coilovers
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 2
From: Lewistown, PA
coilovers
Hey all, I have a quick ? here. When I lift my truck, I would like to know if I can use coilover shocks in place of the coil springs. Will coilovers fit into the factory buckets? Will I get better wheel travel/articulation? I plan on going with a BDS 4" lift kit with their 4" springs in the rear. Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
You didn't state what kind of truck you're doing this on but I have not ever seen coilovers that would fit the coil buckets and they cannot be used in place of your stock shocks either as the shock bracket isn't designed to carry the weight of the truck. You will have to have custom brackets made in place of the coil buckets to accomodate a coilover shock.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 2
From: Lewistown, PA
Thanks Ivan, once again you're the man. I was thinking that the coil would take the weight of the truck and the shock would take dampening duty. Just like the factory setup, but all in one package. I know it would make changing shocks a major PIA, but if it had any wheel travel benefits, that would make it worthwhile.
BTW, it's a 1977 F150 4x4.
But if it's a major cost with out much benefit, well then, I'll just forget about it. It would look trick though, along with that coil spring/4 link rear suspension I've been pondering about.
BTW, it's a 1977 F150 4x4.
But if it's a major cost with out much benefit, well then, I'll just forget about it. It would look trick though, along with that coil spring/4 link rear suspension I've been pondering about.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
Well you certainly can get coilovers that will allow for more suspension travel but what people don't pay attention to is that there are a lot of other factors that limit suspension travel besides the springs and shocks. You need to look at the radius arm design, trac bar, steering, front driveline, etc. If these aren't adjusted accordingly you won't be able to use the extra travel. Plus coilovers cost big $$ (count on $300-$400 per shock to support the weight of your truck). For what it's worth just look for some good Skyjacker springs and long travel shocks (I like Rancho's). Then do some research here and in the 4x4 forum to get some ideas on changes to make to the other components. You can get all that travel for a lot less money. It just won't look as bling as the coilovers. 
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
A track bar controls the side to side movement of the axle. On an F150 you have radius arms to hold the axle in place and allow it to travel up and down but they can't control it from movin side to side. Since coil springs offer no lateral support either you need something to keep the axle centered under the truck. That is what the trac bar does. Newer leaf spring suspensions use them to tighten up the steering but they are not needed as the springs are rigid enough to keep the axle in place. But on any of the coil spring trucks they're a must.
