Which Coils?

I'm going to be upgrading my coils soon. Currently I have an old set of TM 4" with RE fixed CA's.

What I'm thinking of doing is installing a set of 3" coils with a pair of ACOS to bring it up to about 4.5" to 5". The reasoning being the ability to adjust height in the future or to compensate for some unforseen circumstance. Or, simply installing RE or ? 4.5" springs and being done with it. Money isn't a factor.

Which way would you guys go? And why?

4.5" bds coils all the way..

Not to be that guy but...

I really don't want this to turn into a product endorsement post. I want info that backs up your opinion. What about sag, spring rate, corrision resistance, etc. Also why wouldn't you go with the ACOS system?

Thx

240#inches,lifetime warranty ,they sag you get new ones.. your old coils are just that old. why buy a $250.00 acos when you would still need good coils..

Thanks for the advice. As I stated, I'm going to be replacing my coils either way. Either with 3" new coils and the ACOS OR simply 4.5" new coils. Maybe I wasn't clear enough?

Needn't be so Rude! IMHO
People here are willing to help you out. Appreciate that.

builder said:

240#inches,lifetime warranty ,they sag you get new ones.. your old coils are just that old. why buy a $250.00 acos when you would still need good coils..

Click to expand...

x2 Here. When the Coils sag out it is time to Replace them not put a Band Aid on them. BDS Coils are really Awesome. Most say they are the Best. Cannot beat their Warranty.

Here is their Catalog: http://www.bds-suspension.com/BDSLibrary/catalog.php

Give their Tech Support a Call and see what your Options are.

[email protected]

phone: 517-279-2135

fax: 517-278-2316

Part # Diam. Rate Length I.D.
031608 0.718 215 22.00 5"
031701 0.973 900 22.75 4"
032501 0.812 365 20.50 Conical
032503 0.843 500 23.00 Conical
032601 0.843 365 23.625 Conical
033201 0.718 395 17.00 4"
033401 0.781 455 19.25 4"
033402 0.718 410 18.25 3.5"
033403 0.750 415 20.00 4"
033404 0.812 485 20.00 4"
033411 0.843 425 23.875 4.17"
033412 0.812 385 23.50 4.17"
033601 0.812 455 21.25 6"
033602 0.718 410 20.00 6"
033603 0.781 400 22.25 4"
033604 0.843 510 21.85 4"
033609 0.812 265/380 24.00 5.125"
033611 0.843 425 25.875 4.17"
033612 0.843 385 25.50 4.17"
033811 0.875 425 27.875 4.17"
033812 0.843 385 27.500 4.17"
034201 0.625 435 15.00 3.2"
034202 0.562 180 18.375 4.00"
034203 0.593 240 15.88 3.85"
034204 0.563 158 18.50 4"
034205 0.593 210 12.75 4.5"
034206 0.625 200 13.75 5.375"
034207 0.656 240 14.00 4.66"
034208 0.562 200 15.63 4"
034209 0.593 180 16.00 4"
034211 0.625 240 17.25 4"
034301 0.625 240 18.00 4"
034302 0.563 158 19.50 4"
034308 0.625 200 14.75 5.375"
034311 0.593 160 18.875 4"
034319 0.593 180 17.00 4"
034358 0.687 240 15.50 5.25"
034359 0.656 240 15.500 4.66"
034401 0.625 240 18.250 3.85"
034409 0.593 200 17.625 4.05"
034411 0.593 175 19.75 4.00"
034419 0.53 180 18.00 4.00"
034451 0.594 175 20.50 4.02"
034452 0.656 240 20.13 4.03"
034453 0.687 240 20.875 4.03"
034459 0.656 200 15.75 5.375"
034611 0.625 175 21.75 4"
034619 0.625 180 20.375 4"
034651 0.656 225 21.875 4"
034652 0.687 240 21.750 4.03"
034653 0.687 240 22.875 4.03"
034658 0.625 200 19.625 4.05"
034659 0.718 250 17.25 5.375"
034852 0.687 240 23.75 4"
038209 0.656 185 16.75 5.15"
Note: All coil springs are black powder coated and are sold in pairs.

Read this-

"As I stated, I'm going to be replacing my coils either way. Either with 3" new coils and the ACOS OR simply 4.5" new coils"

Then read what you wrote-

"When the Coils sag out it is time to Replace them not put a Band Aid on them"

What part of "I'm going to be replacing my coils either way" don't we understand? No one is being rude.

