cjd
Member
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- Location
- Rep of Texas
I've searched and read through all the spring threads I can find. Lots of good info, but little "follow on" reports of how the trucks ride. Right now I figure our M1123 has had at least 3k pounds of gear removed, so the springs are like bricks. Here is my goal, and I would appreciate anyone who has experience that can help me get to it.
First, I grew up going to Colorado, and running the trails up and around Ouray and Silverton. We used jeeps, and honestly, every time I ran a day of trails, I felt like I needed kidney transplants. Jeeps are awesome getting you there...but you are like tenderized steak when you do! Then we bought a Range Rover. OMG! If anyone has run trails with a RR, you know the difference a soft suspension can make. The RR has 14" travel, so it can afford to use a very soft suspension, and allow the wheel travel to keep the tires on the ground. A day on the trails in a RR and you are ready for more.
So, back to the M1123. This truck has enough wheel travel to put the RR to shame. There is no need for solid rock springs. I would like to drop the rates...a LOT!! Most of the springs I find in the forum are advertising 30% less rate. They all advertise this 30% less rate as though it is a magical fix. Honestly, 30% less rate only accounts for the weight removed in the demil. That takes it from "solid" suspension to "dump truck" rates. I want 1965 Fleetwood spring rates.
In fact, I think the optimum for my use would be springs that would bottom frequently, with the stock ride height, and then stiffen it up with air shocks when needed. I want to glide down the road in my living room couch. The HMMWV weighs very close to what a '65 Cadi weighed, so I know it's possible.
So, any insight into this goal would be really appreciated.
First, I grew up going to Colorado, and running the trails up and around Ouray and Silverton. We used jeeps, and honestly, every time I ran a day of trails, I felt like I needed kidney transplants. Jeeps are awesome getting you there...but you are like tenderized steak when you do! Then we bought a Range Rover. OMG! If anyone has run trails with a RR, you know the difference a soft suspension can make. The RR has 14" travel, so it can afford to use a very soft suspension, and allow the wheel travel to keep the tires on the ground. A day on the trails in a RR and you are ready for more.
So, back to the M1123. This truck has enough wheel travel to put the RR to shame. There is no need for solid rock springs. I would like to drop the rates...a LOT!! Most of the springs I find in the forum are advertising 30% less rate. They all advertise this 30% less rate as though it is a magical fix. Honestly, 30% less rate only accounts for the weight removed in the demil. That takes it from "solid" suspension to "dump truck" rates. I want 1965 Fleetwood spring rates.
In fact, I think the optimum for my use would be springs that would bottom frequently, with the stock ride height, and then stiffen it up with air shocks when needed. I want to glide down the road in my living room couch. The HMMWV weighs very close to what a '65 Cadi weighed, so I know it's possible.
So, any insight into this goal would be really appreciated.