Suspension Recommendations - Slow Speed Crawling

[telenerd]

Howdy,

What suspension would you all recommend for slow speed rock crawling for my Bronco 2 door Sas? The stock shocks I feel work great, they are nice and plush but blow through their travel quite easily on ledges and technical terrain. I mainly take my Bronco to Moab, and Exploring harder trails in Wyoming/Colorado and looking for about an inch to inch & half or so of lift while maintaining my stock 35s.

I don’t do any high speed off-roading in my Bronco. That’s what my Raptor is for such as the Killpecker Dunes and Red Desert. I’ve been looking at many different manufacturers. Is a reservoir shock really needed like those from King/Ride/Rock Crawler/Bilstien/Falcon? Would the Bilstien 6112 be more than enough for my needs? I’d hate to drop $6k on setup and find out the shocks only work better the faster I go and are harsh at slower speeds.

The new Bilstien 8112 however seem very temping to get just for the bling factor. But is my money better spent elsewhere?

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[popo_patty]

I just spent a day filming Hoss 3.0 vs 8112. I also spent some time in the 6112 and personally have Kings.

8112’s are the new king for hi speed whoops with 35’s IMO. I was floored and even started giggling with how smooth and controlled it was at 65 mph through decent, choppy whoops.
That being said it’s not gonna be good if you plan to upgrade to 37’s for rock crawling. It has too much compression and will go into the fender. Bilstein recommends 35’s for it. Of course, you could make 37’s work but I don’t know what would be involved. It’s a very technical shock that doesn’t like changing much from its out of the box settings.

The 6112’s would be a great budget option or Kings for a bit more money. (Get em through Accutune).

 

[telenerd]

Thanks for the info. It seems like the 6112s might be the ticket. Can I ask what the pros and cons are for those shocks since you rode them compared to the others?

I mainly plan on sticking with 35s. 35s plenty for what I do, I don’t wanna introduce more problems by going with bigger tires than stock.

I don’t mind dropping the money for a reservoir shock, just don’t wanna be disappointed for not much benefits for slower speeds since I don’t plan on hitting whoops or going fast in my Bronco.

 

[popo_patty]

Thanks for the info. It seems like the 6112s might be the ticket. Can I ask what the pros and cons are for those shocks since you rode them compared to the others?

I mainly plan on sticking with 35s. 35s plenty for what I do, I don’t wanna introduce more problems by going with bigger tires than stock.

I don’t mind dropping the money for a reservoir shock, just don’t wanna be disappointed for not much benefits for slower speeds since I don’t plan on hitting whoops or going fast in my Bronco.

Well if you’re sticking to 35’s the 8112’s are amazing.
The 6112’s are good but will be a tad rough at the lower speed stuff.

 

[Felix808]

Howdy,

What suspension would you all recommend for slow speed rock crawling for my Bronco 2 door Sas? The stock shocks I feel work great, they are nice and plush but blow through their travel quite easily on ledges and technical terrain. I mainly take my Bronco to Moab, and Exploring harder trails in Wyoming/Colorado and looking for about an inch to inch & half or so of lift while maintaining my stock 35s.

I don’t do any high speed off-roading in my Bronco. That’s what my Raptor is for such as the Killpecker Dunes and Red Desert. I’ve been looking at many different manufacturers. Is a reservoir shock really needed like those from King/Ride/Rock Crawler/Bilstien/Falcon? Would the Bilstien 6112 be more than enough for my needs? I’d hate to drop $6k on setup and find out the shocks only work better the faster I go and are harsh at slower speeds.

The new Bilstien 8112 however seem very temping to get just for the bling factor. But is my money better spent elsewhere?

8112's are for hi speed stuff. No need to spend that kind of money for what you want to do.
It won't look as cool but get you a set of SVC perch collars & it will firm up the wallow in the stock SAS suspension. I run this with 37's & has worked very good for me.
YMMV

 

[Built2Wild]

Howdy,

What suspension would you all recommend for slow speed rock crawling for my Bronco 2 door Sas? The stock shocks I feel work great, they are nice and plush but blow through their travel quite easily on ledges and technical terrain. I mainly take my Bronco to Moab, and Exploring harder trails in Wyoming/Colorado and looking for about an inch to inch & half or so of lift while maintaining my stock 35s.

