[barbender]

Ok, I have read about this a mainly as a mod done to sierras, well why do it ?. I do not know the reason why, so could some body explain this mod to me, if it''s for suspension travel, comfort, handling etc, why not after market springs at the same length. Any info is good info. regards to all.

[alien]

Running RUF gives you softer ride, more flex and generally a slightly longer wheelbase moving the front diff forward allowing larger tyres to be fitted without fouling the guards. Most aftermarket leaf packs are lifted and have a higher rating meaning they in fact travel less, ride rougher and due to the nature of a lifted leaf setup, actually reduce wheelbase (all be it slightly). Also note that both will affect castor angles and hence the way your sierra steers.

[sideways]

The rear springs are longer so you can get greater wheel travel out of them. Also, being longer they have a lower frequency so the ride is improved. Most people use aftermarket springs.

The down sides are greater overhang and less control over axle wrap.

[MrRocky]

You can use an efs heavy duty lwb rear spring (just the top one) and mix and match with your original springs to get the desired ride comfort with the only additional mods required being 2" extended shackles, longer brake lines/shocks bumpstops. Keep in mind this is an involved process not as simple as off the shelf options.
Benifits are improved handling, comfort and travel when setup correctly so more or less better in every way

[barbender]

Yep, rears on the front much too complicated for me. What about air assist suspension bags or air shocks, from what I see I could easily fit either, anyone have any ideas on these.

[alien]

I think you're better off telling us what it is you're trying to improve on from stock first...

what are you trying to achieve?

[Gwagensteve]

barbender wrote:

Yep, rears on the front much too complicated for me. What about air assist suspension bags or air shocks, from what I see I could easily fit either, anyone have any ideas on these.

Rear springs are the opposite of this. We don't fit rear springs in the front to add height or rate, we fit them to reduce rate so the car rides and flexes better.

Rear springs are softer than front springs. They are longer so they flex more.

[barbender]

Hi all,

what I am trying to achieve is a little more ground clearance height when I need it and a little less rear end sag when carrying a load in the back (taking into account carrying capacity.

I don't want the harshness of lift kit springs if I can avoid it. I have read airbags can reduce articulation in off road situations, but I don't do extreme anything !. I have also read due to the nature or air assist you can actually get a more comfortable ride.

None of the material I have looked at applies to Suzuki Sierras, usually much heavier vehicles, so, I think the forum is a place to ask given the number of members and knowledge and experience contained therein.

The Primary use of my vehicle is recreational 4WD, I do a lot of hunting in the scrub, the last vehicle I had for this purpose was an early SWB series 2 Landy so the vehicles are similar but worlds apart. I have had a couple of Suzuki's previously being an LJ50 and and 1983 Sierra, this was many years ago, I just drove them stock, but now with my 93' WT I want to try and improve it where I can without going overboard, over cash and over tech and finally - over it. So on occasion I will have questions and I rely heavily on input from the forum from those that know a hell of a lot more than me.

Thanks for any and all input - Barbender

[MrRocky]

The ruf i did on my car did not generate any lift i actually lost an inch in height. There is no point adding spring lift in such a swb 4x4 particularly when 31"s are acheivable with standard height car. Anything with enough arc to lift the car 2" will ride worse than stock unless you are prepared to mix and match custom

[barbender]

Thanks Mr Rocky

[Gwagensteve]

Bartender, you're sort of asking for the impossible. The only way to prevent the rear end sagging under load is springs with a higher rate. That means a harsher ride.

Airbags aren't the solution. Bags have to be run with a little bit of air in them at all times, which will hurt ride comfort. You could de-rate your existing springs to compensate (remove leaves) but then you run the risk of axle wrap because the springs locate the axle.

If you're looking for a little extra height and improved ride quality, I would fit OME (old man emu) springs and shocks. These are considered the softest riding springs available and its a straightforward remove and replace job. Springs are around $130 each and shocks are similar. Most people are very happy with the improvement in ride quality over standard with OME springs. car will come up around 45mm. OME sell heavy duty rear leaves for cars carrying at least a constant 100kg of payload but these result in a poor ride and excessive lift if the car is run light/empty.

Many of us are trying to run our cars as low as possible but this is often detrimental to ride quality.

[Angus Martin]

Hey Barbender, I have a mate who has similar needs with his sierra, he's got the 2' OME kit and has also fitted Ironman 'helper springs' which he says doesn't effect the ride but allows him to carry more weight without it sagging. He does however lose about an inch or to flex in the back if that's a concern, you can always weld the rear diff up and not worry about the loss of flex.

[barbender]

Angus, thanks for the info, much appreciated, regards.

[Gwagensteve]

Angus, Sounds like your mate just replicated the HD OME rear leaf pack

[Angus Martin]

Sorry, just edited, had a typo in there.