Suspension Thread
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Oregon
I was taking a look at my front end yesterday and I didn't see the spacers I thought were there when I bought the truck. Guess I was seeing things then. This leads me to wonder if I have springs from a 2500, since the truck is level. Is there a way to tell?
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Elk Rapids, MI
The distance between the upper spring pad and the lower spring pad (the flat eges that are easily measured) were just over 18" on my half ton with diesel springs. If yours measure more like 15", then they are probably stock springs.
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
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From: The Box
Jack up the front end of the truck, support it on the frame, so you have some good air between the ground, and the front tires. Have a buddy stand on the tire. (carefully, it WILL roll....) see how much brake line you have left. If you can bounce the tire such that it is limited by the brake line, you need new ones, or, limiting straps to prevent the suspension travel from ripping out the lines.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
That's true, they do. However, a well designed system takes that into account. You don't limit your suspension travel to the point that just a bit more will start breaking things, gotta leave yourself some margin.
That said, not sure which is cheaper, but, my money would be on limiting straps.
That said, not sure which is cheaper, but, my money would be on limiting straps.
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
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From: The Box
There is no "design" involved with sticking some straps on factory suspension. Its hack at best. Your margin is going to be slim at best anyways. Ideally you need straps as well as new hoses to do it right if you intend to modify the existing suspension. Limit straps aren't cheap either. A pair of high quality limit straps cost just as much as custom hoses.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
I have found straps for about half what it costs for brake lines......... (Procomp, so, they aren't just cheap sh*t)
What I find REALLY amusing is: Door limit straps are MORE expensive.........
What I find REALLY amusing is: Door limit straps are MORE expensive.........
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
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From: The Box
Procomp limit straps are cheap ****.. lol The general rule of thumb is 1-2 inches of stretch per foot for low end straps. Good quality straps stretch under 1 inch.
Beard and Mastercraft make great limit straps.
Beard and Mastercraft make great limit straps.
Occasional inspection usually reveals flaws in a strap that's starting to stretch. You really want your limit straps to be a couple inches shorter to protect your components, and unless you're skying the truck on a regular basis, most should last a fairly long time.
Now if you were constantly grabbing big air, or in mud or water you should be on a more proactive maintenance program anyway. Or be a bit more cautious if you can't afford to be.
I'd NEVER want my brake hoses, shocks or anything but a strap to become a suspension limiting device!
Now if you were constantly grabbing big air, or in mud or water you should be on a more proactive maintenance program anyway. Or be a bit more cautious if you can't afford to be.
I'd NEVER want my brake hoses, shocks or anything but a strap to become a suspension limiting device!
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
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From: The Box
Straps that see use on a daily driver won't last nearly as long as an occasional use vehicle. They are subject to dirt, water, and the elements every day. Straps don't last very long at all in the first place. Day to day they need to be replaced often.