olmoomba
08-16-2008, 01:19 AM
I did a search on here and never really found anything. If this is redundant my apologies.
Here's what I just got. 08 Armada SE, no tow package, pretty bone dry as far as the Armada is concerned (still plush). 6/4 Pro Comp lift with factory 2wd springs, since I can't find aftermarket springs. 20" Boss rims with 325 - 60-20, I think thats right, I know it measures out to be 35's.
We already know our springs are soft and tend to sag in the rear with any tongue weight on it. Well its exagerated when you're leveled and the ride quality declines steeply. Additionally, it would have a tendancy to sway uncontrolably when hitting a one sided dip at high speeds. Pro-comp said to get a stiffer sway bar, but I wasn't in a turn. I knew it was the springs and they said coil-overs wouldn't help, its their stage 2 kit.
My solution was the Firestone Coil Rite springs.
Install was super simple, just followed the instructions, with the help of my 9yr and 5 yr old shop hands, we got the job done in less than 30 min. After taking them the maximum pressure of 35psi, recommended by Firestone, the ride quality was more firm, which is what I wanted, but not abrasive like I expected. Under tow, because I was itching to hook the boat up, it is very controled and responsive.
Overall I am quite please with this under 100 bucks fix. Here are the before and after measurements that I took. The measurements were taken from the lowest part of the reciever for consistency.
No trailer no bags - 22 1/4"
Trailer no bags - 20 1/2"
No Trailer bags at 35 psi - 23 1/4"
Trailer, bags at 35 psi - 21 3/4"
Questions have come to me regarding the ease of install.
The install is very simple. Open the box, check the directions for the details of the below steps.
1. Chock the front wheels.
2. Lift the vehicle ( I used a floor jack on the rear diff)
3. Deflate the bags
4. Insert deflated bag between the coils, work it through.
4a. I started at the top and worked it down, instructions call for starting from bottom and work up.
5. Run and secure air lines
6. Inflated to 20psi - to soft went straight to 35psi max recommended from firestone and called it good.
I did not drill holes to permanently mount the fill valves, I coiled the line and zip tied it to the reciever. I used one tie so that I can pull the valve from under the vehicle to adjust pressure. I do plan to 'mate' the lines with a 't' fitting to equally adjust the bags at the same time and eventually an onboard compressor w/in cabin monitoring and adjustability.
On a funny note - nobody flashed their brights at me when I was towing!
I hope it helps.
Here's what I just got. 08 Armada SE, no tow package, pretty bone dry as far as the Armada is concerned (still plush). 6/4 Pro Comp lift with factory 2wd springs, since I can't find aftermarket springs. 20" Boss rims with 325 - 60-20, I think thats right, I know it measures out to be 35's.
We already know our springs are soft and tend to sag in the rear with any tongue weight on it. Well its exagerated when you're leveled and the ride quality declines steeply. Additionally, it would have a tendancy to sway uncontrolably when hitting a one sided dip at high speeds. Pro-comp said to get a stiffer sway bar, but I wasn't in a turn. I knew it was the springs and they said coil-overs wouldn't help, its their stage 2 kit.
My solution was the Firestone Coil Rite springs.
Install was super simple, just followed the instructions, with the help of my 9yr and 5 yr old shop hands, we got the job done in less than 30 min. After taking them the maximum pressure of 35psi, recommended by Firestone, the ride quality was more firm, which is what I wanted, but not abrasive like I expected. Under tow, because I was itching to hook the boat up, it is very controled and responsive.
Overall I am quite please with this under 100 bucks fix. Here are the before and after measurements that I took. The measurements were taken from the lowest part of the reciever for consistency.
No trailer no bags - 22 1/4"
Trailer no bags - 20 1/2"
No Trailer bags at 35 psi - 23 1/4"
Trailer, bags at 35 psi - 21 3/4"
Questions have come to me regarding the ease of install.
The install is very simple. Open the box, check the directions for the details of the below steps.
1. Chock the front wheels.
2. Lift the vehicle ( I used a floor jack on the rear diff)
3. Deflate the bags
4. Insert deflated bag between the coils, work it through.
4a. I started at the top and worked it down, instructions call for starting from bottom and work up.
5. Run and secure air lines
6. Inflated to 20psi - to soft went straight to 35psi max recommended from firestone and called it good.
I did not drill holes to permanently mount the fill valves, I coiled the line and zip tied it to the reciever. I used one tie so that I can pull the valve from under the vehicle to adjust pressure. I do plan to 'mate' the lines with a 't' fitting to equally adjust the bags at the same time and eventually an onboard compressor w/in cabin monitoring and adjustability.
On a funny note - nobody flashed their brights at me when I was towing!
I hope it helps.