Springs Sagging

[AXE]

I think most people have seen some sagging after getting some miles on their rigs. The suspension and ride quality are really good, but the durability of the stock springs is pretty weak.

I hit 600 miles and ran a little harder a couple days in the dunes at Glamis. I noticed it was sagging pretty good, so I measured my ride height when I got back. It had sagged over two inches.

The stock ride height is about 16.5 inches in the front and 17.5 inches in the rear. I measure from the exposed part of the frame just behind the front wheels and in front of rear wheels to the concrete.

In order to raise it back, I cranked the rear shock pre-load down about 1 inch. Then cranked the front down about 3/4 inch. That got me back to stock, maybe a tad higher, but I expect more settling.

I did not mess with the crossovers, but might after a little more riding.

I think we may need stronger aftermarket springs (at least the upper tenders) by the time you hit 1000 miles or so, depending on the riding you do.

 

[Sand Shark]

My springs have minimal sag, if any after 775 miles. I am at 16 1/2 front and 17"ish in the rear when I last measured. I did have to add pre-load to the front when I first got as it was no where close to 16 1/2" in the front. I have not touched the rear.

I do feel the front suspension is on the soft side even in firm mode for the dunes. The front shocks like to blow threw the compression on some transitions and the front will scoop some sand. The rear has never been an issue. I run 34" Packard paddle tire set up.

 

[AXE]

My springs have minimal sag, if any after 775 miles. I am at 16 1/2 front and 17"ish in the rear when I last measured. I did have to add pre-load to the front when I first got as it was no where close to 16 1/2" in the front. I have not touched the rear.

I do feel the front suspension is on the soft side even in firm mode for the dunes. The front shocks like to blow threw the compression on some transitions and the front will scoop some sand. The rear has never been an issue. I run 34" Packard paddle tire set up.

I ate a lot of sand on the last trip. I think these large SS365 tires lever the suspension a lot more and probably contributed to the sagging. I've only did a couple small jumps, but 5 feet of air off China Wall may have pushed them past the limit. After the jump I realized I was on the normal setting and probably should have been on firm. I'll probably keep it on the 3000 lbs on ground from now on and save the air for my dirt bikes!

 

[Sand Shark]

I ate a lot of sand on the last trip. I think these large SS365 tires lever the suspension a lot more and probably contributed to the sagging. I've only did a couple small jumps, but 5 feet of air off China Wall may have pushed them past the limit. After the jump I realized I was on the normal setting and probably should have been on firm. I'll probably keep it on the 3000 lbs on ground from now on and save the air for my dirt bikes!

I dune in firm mode. Initially I was in the normal setting and actually launched the car off a nice drop with my buddy in the car. We both braced for the car to bottom out and it soaked it up. Once I got use to the car and increased the speed in the dunes I ended up running in the firm mode the entire time. Firm mode with 34" tires skips right thought the chatter bumps without rattling your kidneys or teeth.

If I end up getting my suspension done, I will see if they can firm it up more in the front.