Leveling problem with added weight from winch bumper.

[ACavanagh]

I have a slight dilemma, so when I added my Ironman 4x4 Apex Bumper it added quite a bit of weight to the front of the truck, obviously. I knew that I would get some rake from that on the stock shocks. Measured 8" before the winch bumper, 6" after the bumper was installed of clearance from the fender on the front, 10" on the back. So, I upgraded with Adjustable Eibachs, thinking I could gain the level at 9"- 10" front and 10" back, based on what I was being told by Shock Surplus (They were amazing to deal with by the way, highly recommend). When we got into swapping out the front shocks, come to find out that there were already leveling pucks on the stock shocks. (bought used, dealership never disclosed and it never looked leveled to begin with the pucks, I honestly think the factory shocks were shot, they felt like it at least). We got rid of the stock shocks and leveling pucks, put in the Eibachs and adjusted them accordingly, with the weight of winch bumper it obviously affected what the Eibachs could do. Long story short I am back at square one at 8" on the front and 11" on the back for clearance from the fender because of those factors.

Now the question is, short of getting a full 6" lift kit and starting over, would it make a difference and be safe to add 2-3" leveling pucks with new upper control arms to level the truck out? The Eibachs are great shocks, had it not been for the Winch Bumper, they would have leveled the truck without a problem. I really don't want to start over with a big lift if I can avoid it. I don't do heavy offroading like rock climbing or mudding, only mild to moderate trails and beaches on occasion, it is a daily driver so I really don't need a big lift kit. Any advice or input is greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

 

[Sparkle_Tooth]

I know what you want to hear, but if you are dealing with that much lift I would absolutely do it right and get a proper suspension lift especially if it is a daily driver. Sure you can go the route you're thinking but it will always be inferior to a proper suspension lift, even if you dont offroad with it.

But yes you could add the pucks and level it out...try it out since its cheap enough and see how you like it.

 

[ACavanagh]

I know what you want to hear, but if you are dealing with that much lift I would absolutely do it right and get a proper suspension lift especially if it is a daily driver. Sure you can go the route you're thinking but it will always be inferior to a proper suspension lift, even if you dont offroad with it.

But yes you could add the pucks and level it out...try it out since its cheap enough and see how you like it.

I think you might be right. Honestly, it doesn't bother me either way. I just want to look at my options given the situation. Most likely I will go with a full lift kit, but can't hurt to ask before I do anything.

 

[Escape Hatch]

Pics?

 

[Tremgineer]

You need a higher spring rate. The Eibach springs are actually softer than OEM, and you need stiffer than OEM. Call Eibach, they have really good tech support.