I don’t do any high speed off-roading in my Bronco. That’s what my Raptor is for such as the Killpecker Dunes and Red Desert. I’ve been looking at many different manufacturers. Is a reservoir shock really needed like those from King/Ride/Rock Crawler/Bilstien/Falcon? Would the Bilstien 6112 be more than enough for my needs? I’d hate to drop $6k on setup and find out the shocks only work better the faster I go and are harsh at slower speeds.

The new Bilstien 8112 however seem very temping to get just for the bling factor. But is my money better spent elsewhere?

I essentially have the same build that you are desiring, I installed the Eibach Pro Truck Coil-Over 2.0 which gave me enough lift to match the Bronco Raptors 13in of ground clearance and keeping it rolling on 35s. I also installed Pro Comp UCA since they are on sale especially now on Amazon to maintain the factory geometry. To make the build complete, I want to upgrade to the HOSS 3.0 steering rack and UHMW coated aluminum skid plates since I will not be going to 37s. I am more into to the rock crawling than desert running.

 

[telenerd]

I essentially have the same build that you are desiring, I installed the Eibach Pro Truck Coil-Over 2.0 which gave me enough lift to match the Bronco Raptors 13in of ground clearance and keeping it rolling on 35s. I also installed Pro Comp UCA since they are on sale especially now on Amazon to maintain the factory geometry. To make the build complete, I want to upgrade to the HOSS 3.0 steering rack and UHMW coated aluminum skid plates since I will not be going to 37s. I am more into to the rock crawling than desert running.

My friend races King of the Hammers and actually won it a few years ago. His custom rigs have UHMW and he said it works great. I picked up one of his skids and extremely lightweight. However long term you have to replace it more often for rock crawling vs steel skids is what he said. So I guess pick your poison.

 

[JF Bronc]

Well if you’re sticking to 35’s the 8112’s are amazing.
The 6112’s are good but will be a tad rough at the lower speed stuff.

@popo_patty, what is your take on best coilovers to match what OP is asking about (slow rock crawling) but to then support 37s?
In what is probably a poor job summarizing various posts and videos I’ve combed through, it seems like:
• Fox provides lift for 37s, most limited travel to be safe, but soft springs that require upgrade cost. Any downside on CV impact?
• Kings provide good overall numbers for ride comfort and articulation. Does it not automatically provide the lift for 37s (made for 35s?) and require extra work to clear 37s but therefore little or no impact on CV? Would welcome any of your experience in Kings path to 37s (pros/cons, etc).
• Bilstein 6100 - 8112 can provide enough to clear 37s but with more limited articulation. Relatively affordable path and doesn’t seem to introduce impact on CV. Seems safest path but also one that might lead someone to seek new 2.5s soon after in the quest for more articulation
• Ride suspension appears to be designed to support 37s on the Bronco but not many people have it yet so not much to react to on usage over time. What is best guess on CV impact? Anyone’s thoughts?
• Falcon - again not many people in the Bronco community have but compelling arguments made by @RobBob22 in https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...de-bronco-suspension-data-compilation.109821/ on what seems to be a thoughtful approach specifically to support 37s with articulation. CV impact unknown?

Would love anyone to correct me and add details on what I know is likely not a good or accurate summary above of 2.5 coilover options to get to 37s for, as the OP asked, slow rock crawling. Welcome opinions and feedback on what they think is the best path.

 

[RobBob22]

Would love anyone to correct me and add details on what I know is likely not a good or accurate summary above of 2.5 coilover options to get to 37s for, as the OP asked, slow rock crawling. Welcome opinions and feedback on what they think is the best path.

Appreciate the tag.