Maybe I should have written it like this; I'm going to be replacing my coils. I want to know if going with a new 3" coil with ACOS OR a 4.5" coil by itself (w/o the ACOS) is better. And WHY.

Sorry bout the confusion.

I went with OME 3" HD ZJ springs and ACOS. My plan was to be able to adjust hight when I put a winch on.

Okay.....

As I read your Post I had an Image that you were keeping your Sagging Coils for a while and putting the ACOS on them until you replaced the old Coils. Sorry about that.

I have had no Sagging Problems when I installed my Winch Bumper, however, when I do put a Winch on I do expect the Front to Drop a little. I already have Pucks on to even it out with the Back so I will be installing new Coils.

With Good Coils there shouldn't be much of a problem with one Side being Higher than the other. When one installs a Winch the Coils may Compress some in the Front.

If the Front is Lower than the Rear, I personally would just add a Puck to Both Sides like I did on my XJ.

That being said... I would go with the 4.5" Coils and no ACOS.

Great reply, now we're getting somewhere.

What about the idea of the 3" coil/ACOS vs. the 4.5" coil as it relates to travel? Which one would provide more travel? Logic tells me the longer spring. But even with my current set up of TM 4" w/ RE fixed CA's (coils purchased in the first Clinton Admin - ouch) I have too much travel now. My 33" KM2's touch the inner fender upon full compression, so I am looking to limit the travel somewhat. Would the 3"/ACOS do that? Or is the answer the 4.5" w/ extended bumpstops?

Thanks. I can't believe nobody else is doing this, there must be a reason.

whatever way you get to 4.5 you will need bumpstops lengthened..so your travel concerns are mute. 4.5 coils and spend acos $ elsewhere..and drop brackets or L/A's are a good idea at that height also..

With what you have and with your Tires Scrubbing your Fenders, I would suggest getting Front Bump Stop Extensions from Rubicon Express that bolt to the bottom Spring Perches as opposed to extending the length of the Factory Bump Stops. The problem with extending the Factory Set is that they can get hung up in your Springs while Flexing. I have broke a Daystar Extended Bump Stop off before. This would Fix your Too Far Up Issue and still give you Longer Drop with Taller Coils. IMHO

Yes, one could use Hockey Pucks, too. IMHO[/color]

http://www.rubiconexpress.com/Jeep/XJ/Products.aspx?folder=XJBS

builder said:

whatever way you get to 4.5 you will need bumpstops lengthened..so your travel concerns are mute. 4.5 coils and spend acos $ elsewhere..and drop brackets or L/A's are a good idea at that height also..

Click to expand...

I believe the TM 4" Lift comes with CA Drop Brackets.

Oh sorry TM= trailmaster lol..yes i think they do and that 4" coil is a tj coil if i am not mistaken..

Also, you may have to Adjust your Steering Stops.

Most Jeepers here run with 15x10s with 12.50 Width Tires. BackSpacing from 3.75 to 4.5. However, with 4.5 BackSpacing with a 12.50 Width the Tires rub a little on the Lower Control Arms or the Fender Wells at full Turn. Many People also use 15x8s with 3.75 Back Spacing with 33" or taller 12.50s. You may have adjust the Steering Stops. Adjust them In or add a Washer or 2 to Adjust them to where you want them.

Funny thing about those TM drop brackets. Back in the 90's they were crap and everyone upgraded to RE CA's (which is what i did) and we all threw away those dam brackets (literally in the garbage)! And I really don't think those are TJ coils in there, I installed them back in 91', when the YJ was still NEW! lol

I don't have much rubbing on the CA's, really just the inner portion of the fender (the metal part not the plastic). So the steering stop idea is out.

I'm still wondering why no one has tried using the 3"/acos idea. Maybe I should run a post on just the acos system?

SleeperXJ said:

I went with OME 3" HD ZJ springs and ACOS. My plan was to be able to adjust hight when I put a winch on.

Click to expand...

How did it work out? Do you have good travel? Have you ever hit the ACOS bump stop?

Never hit the bump stops, but my rig isnt realy abused either. I like the setup and the OME springs provide a good ride even with all that weight.

Never hit the bump stops, my tires hit the wheel well before the bump stop makes contact. I may have to stack pucks on the spring perch to fix that.