Jump to content

AT4 Mid-Travel Build

AT4Play

By AT4Play
in Modifications, Wheels & Tires

 Share

Recommended Posts

AT4Play Enthusiast

AT4Play

Posted
Posted

Whatup guys, thought I'd share my work in progress and ask for some advice:

 

-2019 Sierra 1500 AT4 6.2l-

Bds 4" lift 
Fox 2.5 DSC front - Fox 2.0 rear
ADD Stealth Fighter Fr. Bumper
Baja Designs ONX6ARC 
Borla ATAK Exhaust
Method MR701 17X9 
BFG Ko2 315/70-r17

 

Pretty happy with the front suspension but the rear really needs some help. Too much bouncing and bucking in washboard chatter and whoops. Planning on adding a Fox 2.5 DSC and a Deaver Spring pack to eliminate the rear 4" blocks. Hoping to take away some harshness and add some travel.

 

Any advice is appreciated, I want to do this right. Thanks!

20211011_173601.jpg

20210916_181208.jpg

20210808_195404.jpg

  • Like 1
Desrunner Enthusiast

Desrunner

Posted
Posted

Nice looking truck. Curious how the new leaf springs will work versus stock. If they are softer and more compliant, then you might give up some payload. That’s always the balance or give and take. I’m looking at some adjustable Rancho shocks for the back, their 9000 series. They are a twin tube design like the factory from what I gather so I can dial them in for when without payload and crank them up when I haul or tow. Twin tube versus mono tube is an interesting comparison and worth looking into if you haven’t already.

AJMBLAZER Enthusiast

AJMBLAZER

Posted
Posted

Comparing those Fox shocks he's getting to Rancho 9000's is like comparing a kite to a jet fighter.

 

Yeah they both fly in the sky but are they all that similar?

Desrunner Enthusiast

Desrunner

Posted
Posted
3 hours ago, AJMBLAZER said:

Comparing those Fox shocks he's getting to Rancho 9000's is like comparing a kite to a jet fighter.

 

Yeah they both fly in the sky but are they all that similar?

I think that the Fox shocks are mono tube and the 9000 are twin tube. The mono shock typically has a higher gas pressure than a twin tube, so they are usually stiffer. So my point is that they are different and could be expected to ride differently. The OP mentioned bouncing and bucking, so that could be due to the stiffness of the rear shocks, especially if running empty. My suggestion was to consider a different type of shock like a twin tube that by design, will function differently. Different leaf springs impact the ride as well, so another variable. Hard to know what the ideal setup might be without some trial and error.

AJMBLAZER Enthusiast

AJMBLAZER

Posted
Posted

Literally no well built offroad truck for fun, work, or racing runs anything but monotubes.  Same for anything road performance oriented. 
 

He’s on the right path. 

Gangly Senior Enthusiast

Gangly

Posted
Posted (edited)

Stick with the monotube.  Adding weight to the bed of the truck will help settle it down significantly until you can get your new suspension installed.  Until then, an ice chest loaded down with water, coke, etc. is always nice to have and the additional weight over the rear axle will settle it down nicely :)

Edited by Gangly
AT4Play Enthusiast

AT4Play

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Thanks for all the replies! After speaking with Accutune, DirtKing and Fox it sounds like the best shock option I have right now is the Rough Country Vertex which accommodates 5-7.5" lifts. They are adjustable mono tubes with remote reservoirs and have pretty good reviews, but I worry about long term quality and durability.

 

Unfortunately, Fox and King only accommodate up to 4" lifts otherwise I'd go with one of them.

 

I did order a custom set of Deaver leaf springs today, it sounds like they'll make a big difference. I'm not worried about losing a little payload since I don't haul anything heavier than a couple dirtbikes.

Edited by AT4Play
AT4Play Enthusiast

AT4Play

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Yeah I've looked at those, I wouldn't mind running timbrens or airbags as long as it doesn't affect the suspension when unloaded. I'm not too worried about it though.

AJMBLAZER Enthusiast

AJMBLAZER

Posted
Posted

For your uses I'd go Timbrens.

 

Airbags will likely get damaged if you plan on offroading it.  The Timbrens are basically just big bump stops.

Amcguy1970 Enthusiast

Amcguy1970

Posted
Posted

Does BDS make a mid travel option? I thought it was just a lift kit which gained some droop. Would love to hear more on an actual mid-travel set up (additional up and down travel gains as well as track width increases), can't seem to find many around that start getting closer to Raptor in terms of wheel travel. 

 

Tyler

AJMBLAZER Enthusiast

AJMBLAZER

Posted
Posted

If you want Raptor performance start talking to some of the big names like Camburg.  Not much in the way of "lift kits" will touch that purpose made setup.

AT4Play Enthusiast

AT4Play

Posted
  • Author
Posted

From what I understand, a mid travel set up is a suspension system that is stock width, but is focused on getting the best suspension performance and travel out of this configuration.  The BDS kit made sense for my needs, they have a killer warranty, maintain safe angles, come with some skid plates for vulnerable areas, and includes a solid UCA. 

 

While I cannot say how much travel I've gained in the front it definitely handles way better on and off road. I feel like if I can get the rear to keep up with the front this thing will be dialed.

 

Stock width is Important for my build because I live in Washington and our trails are crazy narrow. Any wider than I am now and I'll be stuck on the forest service roads. 

 

Now, if we're talking balls out prerunner dream build....

 

In order to get raptor wheel travel you'd need a long travel kit, (dirtking/bajakits) which will require oversize fiberglass front fenders and bedsides. You'll also need a bed cage so you can mpunt some bad ass triple bypasses in the back. Slap a procharger on it with a cam and long tube headers and it'll give the TRX and Raptor a run for their money.

