Thoughts on lift options when the front is already sagging from added weight

[PatrickT]

That is interesting for sure. I did measure mine before the skid plates and after and then again after adding the rock sliders. It is interesting that I got a consistent 1/2” difference from side to side as well. Before everything my lowest measurement was 37 1/2” and now I am setting at 36 5/8”. On the passenger side I went from 38” to 37”. I checked in between the skid plates and rock slider additions and I lost 1/2” for each case. Of course these’d measurements could have been effected by tire pressure and temperature but I think they are fairly accurate.

Bases on the information given in the previous post, maybe I shouldn’t worry to much but I would like the most ground clearance I can get without having to replace anything else other than springs or added a strut spacer. I really appreciate everyone’s responses so far. It is helpful.

Sponsored

 

[RIVAL 4x4]

Visually well-leveled after installing only the 2.5-in FMI front collar leveling kit.

Off to SEMA right after.

 

[daytoncarter]

Visually well-leveled after installing only the 2.5-in FMI front collar leveling kit.

Off to SEMA right after.

Looks fine but performance is absolutely going to be worse since the 1-2" drop is spring compression, for a truck like this you probably only have 4 maybe 5" inches of compression at stock ride hight.

That means you're way out of the optimal travel range for handling impacts.

 

[sdca7718]

Convenient enough someone just posted a video explaining lift choices and how they affect the geometry and function.

 

[PatrickT]

no kidding that video was super helpful. Looks like I should get the Geiser front springs (1.25” lift) and the 2” front spacers and 1 inch rear spacers if I want to run 35s. It’s crazy though how many posts I see only running springs. I guess if your not planning to run 35s that would be fine.

 

[expertcom]

The Geiser +1.25 springs ride nice. I did the +1 in the rear with a +1.5 top spacer

 

[PatrickT]

Are you running 35s with that setup? I have been debating between 2” or 1.5” spacer in the front. Also learned today that Eibach has a 1.5” spring for the front and a rear spring as well. I do tow a teardrop camper or carry a roof top tent or both and a super heavy camp fridge. I really don’t have a great option because I daily drive it as well. Thinking of just going with the rear springs anyway to deal with the weight when I have it. Decisions decisions. Geiser, Eibach, or Hyperco for the rear? Should I just get rear springs or do I need the rear strut spacer as well. GOAT would tell me I need the spacer for 35s. Anyone have experience running 35s without a rear spacer, only springs?

 

[expertcom]

I am not runnung 35s, just whatever came on the Ranger Raptor. It does look like 35s will fit though.

 

[cc1999]

That is interesting for sure. I did measure mine before the skid plates and after and then again after adding the rock sliders. It is interesting that I got a consistent 1/2” difference from side to side as well. Before everything my lowest measurement was 37 1/2” and now I am setting at 36 5/8”. On the passenger side I went from 38” to 37”. I checked in between the skid plates and rock slider additions and I lost 1/2” for each case. Of course these’d measurements could have been effected by tire pressure and temperature but I think they are fairly accurate.

Bases on the information given in the previous post, maybe I shouldn’t worry to much but I would like the most ground clearance I can get without having to replace anything else other than springs or added a strut spacer. I really appreciate everyone’s responses so far. It is helpful.

I am not worried much about the height , looks or ground clearance as I am a bit concerned with the ride quality (smoothness ) seems to have decreased as the setteling has increased. My 24 is a bit more stiff in ride quality then the newer, lower, slightly taller 25s.

I am assuming the springs are progressive rated so the very top portion of the spring is the softest and as that spring settles, it seems I am loosing some of that soft part of the spring effecting the ride quality in ways I am really not thrilled about.

But with spacers or common leveling kits I am pretty sure would not improve anything other then height. Which height is fine for me , the two white trucks are my favorite daily drivers, and I like being able to simply step right into them, no climbing up like lifted truck or crawling down into them like a car. I Like stepping right in and going.

I am mainly intersted in learning if there is anything that can improve or recover that lost soft ride quality that I like. I am bit concerned if a stiffer spring would help or hurt it. I am thinking it might hurt it more then help it, so for now I have left mine alone.

 

[daytoncarter]

I am not worried much about the height , looks or ground clearance as I am a bit concerned with the ride quality (smoothness ) seems to have decreased as the setteling has increased. My 24 is a bit more stiff in ride quality then the newer, lower, slightly taller 25s.