I agree with your summary. In terms of CV bind, I think the highest risk suspension are the ICONs - I think we all know this too, as an anecdote and single data point, so far the only CV break I've seen happen in person was on a bronco with ICONS. I think you're generally safe with most other options. One thing I've noticed installing various front suspension on the bronco is how much force the suspension does or does not put on the LCA when in full droop. For sure anything using a spacer/puck these forces are very high, and I think your odds of breaking a CV are also higher. I'm also positive you can't install a puck lift by removing the bushing bolts on the LCA and must go the axle nut removal route. 6112s and eibachs seem to naturally stop where the LCA binds and the Falcons needed a slight push up. Made them easer to install, but in my view less likely to bind a CV.

I've been extremely happy with the falcons so far, and I also feel good saying per $ spent I believe the Falcons offer some of the of the best value. Not saying you can't get more out of some Kings or other high end suspension. However with the added track bar bracket, and brake line relocation kit on top of all the features in the suspension alone including adjustability and full piggyback reservoirs they're a good deal.

The only decision to make when it comes to the Falcons is do you go with the "mid travel" for 37's or the "max performance" for 35s and just install 37s anyway. So far I'm not aware of any rubbing (JCR kit and rear track bar) as I went the max performance and near true to size Yokohama Mts , but I also don't do the fast whoops and stuff. That said, watch this newest clip where the Falcons go head to head with some similarly priced options on the Tacoma and maybe whoops are in the future?

 

[telenerd]

Lot of Jeeps around my local area run the falcons and love them. Only thing I don’t like about them is the gas tank skid could need cut depending on what skids you have cus of where the reservoir is and you may need different wheels depending on the back spacing. Makes me wonder if there are also issues with what type of upper and lower rear control arms you choose that could be a problem rubbing. I think they could have put more engineering into the reservoir placement.

Other than that they look like great shocks.

 

[RobBob22]

Lot of Jeeps around my local area run the falcons and love them. Only thing I don’t like about them is the gas tank skid could need cut depending on what skids you have cus of where the reservoir is and you may need different wheels depending on the back spacing. Makes me wonder if there are also issues with what type of upper and lower rear control arms you choose that could be a problem rubbing. I think they could have put more engineering into the reservoir placement.

Other than that they look like great shocks.

You do need wheels that have more backspacing to clear the shock adjustment and reservoirs. Maybe they could have changed this up but personally I love the placement. Super easy to reach and change when I want. Much better than the front which has fewer options.

The gas tank should be trimmed, I did mine, that said on the 2-door I’m not 100% sure the drive shaft can make contact here. If you plan to do rear control arms you’re basically going to remove the skid plate anyway so for me it was not much extra work. My guess is if you run stock control arms this might be a none issue. In my view any long travel suspension/increase in rear articulation should have you doing this. I view it as Falcon just did more R&D to address the contact areas.

You are 100% correct that the Falcons do have more requirements then most, but most folks going this way are going 0 offset wheels anyway for the clearance and wider stance and probably don’t mind the labor. I appreciated the complete kit and clear instructions.

 

[popo_patty]

@popo_patty, what is your take on best coilovers to match what OP is asking about (slow rock crawling) but to then support 37s?
In what is probably a poor job summarizing various posts and videos I’ve combed through, it seems like:
• Fox provides lift for 37s, most limited travel to be safe, but soft springs that require upgrade cost. Any downside on CV impact?
• Kings provide good overall numbers for ride comfort and articulation. Does it not automatically provide the lift for 37s (made for 35s?) and require extra work to clear 37s but therefore little or no impact on CV? Would welcome any of your experience in Kings path to 37s (pros/cons, etc).
• Bilstein 6100 - 8112 can provide enough to clear 37s but with more limited articulation. Relatively affordable path and doesn’t seem to introduce impact on CV. Seems safest path but also one that might lead someone to seek new 2.5s soon after in the quest for more articulation
• Ride suspension appears to be designed to support 37s on the Bronco but not many people have it yet so not much to react to on usage over time. What is best guess on CV impact? Anyone’s thoughts?
• Falcon - again not many people in the Bronco community have but compelling arguments made by @RobBob22 in https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...de-bronco-suspension-data-compilation.109821/ on what seems to be a thoughtful approach specifically to support 37s with articulation. CV impact unknown?

