Need suspension info

[kmyers]

I have a 96 regular cab 4cly 2wd. My question is i want to lift it to the same height as a stock 4wd of the same years or maybe a tad higher but not too much. Or at least lift the front to same height as the back. I read on here about torsion bars. But what i kinda wanted to know is what is the stock height measurement from the ground to the bottom of the fender wells on a 4wdAlso what sort of issues will i run into with the torsion bar deal?It also needs shocks bad and recommendations on that? And while doing shocks what are some other thing i might do to bring it back where it needs to be suspension wise?

Thanks in advance!!!

[Rev_D21]

Don't know the stock ride height for 4wd but here is what I do know. The truck will develop more positive camber the higher you go.

Regarding shocks, monotubes are superior to twin tubes when it comes to sprirted driving, anything above just driving to work and back. KYB makes the Monomax monotube shock that is designed to be beat on. Bilstein and Tokico both have shocks designed for modified suspensions. I am currently riding on KYB Gas-A-Just shocks on the front and the ride is stiffer than OEM without being harsh.

The more I read up on desert runners the more I like the idea. Here's one more thing to consider. Control arm bushings are set at the factory and only have so much twist available to use. As soon as you begin lifting the truck the bushings will be twisted and soon will be out of a comfortable operating range. What I would do is loosen the control arm bushings slightly then adjust ride height. Once ride height is set go ahead and bounce the vehicle a couple of times then torque the bushings back to spec. Re-indexing the bushings will help keep them from early failure leading to alignment problems down the line.


Modified by Reverend D at 7:48 PM 5/9/2009

[kmyers]

Well, really what I want to do more than getting it to stock 4wd height is just get the front level with the back. For no other reason than looks really. It just seems a little weak looking all slumped down in the front and the fact that it is so low to the ground. The bushing idea you mentioned makes since. Im sure all mine are shot by now. The odometer shows 164K But it quit working for a while so I estimate it to be about 10K more than that.So with that kind of mileage im sure their shot. And as far as I know the shocks are original to the truck.Im wondering if it will come up any when I put new shocks on?The truck needs some tlc i have neglected it for along time but want to fully restore it so...I have owned it for about 4 years and bought it with 90K. Awsome running lil truck. Cold A/C the whole nine. The only issue i have had is i had to change the belts, a tune up and an altenator. And i think that is my fault because im running two 500 watt amps with no cap. I have more issues to deal with but im starting with the suspension first then it will be on to the next.Thanks for the info btw

[Rev_D21]

The shocks won't change the ride height. The torsion bars are adjustable so I would go that route instead. I'd say your bushings are worn to say the least. My truck @103k of the easy life I found all of the front bushings crushed and useless. Go poly bushings, they make a world of difference. Good luck with your project, keep us posted.

[kmyers]

Will do... is there a section I should post updates and pics? Yeah I was just wondering if the shocks were seriously worn out if they were letting the front sag?Is there a good source on the net to get all my front end parts and shocks?

[bwarren228]

Are you spring under?

[kmyers]

Yes

[RT]

Shocks just control the ride, stiff soft etc. Springs can sack out and allow the drop along with bushings as stated above. I just did rear bushings urethane, and love them. Put a** end back up a inch and ride quality much better but not to stiff. About to do front urethane to do the same for front. It may put it up 1 inch at best as like above my bushings are shot. Longer springs can move up the front but again be careful as it may mess up steering geometry and ,make it tough to keep camber and alignment right. Stiffer springs will not sag as much as stock once truck is setting on it with full weight but will stiffen the ride some. Not sure if springs from 4wd will fit but I am sure they are stiffer and would not allow truck to sag as much. Just do all the homework you can so that you do not misalign any suspension stuff or adversely mess up geometry. Maybe go to junk yard and check spring swap from 2wd to 4wd. Maybe contact a local truck outfitter for more info and tips.