I am assuming the springs are progressive rated so the very top portion of the spring is the softest and as that spring settles, it seems I am loosing some of that soft part of the spring effecting the ride quality in ways I am really not thrilled about.

But with spacers or common leveling kits I am pretty sure would not improve anything other then height. Which height is fine for me , the two white trucks are my favorite daily drivers, and I like being able to simply step right into them, no climbing up like lifted truck or crawling down into them like a car. I Like stepping right in and going.

I am mainly intersted in learning if there is anything that can improve or recover that lost soft ride quality that I like. I am bit concerned if a stiffer spring would help or hurt it. I am thinking it might hurt it more then help it, so for now I have left mine alone.

How are your tires looking? I switched from the OE Goodyears and the new Bridgestones are much smoother.

 

[cc1999]

How are your tires looking? I switched from the OE Goodyears and the new Bridgestones are much smoother.

Tires are good, maybe 6000 miles on the tires on the 24 truck.
‘Not as fresh as the other two trucks, with no miles and or only 3000 miles.

So that’s probably a little bit of difference in ride but not likely making much difference.

I am aware the very first few thousand miles of a tires life are the smoothest and best miles for ride comfort, handeling, traction etc . I seldom ever run a tire more then 20k on my personal vehicles for that ride comfort reason.

 

[PatrickT]

I have read that the stock springs are linear rather than progressive and that linear springs are what the fox shocks were designed for. For that reason I am now considering the Eibach 1.5” front springs coupled with a 2 inch spacer. My sag is 1.25” so in theory I would only be .25” above the optimal range for the shocks. I am finally settled on how to deal with the front. Now I need to decide what to do on the rear. I daily drive my truck but I catty heavy camping loads and tow for long trips and I hate to have a nose high situation for those times. I am okay with a little bit I firm ride for my daily drives but i don’t want to ruin the comfort completely. I am thinking a 1 inch spacer and the 1 inch Hyperco spring or just go with the 500lb 1.6” Eibach rear springs alone. Anyone have any experience with these rear springs? I just want to know how bad the ride quality is unloaded. I have about a 1/2” sag unloaded so the Eibach would mean always driving 1 inch higher in the zone than optimal.

 

[cc1999]

I have read that the stock springs are linear rather than progressive and that linear springs are what the fox shocks were designed for. For that reason I am now considering the Eibach 1.5” front springs coupled with a 2 inch spacer. My sag is 1.25” so in theory I would only be .25” above the optimal range for the shocks. I am finally settled on how to deal with the front. Now I need to decide what to do on the rear. I daily drive my truck but I catty heavy camping loads and tow for long trips and I hate to have a nose high situation for those times. I am okay with a little bit I firm ride for my daily drives but i don’t want to ruin the comfort completely. I am thinking a 1 inch spacer and the 1 inch Hyperco spring or just go with the 500lb 1.6” Eibach rear springs alone. Anyone have any experience with these rear springs? I just want to know how bad the ride quality is unloaded. I have about a 1/2” sag unloaded so the Eibach would mean always driving 1 inch higher in the zone than optimal.

Wow that’s very Intersting, I would have sure thought they were progressive.
Always felt like the more weight I had on the truck the stiffer the ride got.

‘I pulled a couple hundred pounds off the bed of my work truck (the 24 RR ) a few weeks ago and it did seem to improve the ride a little , which I had thought when I did that or that it had worked because of progressive springs, or so I thought.

 

[PatrickT]

This the quote I found online. "
The 2024+ Ford Ranger Raptor comes equipped with
linear rate springs from the factory, designed to provide consistent, predictable handling and performance with its Fox Live Valve suspension system, particularly in high-speed off-road conditions. While some aftermarket performance options like Geiser Offroad springs offer progressive rates for better comfort and load carrying, the stock setup utilizes a linear design. “

Might be wrong, you never know if Google. I think it came from Foutz motor sports

 

[daytoncarter]

Wow that’s very Intersting, I would have sure thought they were progressive.
Always felt like the more weight I had on the truck the stiffer the ride got.

‘I pulled a couple hundred pounds off the bed of my work truck (the 24 RR ) a few weeks ago and it did seem to improve the ride a little , which I had thought when I did that or that it had worked because of progressive springs, or so I thought.

That's likely the shock valving + electronic adjustments stiffening the suspension to prevent bottoming out when they're not at ride height.

Sponsored