Lifting front only (25mm) due to heavy bullbar/winch SOLVED

[SteveD1984]

I have stock suspension. I don't need a lift kit, I just want to raise front back up to normal height. I have steel ARB bullbar and winch. Suspension shop tells me it's sitting 25-30mm lower than it should be. How can I raise this up 25mm safely without spending too much. From what I understand, using a heavy spring will work, but may cause issues with factory shock. Can I just put a new set of struts in the front with heavier duty springs? If so, what do you recommend?

Going to discuss with suspension shop next week, just want some advice before I go in there if I can.

Tires are 265/70R16

[Rob_Wood]

I have stock suspension. I don't need a lift kit, I just want to raise front back up to normal height. I have steel ARB bullbar and winch. Suspension shop tells me it's sitting 25-30mm lower than it should be. How can I raise this up 25mm safely without spending too much. From what I understand, using a heavy spring will work, but may cause issues with factory shock. Can I just put a new set of struts in the front with heavier duty springs? If so, what do you recommend?

Going to discuss with suspension shop next week, just want some advice before I go in there if I can.

Tires are 265/70R16

If you're just trying to re-level the vehicle because you've added weight, you don't need a lift per-se, you are more likely to just need slightly heavier duty springs. Maybe shocks as well. I'd suggest take it to a suspension specialist (Pedders, Ironman, numerous others) and get their opinion. Maybe even shop around a little before you spend the coin.

[SteveD1984]

I really just wanted to know if I will break any part of the strut by just upgrading to a stronger spring. The spring I am looking at is 30% stronger than the original and will just lift the front of my vehicle back to stock height, which is all I need.

I've head of parts of struts breaking from strut spacers and heavier springs, but not sure if thats a myth or not.

[Rob_Wood]

I really just wanted to know if I will break any part of the strut by just upgrading to a stronger spring. The spring I am looking at is 30% stronger than the original and will just lift the front of my vehicle back to stock height, which is all I need.

I've head of parts of struts breaking from strut spacers and heavier springs, but not sure if thats a myth or not.

I'd suggest take it to a suspension specialist (Pedders, Ironman, numerous others) and get their opinion. Maybe even shop around a little before you spend the coin.
You should be able to get answers to your questions without spending any money.

[dave g]

Breaking because of spacers YES
Breaking because of heavier springs no
Still go heavier springs to carry the weight no reason to change struts your not changing the ride height
( unless the struts are stuffed )

[Rob_Wood]

Breaking because of spacers YES
Breaking because of heavier springs no
Still go heavier springs to carry the weight no reason to change struts your not changing the ride height
( unless the struts are stuffed )

Thanks Dave, that might prevent him from needing to go to a suspension joint.

[Gipsy]

X2 stronger springs will not break the strut... Spacers almost certainly will... And spacers will break the bank if you get caught!
Spacers just compress the spring to make it more stiff (whilst also reducing travel) but heavier springs extend the height in a controlled way. Just a guess but if you put a standard spring next to a stiffer (stronger) spring the stronger spring will be a different length (longer).

[SteveD1984]

Ok so stronger strings in the front will do what I need. Can anyone recommend an exact spring for the front? I've got an ARB bullbar and a winch. All I want to do is get the front back up to the original height. The previous owner added the bullbar and winch without changing the front springs. I'm keeping the rear stock as its plenty high enough.

My suspension shop does King Springs and said "The KTFS 101 is a standard height coil that is about 30% stronger that the factory coil. Given that you have additional accessories on the vehicle it will likely lift the front from where it is now but isn’t designed to go above the factory ride height (will still be nose down)"...is this spring the best option, or is there a more suitable spring?

EDIT: OK I understand these springs are available... can anyone tell me which one I should get? I'd like the ute to be level if possible, so the KTFS 101 (standard height) may be too low. Technically I can raise the front 20mm extra legally (already got bigger tires), so a spring that will raise it 20mm above stock that takes the weight of my bullbar and winch would be ideal, if that makes it level. Ute is single cab trayback.

KTFR 101 - free length 375mm, 17mm wire diameter, spring rate 660 lbs
KTFR 101H - 385mm, 17mm wire, 660 lbs
KTFR 101HD - 370mm, 18mm wire, 800 lbs
KTFR 101HHD - 390mm, 18mm wire, 800 lbs

[hiluxxury]

800lbs for a steel bar and winch.

The 370mm spring above may give you some lift. If your struts are old, it might be worth getting new struts that are high adjustable so you can tune the height.

I'm going through the same process now for my ranger - I dont want lift but the front end is sagging and the shocks are old. I'll probably go with the dobinson mmr without the external reservoir.

[dave g]

Breaking because of spacers YES
Breaking because of heavier springs no
Still go heavier springs to carry the weight no reason to change struts your not changing the ride height
( unless the struts are stuffed )

Thanks Dave, that might prevent him from needing to go to a suspension joint.

Rob how does it stop he going to a suspension joint???? Or did I miss something

[Rob_Wood]

Breaking because of spacers YES
Breaking because of heavier springs no
Still go heavier springs to carry the weight no reason to change struts your not changing the ride height
( unless the struts are stuffed )

Thanks Dave, that might prevent him from needing to go to a suspension joint.

Rob how does it stop he going to a suspension joint???? Or did I miss something

I was (and am) unclear to the knowledge levels and abilities of this individual and so I was not instantly assuming he "NEEDED" to go for help. At that point he had many options open to him ... Now his options may be reduced, but they remain multi-faceted.

[SteveD1984]

For anyone with this same problem, I ended up getting this fixed. I got Wilkinson suspension in Bayswayter (Perth) to do it, they are clearly experts in suspension and I would highly recommend them. The ute now looks totally level and handles considerably better. Didn't go for a lift kit because it would have been illegal.

Ended up getting
- King Springs KTFS101 (standard height front springs)
- Tough dog shocks front and rear
- Kept original rear springs

The vehicle height went back up to stock (approx 25-30mm higher) and the ute handles amazing, previously it was very squirrely and soft in the corners due to bullbar weight.