 

Long travel beast for example:

 

image_db2716f7-efa1-44b0-864b-f5a5754b16fe_655x.jpg

image_19014307-92f2-477e-accd-266ed39ffb64_655x.jpg

  • Like 2
Transient Senior Enthusiast

Transient

Posted
Posted
13 hours ago, AT4Play said:

From what I understand, a mid travel set up is a suspension system that is stock width, but is focused on getting the best suspension performance and travel out of this configuration.  The BDS kit made sense for my needs, they have a killer warranty, maintain safe angles, come with some skid plates for vulnerable areas, and includes a solid UCA. 

 

While I cannot say how much travel I've gained in the front it definitely handles way better on and off road. I feel like if I can get the rear to keep up with the front this thing will be dialed.

 

Stock width is Important for my build because I live in Washington and our trails are crazy narrow. Any wider than I am now and I'll be stuck on the forest service roads. 

 

Now, if we're talking balls out prerunner dream build....

 

In order to get raptor wheel travel you'd need a long travel kit, (dirtking/bajakits) which will require oversize fiberglass front fenders and bedsides. You'll also need a bed cage so you can mpunt some bad ass triple bypasses in the back. Slap a procharger on it with a cam and long tube headers and it'll give the TRX and Raptor a run for their money.

 

Long travel beast for example:

 

image_db2716f7-efa1-44b0-864b-f5a5754b16fe_655x.jpg

image_19014307-92f2-477e-accd-266ed39ffb64_655x.jpg

I've looked into BajaKits.  You don't need fiberglass fenders unless you go to 37s and jump your truck.  It'll be fine with 35s.  They even state on their website you'd be fine with 37s if you don't jump your truck.  0ax Power's Jackal uses the BajaKits setup with King 3.0 shocks and Deaver leaf springs. 

AT4Play Enthusiast

AT4Play

Posted
  • Author
Posted
10 hours ago, Transient said:

I've looked into BajaKits.  You don't need fiberglass fenders unless you go to 37s and jump your truck.  It'll be fine with 35s.  They even state on their website you'd be fine with 37s if you don't jump your truck.  0ax Power's Jackal uses the BajaKits setup with King 3.0 shocks and Deaver leaf springs. 

 

Let's be honest though, who wants to spend all that money on a long travel kit with 37s and NOT jump it. Lol

 

The Sierras would need some fender trimming to clear for sure. Damn square wheel wells. 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.5k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,942
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    tblt44
    Newest Member
    tblt44
    Joined

  • Who's Online   5 Members, 0 Anonymous, 749 Guests (See full list)

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • AndrewF
      Scan Tool Recommendation

      By AndrewF · Posted

      I am in the market for a bidirectional scan tool so was hoping someone can help point me in the right direction. There are so many options out there it is hard to narrow down which make/model to choose.   I have always done my own vehicle work so looking to maximize capability with the scanner. Ideal price is $1k or less but would be willing to exceed if it opens up significant benefits.  Currently my 24 2500 is the newest vehicle but also have a few mid to late 2010s Subarus as well.    It seems that the Autel MP900 has a decent amount of features at a reasonable price?
    • C/K Man
      Silverado 4500-5500-6500 are they still being produced? Would have sold better as GMCs as well

      By C/K Man · Posted

      There was talk over the last couple of years that the contract to build these trucks between GM and International would not be renewed.  International moved production of all their other trucks besides the companion CV model out of the Springfield plant some time ago when they opened their San Antonio plant.  That left Springfield only building the Silverado Medium Duty, International CV Series, and some Express/Savanna long wheelbase cutaways.  International also put the plant up for sale some time ago.  This all answered my earlier question as to why GM and International did nothing with these trucks since they were introduced, as they had basically become a market 'placeholder' with a finite life.    The Silverado Medium Duty/International CV trucks were interesting combination of a GM powertrain, electrical system, and K2XX Silverado cab with an International chassis that was supposedly designed for a step-van type vehicle they never produced.  They were manufactured in International's Springfield plant along with the IH MV series initially.  When first introduced, there was much talk that the Silverado Medium Duty/CV would eventually get a gasoline engine option along with other upgrades and GM and IH would work on a class 6/7 joint venture truck.  This was before VW bought Navistar out, after that happened no more was said.  Draw your own conclusions...   About the time talk started that the GM/IH joint venture was not going to be renewed, rumors started that GM would develop a new line of medium duty trucks themselves.  The story is the new trucks will be part of the next generation HD's due in 2028, and will still feature a 'straight rail' chassis design that the current medium duty has.  GM views this as a desirable feature that differentiates their truck from the competition.  A gasoline engine option is also expected.  As the current Silverado Medium Duty remains in production until September 2026 and there is still a lot of inventory available do not expect any official word for some time.   I believe GM remains committed to their successful partnership with Isuzu, and all the LCF models will still be available from Chevy Commercial dealers.  Isuzu is on the cusp of opening a new large plant in South Carolina and there is also speculation that this may result in new product for both Isuzu and Chevy Commercial dealers.                  
    • davester
      push to talk button

      By davester · Posted

      drive the truck back to the dealer and complain that the button works.
    • davester
      push to talk button

      By davester · Posted

      drive the truck back to the dealer and complain that the button works.
    • nfisherman
      Software Update

      By nfisherman · Posted

      I have a 2026 2500 HD Ultimate. My phone app says there’s a software update available. It’s something about improved battery management and something to do with the running boards. I follow the instructions for the update but the “Check for Updates” option is greyed out in my settings menu. Has anyone else seen this? How did you resolve it? The help message just says “see your dealer” if the download doesn’t work. I’m just trying to save a trip. 

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...