2000 4x4 suspension help need

[Weiz 5]

I have a 2000 4x4 with a 3in body lift and 285x75x16 tires, and Im adding a pre-runner tire carrier to the bed, so Im wanting to add-a-leaf and maybe the belltech shacks. to help with the added weight. I was wanting to know how to level out the front end of the truck since the leaf will add arounf 1.5 to 2 in of lift. Im not really wanting to crank the tbars since I do go off road with the truck, I was thinking of adding 2in coil springs to the front with longer shocks all the way around, but Im not sure if this would work out after some of the post I have been reading. Not really wanting to put a whole lift kit on, just add some componets to get everything leveled out. So Im just wanting to see if anyone that has done this before could add some input.

Also If I ad the leaf and shacks, plus lift the front what size tires should I be looking at getting..Im wanting something alittle taller, i was thinking of a 35 to 36in.

Thanks!

 

[EERNGER]

I have a 2000 4x4 with a 3in body lift and 285x75x16 tires, and Im adding a pre-runner tire carrier to the bed, so Im wanting to add-a-leaf and maybe the belltech shacks. to help with the added weight. I was wanting to know how to level out the front end of the truck since the leaf will add arounf 1.5 to 2 in of lift. Im not really wanting to crank the tbars since I do go off road with the truck, I was thinking of adding 2in coil springs to the front with longer shocks all the way around, but Im not sure if this would work out after some of the post I have been reading. Not really wanting to put a whole lift kit on, just add some componets to get everything leveled out. So Im just wanting to see if anyone that has done this before could add some input.

Also If I ad the leaf and shacks, plus lift the front what size tires should I be looking at getting..Im wanting something alittle taller, i was thinking of a 35 to 36in.

Thanks!

I have seen a rig or two with a bt6400 and a serious torsion bar crank run 35's. However, i don't think you can really get away from cranking the t-bars to try and "level" the truck to tuck the new meats. If you can track down the guys from ORW and force them to make you the coil spring conversion kit again and grab some fox shocks and coil springs for it, you could get away with a much improved IFS experince. (i really wish they still produced that kit, it would make life so much easier)

on a serious note -If your planning on wheeling it, i think that puts you at a milestone most of us 98+ drivers reach. You can go out and grab a superlift / used RCD lift and "double lift" the truck to accomplish a comfortable tuck on 35's ~or~ get ready for a serious overhaul and get ready for a Solid Axle Swap on your truck for the next-level experience. Either option is not cheap, the Solid axle is more expensive and time consuming but yields the best overall results.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42452

 

[Weiz 5]

Sounds like I either put the cash up..or just settle for what I have, ha. If I do crank the tbars about 1.5 to 2 inchs, is this going to screw me over when I take it off road?

 

[strvger]

your wheel travel will be limited with the t bar crank. you may have trouble with alignments, stiffer ride for sure, and added wear on some front end parts.
also, i doubt that the tire and mount will weigh that much that you should need to do the add-a-leafs really. i'd double check the truck weight as you drive it and see what you have left before getting to your gvw limit.

good luck with your build and Welcome to TRS!

.

 

[Weiz 5]

Thanks with the help, The only reason I was saying I was going to do the add a leaf, was because with the Tire carrier + tire..i look at 200 max pounds, but I also haul dirt bikes in the rear, so you would add about 400 to 600, depending on which two of my bikes are in there..so Im thinking I wouldnt need the added a leaf maybe..I was just looking for somthing to add some height without dropping 1600 for a lift..ha

If I do decide to do shackles or just do the add-a-leaf, would longer shocks be in order? I was looking at the Rancho xl9000 (For 1 to 2 in. lift) or some Fox 2.0 (not sure what size I would get)?

 

[stiluv]

i wouldn't do the add a leaf. go to a junk yard and get a set of explorer leafs. thats what i did and it worked great. as for the t bar crank if you crank them all the way things will wear out faster. i replace tie rods once a year. if you put longer shocks up front with the t bars cranked, you will get more lift than your front cv joints can handle. leave the front shocks stock and crank the t bars you will fit 35's and it will still do good off road.

 

[JohnnyO]

Sounds like I either put the cash up..or just settle for what I have, ha. If I do crank the tbars about 1.5 to 2 inchs, is this going to screw me over when I take it off road?

It never bothered the Ranger and Sport Trac that I cranked the bars on. As long as you keep it to 2" or less it will be fine. Adding coil-over shocks to lift it will accomplish the same thing, only for a lot more money.

 

[EERNGER]

Sounds like I either put the cash up..or just settle for what I have, ha. If I do crank the tbars about 1.5 to 2 inchs, is this going to screw me over when I take it off road?

I think you can get away with it. Like JohnnyO said, If you keep it under 2" your not going to have a bag full of issues.

 

[bilzy7]

I don't understand how you even fit 285's. I run 265's with like no room left... And I was cranked out max. You haven't even cranked yet WTF?
But ya... Superlift or sas or 3500 on a prerunner from Dixon bros...

 

[EERNGER]

I don't understand how you even fit 285's. I run 265's with like no room left... And I was cranked out max. You haven't even cranked yet WTF?
But ya... Superlift or sas or 3500 on a prerunner from Dixon bros...

I think he said he has a 3"BL. Are you just running the t-bar crank Bilzy7, or are you body lifted as well?