Suspension upgrade questions

[Tonka Toy]

I've had my Scout 2 for nearly a decade now. It was my dd for the first 5 or so years of it's life. When I got it, it had a 4" SUA Rough Country lift on it and 33x12.50's. The tires didn't tuck well, but I didn't wheel it alot, so it was fine. It rode stiff, but it helped it handle well, so I didn't mind it. But now I've changed some things and I have a problem.

I recently swapped a dodge 360 into the truck. Now that I'm driving this truck, it's appearent that the 250# loss of weight up front is affecting the ride. My front springs no longer flex at all on the road! and the rear springs are getting soft, so I think it's time to redo it. I want springs that will hold up to my hauling kids, tools and assorted other crap out back without going soft too soon, or tow an occasional car trailer with something on it. I'm also considering your shackle reversal kit, but I need softer springs than I have in the front. I see that your kit is available with the narrow 2" Scout springs, or a more standard 2 1/2". If I go to the 2 1/2's, what spring would you recommend for the front? And if I were to do this conversion, is there any benefit to going SOA at the same time? If memory serves, a 2 1/2" lift with an SOA will let you tuck 33-35's, am I right?

My goal is to have a comfortable and stable truck to drive on the road and off, while not getting too overboard. It will see 95% pavement, but when I take it out on the trail, I want it to be more capable than my own skills, if you know what I mean.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Scooter]

In my 74 Scout II, I did the shackle reversal in the front with the 2" wide springs, and it handled much better. Kinda like comparing apples to lemons, night and day, on how much better the Scout handled on the street. Also did a SOA. I have taken it up to rubicon and hollister and the suspension handled great. Btw - the springs are of the 2" lift veriety. Not sure of who made them. In the time I was driving it, I did not notice any sagging. And they seemed to hold up to a barrel roll of this rig.

I currently have a complete kit to do another shackle reversal on my 73 beast. It has the normal wondering these old rigs have. And the reversal kit basically gets rid of it

 

[ihpartsjeff]

Since there are so many possible configurations I would suggest simply calling to discuss your individual needs. I'm sure one of my guys will be able to advise you with what would best fits your criteria.