Supension Upgrade Options

[avidtest]

Got the bug to upgrade the suspension. A bit perplexed by the options available, so seeking some opinions. At least 80% of my driving is on two lane tarmac. But we live near Anza Borrego / Ocotillo Wells and enjoy wheeling around out there. The other consideration is that we tow a 5500 lb trailer from time to time and I have concerns about safety.

My current thinking is to go with a front steering stabilizer, 285/75/17 BFG's and at least a 1.7" lift on Eibach springs, or maybe 2.5" if I can live with the added risk of wear and tear to the front driveshaft. And then of course a shock upgrade. Finally, maybe the Metalcloak suspension upgrade kit.

My first question is what benefits (and issues) can be assumed with the installation of the full Metalcloak upgrade kit?

Next, assuming cost is not an issue, how would an oleo-pnuematic shock option from Nimbus compare with a piggy back option from either King or Fox?

 

[Cheshire cat]

Got the bug to upgrade the suspension. A bit perplexed by the options available, so seeking some opinions. At least 80% of my driving is on two lane tarmac. But we live near Anza Borrego / Ocotillo Wells and enjoy wheeling around out there. The other consideration is that we tow a 5500 lb trailer from time to time and I have concerns about safety.

My current thinking is to go with a front steering stabilizer, 285/75/17 BFG's and at least a 1.7" lift on Eibach springs, or maybe 2.5" if I can live with the added risk of wear and tear to the front driveshaft. And then of course a shock upgrade. Finally, maybe the Metalcloak suspension upgrade kit.

My first question is what benefits (and issues) can be assumed with the installation of the full Metalcloak upgrade kit?

Next, assuming cost is not an issue, how would an oleo-pnuematic shock option from Nimbus compare with a piggy back option from either King or Fox?

Nimbus is on my wish list, combined with a modest lift, but a lot more research required before I take the plunge. Great to see how quickly the market is growing in way of mod's for this vehicle.

 

[dlcmike]

Just FYI... Nimbus is the lift. No need for Eiibach. Nimbus standard lift is 1 inch but they can do more. I don't know how much more but they suggested 1.5 inches for mine. Nimbus can function without the springs at all. Nimbus told me that the shock mounts can't take all of the load so the OEM springs are needed to spread the load.

 

[Tenac]

I too am curious what would the benefits be with that Metalcloak kit??? Are the components stronger?

 

[avidtest]

Ultimately, I decided on Eibach 1.7F/1.2R springs, paired with the forthcoming Fox Performance Elite 2.5 DSC EVO shocks (and front stabilizer). Along w/ AO wheels and BFG K03 285/75/17's. No metal cloak for now. The Nimbus looks awesome, but want to see more of their systems flourish in the wilds of the USA, plus service availability here, before taking that leap.

 

[parb]

@avidtest when do you plan to install this? I would love a review.
What made you choose fox suspension over let's say the kings? I have limited experience with either, just curious of what factors led you to fox and I hope I can learn something about them from you.

I read some reviews of them from ford bronco owners and they where really positive for increased drive comfort on asphalt as well as good off-road performance.

 

[avidtest]

@parb I'm having Agile Offroad do the installation and alignment changes. They're strictly Fox and have a relationship w Fox (and are former Fox employees). My understanding though, is that the Fox's offer a bit of a firmer ride, vs., Kings offering a bit more supple ride. So I feel like Fox's may be a bit of a better option for the on-road daily driver stuff.

While it will likely be quite some time in the future, my understanding is that Fox service times are currently not very good vs., King. So if that does not change, that aspect will be disappointing. Ultimately, I would have happily gone with either brand, but it just so happens that AO is nearby and they have the expertise with Fox setups. And it seems the Fox setup might be a little better for my planned usage.

Supposedly, the Fox shocks are to be released mid-January (pushed from Mid-December originally). If that actually happens, I plan on getting my truck in the shop immediately.

 

[parb]

Cool, I meet the agile guys in Moab at the event. Legit folks and I really respect their thoughts and approach to testing things themselves before they recommend it. Let me know how it goes

 

[drof14850]

Installed Kings shocks early days yet but a noticeable difference with on road manners, running on the firmest setting. Also fitted the king steering stabiliser makes a huge difference. Wheel can be turned quicker and has some return to centre assistance. For me it makes it a better driving experience, was a little weary about fitting but so far all positive. Most noticeable improvement is when reversing the trailer.
Running on 18 inch rims with KO2's.

 

[parb]

How would you describe the difference when driving on asphalt? I already have the fox steering stabilizer which I'm super happy about, but I'm curious about how the King suspension differs vs stock.

Some people say that King makes a huge difference on forest roads and when loaded with a bit of weight.

 

[drof14850]

With the kings it feels a lot more positive on the road, less body roll and a smoother ride.
I made the mistake of doing the shocks and the stabiliser at the same time so my driving experience is vastly different to stock.
In hindsight I should have driven it after doing the shocks with the stock stabiliser. That way I would have been able to gauge the benefit for each.

 

[Dokatd]

Kings make things very buttery if that makes sense. They most certainly help with controlling some body roll as well. They take the truck from feeling iffy to feeling like a Dakar truck. Soaks up larger bumps very well and has a more sporty drive to it. I'm sure Fox's will yield very similar results. But Kings are kinda the purest's version where Fox kinda sold out and I assume make a lot of their production stuff in China these days. I'm making a bit of an assumption there, just what I perceive these days.

I at one time was the only person outside of FOX that could rebuild their air shocks, so I was biased toward FOX at one point.

 

[parb]

King is made in the US?

And would you pick them over stock and fox regardless of country of origin for mostly road driving with a bit of trail driving and very occasional rock driving?

I prefer to buy non China goods but I also want to pick the better option.

 

[Cheshire cat]

King is made in the US?

And would you pick them over stock for mostly road driving with a bit of trail driving and very occasional rock driving?

Sounds like probably a bit on the excessive side if predominantly road driving. I like excessive.

 

[Dokatd]

King is made in the US?

And would you pick them over stock and fox regardless of country of origin for mostly road driving with a bit of trail driving and very occasional rock driving?

I prefer to buy non China goods but I also want to pick the better option.

Kings are made in small batches out of California.

Fox certainly used to be made in the USA but they got so big and started providing for OEM packages I have to assume much of their stuff is made in China these days. But don't trust me on that, it's speculation at best.

Either option will be overkill on the road. But if you have a buck or two to spare then they are absolutely worth it.

Keep in mind either option comes with the suggestion to rebuild them at something like 30-50k miles. That means your truck will be down for a few weeks most likely.

 

[Tenac]

Kings are made in small batches out of California.

Fox certainly used to be made in the USA but they got so big and started providing for OEM packages I have to assume much of their stuff is made in China these days. But don't trust me on that, it's speculation at best.

Either option will be overkill on the road. But if you have a buck or two to spare then they are absolutely worth it.

Keep in mind either option comes with the suggestion to rebuild them at something like 30-50k miles. That means your truck will be down for a few weeks most likely.

Great call out on the maintenance for the shocks. Do we know if OEM are rebuildable or just swap? I'm guessing they are cheap enough to just swap....

 

[parb]

Sounds like probably a bit on the excessive side if predominantly road driving. I like excessive.

Never underestimate a fool and his ability to spend money...

(That would be me).

I've held off on doing anything with suspension excluding the steering stabilizer which I loved.