Thread: King Springs

Originally Posted by dcale

Question: can I use lifted springs (KRFR-03/KLRR-05) with standard shocks? (can't afford the shocks at the moment)
Thanks in advance.

The question is not really can you, but should you!

Can you yes, should you, NO. They will fit but are not long enough for anything other than pretty much flat ground.

I must confess I haven't read all the thread... What shocks are you planning on using?

R
J

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Originally Posted by Yorkshire_Jon

Why not buy the King Springs and whatever dampers you want and get the local mechanic to fit?

Ive never used the Tough Dog springs (though I was approached a few times by the disti's to sell them in the UK) - I believe however that they do not perform as well as the Kings.

R
J

King make tough dog springs and yes they are to different specs to the King off the shelf models. I was informed by tough dog that they requested a softer spring rate than the King catalogue.

To the post querying tough dog +2" lift kit. I have the tough dog shocks (foam cell) and springs 35mm kit. There are 2 kits: standard height or 35mm lift. They don't make a +2" kit as such. I've tried to research it but can't get a definitive answer but I suspect that the kits uses the same shock length and a different spring rate (but same spring height) for the 2 kits. I'm very happy with mine and it's well suited for touring. I get respectable articulation but not outstanding (limited by shock travel and standard trailing arms). I have a TJM bar and winch on front, and requested an all round medium spring for the rear. I don't tow and rarely carry heavy loads. The spring is reasonably firm and holds corners well, so long as you set up the weight transfer of the truck before the apex of the corner (ie no erratic manoeuvres). i live in an area that has lots of twisting roads and I keep up with smaller vehicles. The tough dog spring is not as soft as the Dobinson which will give you better articulation. The shocks have held up well to the punishment I've dished out. That said i haven't driven long distances on corrugations yet, which is the ultimate test. If corrugations are on your horizon, consider the 45mm adjustable shock or the Ralph 53mm shock for the rear. The Ralph won't fit in the front, not sure about the 45mm.

In summary, if you want a touring set up that you can fit and forget (no messing with castor correction, prop shaft angles, trailing arms, panhard rods etc) the tough dog kit is well balanced and well priced. If you want articulation, there are better combinations.

Suspension sets ups are, at the end of the day, subjective. We all justify our purchasing decision be based on budget, sales pitch, a mate's opinion, perceived need and requirements etc etc.

cheers MLD