Some front suspension questions

[ChevyHDGert]

I have a 2001 2500HD that I have cranked up the factory torsion keys. I have also added Rancho 9000 shocks for a 2” lift and I’ve got a 2” block in the rear.

 

My upper control arm has about 1/2”-5/8” gap between it and the metal bumpstop. I also noticed that my yellow rubber bumpstop (jouncer) is torn and is about to break off (dry rotted).

 

The rough ride doesn’t bother me all that much but if I could soften it, then that would be great too. I’ve thought about adding some shock extenders for the lower shock mount. Would this help? I’ve been told that I should’ve gotten the Rancho 9000 shocks that were designed for a 4” lift instead of the Rancho shocks designed for a 0-2” lift.

 

Would it help to get some taller lower bumpstops to replace my torn ones to get the lower control arm closer to the bumpstop or would that reduce my downward travel? And if that reduces my downward travel, then why have those bumpstops at all?

 

BTW, don’t tell me to look into the Cognito leveling kit with new control arms or the Norcaltruck.com leveling kit with new control arms or a full suspension kit cuz none of those are in the budget.

 

Thanks for the help

[95Sierra2500]

You should be further away from those bumpstops, as they are designed to keep metal from hitting metal (creates a wear situation, will ruin your control arms and can cause an accident). They are designed, however, for stock ride height, not a t-bar crank. I have heard of people shaving these bumpstops down some, or some lower profile ones, but I can't say that I really recommend either. The fact that all a t-bar crank allows is for you to run larger tires without spending money on a lift is why I don't recommend them and won't do them on my vehicles. I'd suggest saving your money up and putting a real lift on it.