Would love anyone to correct me and add details on what I know is likely not a good or accurate summary above of 2.5 coilover options to get to 37s for, as the OP asked, slow rock crawling. Welcome opinions and feedback on what they think is the best path.

Good questions and there would be a ton of different options to go over and there isn’t one perfect answer. My quick answer though based on specs and company alone is ride shock. They know Bronco’s they know shocks and they know 37’s. It’s literally a shock designed around a 37” tire on a bronco. I wouldn’t be worried about long term usage. I’ve seen the break down and their shock material and build is on par or excels with all other major brands like King or Fox. Their shock fluid is actually rated better than the aforementioned. You gotta remember that Ride is not new to the shock business. It’s a new name but it’s the same folks from Accutune that simply started a 2nd business under the same roof. Accutune has been in the shock rebuild and tune business for years and knows what works.

That being said. I’ve been on my Accutune tuned King shocks for a couple of years and 30,000 miles now and have not regretted them yet since getting them tuned. I have the JKS tire clearance kit, 0 offset tires and my Kings at the lowest possible setting up front as they come. It rubs at max compression when turning in the rear of the front fender well. And by rubbing it’s just barely kissing. Been that way for two years and it’s been fine. I’d rather not add preload and risk messing up my geometry. I love where it’s sitting now for the most part. I did add some heavier springs in the rear with Accutune to adjust for my extra weight as well

I have nothing but good to say for Accutune and Ride. I’d love to personally try their Ride shocks one day but I just can’t justify losing my Kings since I already have those.

Bilsteins are awesome as well. Most rock crawlers really don’t need as much of the fancy stuff as desert guys. My XJ was rocking 5100’s for years and I was happy.

Adjustments are cool but a well tuned 6112 might keep you happy for just rock crawling all day. Or a 4WP coilover for that matter.
You won’t be worried about shock fade, or if I’m too soft or too hard (lol).

Sometimes simplicity is bliss. At the end of the day you don’t NEED the best of the best. We just tend to want it haha. It won’t make you a better wheeler.

 

[Muffin Top]

Without converting to a long-travel set-up, there's not a big difference in travel between the best and worst shocks.


For crawling, try to keep uptravel and downtravel relatively equal. That means not a lot of lift (if you're not going to a long-travel set-up). Something like Bilstein 6112 will have about an inch more travel than some of the others, so this will allow a little bit of spring lift.


No need for remote res for crawling, your money is better spent elsewhere.

 

[RobBob22]

Without converting to a long-travel set-up, there's not a big difference in travel between the best and worst shocks.


For crawling, try to keep uptravel and downtravel relatively equal. That means not a lot of lift (if you're not going to a long-travel set-up). Something like Bilstein 6112 will have about an inch more travel than some of the others, so this will allow a little bit of spring lift.


No need for remote res for crawling, your money is better spent elsewhere.

I have to disagree, there is considerable travel to be gained between the “best and worst shocks.” Yes the front is somewhat limited, but keeping considerations/options within the stock mounting locations there is ~10% front travel and >40% rear travel to be gained just by selecting the appropriate suspension. Bilsteins 6112 are a good coilover but run stock to less than stock suspension stroke up front and only marginally increased travel in the rear. Most offering with some exceptions provide longer coilover travel. (King, Icon, ADS, Falcon, Rock Krawler, etc.)

Long travel mods are certainly a way to extend travel even further but through mods most of us are unwilling to do (yet).

There are others examples but these are are two brands I have direct experience with and I wish I had these in the same photo, but simply compare an increased travel rear suspension like the Falcon vs the 6112 and the difference it’s pretty obvious. Even accounting for the area of the falcon that extends beyond the shock tower there is still ~3in in length on the 6112 for rear travel.

 

[Muffin Top]

Agreed, when I made my comments I was only thinking about the IFS.


I'm under the impression that there's not much of an incremental advantage in having more rear travel than front travel. The ideal set-up for crawling and overlanding will be to maximize front travel.


So I would actually consider using a rear sway bar (and removing front bar) to maximize front travel.

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