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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/Help about front suspension bottoming out

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Expert: - 3/27/2006


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Followup To
Question -
I am wondering what your thoughts are.  I have a 97 yukon with 115k on it.  I recently replaced the factory shocks on the rear end.  The bumps seemed almost worst.  So, I changed the front factory shocks with new ones.  Now I have an issue where it seems like the bump stops are resting on the control arms.  If i am on a flat road it is fine but bumps are bad and noisey.  I cranked up the torsion bars to increase the front height. That seemed to work for a day and they are down again.  Do I crank them up more or am i missing something?

Thanks you in advance
Answer -
Todd,

I don't know which type of shocks you bought, but I would suggest either an overload type, or a gas filled shock if this isn't what you installed.  It sounds like your suspension is starting to sag, so a cheap shock may not help.  
You might consider taking it to a reputable alignment shop, and have them check out your suspension, including any bushings that may be worn.  
You could, also consider installing a small lift as an alternative to replacing worn suspension components with stock ones.  As far as cranking up the torsion bars, this can help, but is not one of the best fixes if your suspension is sagging to a point where components need replacement.

Carl

Thanks Carl,
Only other thought is could it be the springs need to be replaced?

Thanks
Todd

Answer
Todd,

This is a very good possibility.  I suggested the overload, or gas filled shocks, as this can compensate for weak springs if the springs aren't too bad.  A good alignment, or body repair shop should be able to check out your suspension, and give you an estimate for replacing the springs if they are bad.

Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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