Black Diamond lift/suspension upgrade

[Abenson]

I have been considering buying some take-off SAS coil overs for a little upgrade and lift to my BD non-SAS and eventually going to 33 or 34's. I know this would be better than spacers, but am i creating weak points and future problems by doing so? For light off-roading (fire-roads, hunting, creek crossings, etc.) i was thinking control arms and possible tie rod re-enforcement. Basically, want to know if coil overs alone would be sufficient or am i going down a rabbit-hole? Thanks,

Sponsored

 

[ChrisB351]

Following..

I will say tho I measured my stock non sas bd with 295/70r17 (roughly 33.3") vs a stock wildtrack yesterday and the overall height difference from ground to flare was 1" front and .5" rear higher on the WT. Im leaning more towards just doing a level now and be done. Im 5'9" on a good day so I dont want it too high.

 

[Hkak45]

I have been considering buying some take-off SAS coil overs for a little upgrade and lift to my BD non-SAS and eventually going to 33 or 34's. I know this would be better than spacers, but am i creating weak points and future problems by doing so? For light off-roading (fire-roads, hunting, creek crossings, etc.) i was thinking control arms and possible tie rod re-enforcement. Basically, want to know if coil overs alone would be sufficient or am i going down a rabbit-hole? Thanks,

For the bronco and the type of light off road you are doing coil overs would be perfect. Don't go too crazy if you aren't doing any major off road stuff.

 

[kodiakisland]

You went down a rabbit hole the day you ordered it.

I’m finishing up 10 months with 33s and Badlands Bilstein coilovers on my BD. It’s all you need. Rabbit holes being what they are, I just got my new Icons delivered this week and will install next week. I’ll keep the 33s for a couple more months and then go to 35s. I’m not too worried about anything else. I’ll just fix/upgrade what breaks, but I doubt I’ll need to any time soon.

 

[Trigger]

I have been considering buying some take-off SAS coil overs for a little upgrade and lift to my BD non-SAS and eventually going to 33 or 34's. I know this would be better than spacers, but am i creating weak points and future problems by doing so? For light off-roading (fire-roads, hunting, creek crossings, etc.) i was thinking control arms and possible tie rod re-enforcement. Basically, want to know if coil overs alone would be sufficient or am i going down a rabbit-hole? Thanks,

As someone waiting on their non-SAS BD (built but waiting on a rail from MAP), I am surprised that there is a need for coil overs for your intended purpose. OP, are you saying your current setup isn’t capable of fire-roads, hunting and creek crossing right out of the box? We have similar needs from our rigs and I’m not sure what we are doing here if a stock BD needs to be upgraded to handle it. Surely it’s sufficient (although I like the look of 33’ KO2s on the BDs). Following the thread.

 

[F OR D]

for reference I have done everything you plan to ride and more on the stock hitachis. that said i did move to 33s on a 17x9 wheel but pushed it completely stock to see what's up. i shocked friends that offroad in beefier jeeps, it's good.

i'll do c/os at some point but be advised it is more of a want than a need. theres a ton of aftermarket out or coming, ford performance, or takeoffs. i'll probably go @kodiakisland and get takeoffs but no rush.

 

[MoabRox]

I have been considering buying some take-off SAS coil overs for a little upgrade and lift to my BD non-SAS and eventually going to 33 or 34's. I know this would be better than spacers, but am i creating weak points and future problems by doing so? For light off-roading (fire-roads, hunting, creek crossings, etc.) i was thinking control arms and possible tie rod re-enforcement. Basically, want to know if coil overs alone would be sufficient or am i going down a rabbit-hole? Thanks,

My 2 door Black Diamond is in the shop today getting High Ride (Sasquatch) suspension installed. While they are at it, they'll also install JKS tie rod sleeves. I've been running 33" tires since I picked it up last fall. 33s fit perfectly fine (no rubbing), but I want a little more clearance under the belly, more suspension travel, and better shocks without spending a galizzion dollars. My Bronco sees some pretty rough, rocky roads and I am very confident that this upgrade is not creating any weak points. I may even go with 35" tires when my current tires wear out. That may stress the M190 front differential, but I think I'd be OK since I tend to be light-footed off road. IMHO, Sasquatch suspension will be perfect for you.

 

[F OR D]

You went down a rabbit hole the day you ordered it.

I’m finishing up 10 months with 33s and Badlands Bilstein coilovers on my BD. It’s all you need. Rabbit holes being what they are, I just got my new Icons delivered this week and will install next week. I’ll keep the 33s for a couple more months and then go to 35s. I’m not too worried about anything else. I’ll just fix/upgrade what breaks, but I doubt I’ll need to any time soon.

i've followed your dissertation on hitachis > bilsteins, i expect to hear the full report about the icons vs the other two!

 

[jasonkosi]

As someone waiting on their non-SAS BD (built but waiting on a rail from MAP), I am surprised that there is a need for coil overs for your intended purpose. OP, are you saying your current setup isn’t capable of fire-roads, hunting and creek crossing right out of the box? We have similar needs from our rigs and I’m not sure what we are doing here if a stock BD needs to be upgraded to handle it. Surely it’s sufficient (although I like the look of 33’ KO2s on the BDs). Following the thread.

If your needs are similar to OPs, the non sas BD will do you perfectly fine. Even on more moderate/hard off road trails, mine kept up fine with 2 other Badlands. I considered putting takeoff Bilsteins and 33s on mine, but I’ve been blown away with the out of the box capability from the BD so I haven’t bothered.

 

[Tarheel_Wes]

As someone waiting on their non-SAS BD (built but waiting on a rail from MAP), I am surprised that there is a need for coil overs for your intended purpose. OP, are you saying your current setup isn’t capable of fire-roads, hunting and creek crossing right out of the box? We have similar needs from our rigs and I’m not sure what we are doing here if a stock BD needs to be upgraded to handle it. Surely it’s sufficient (although I like the look of 33’ KO2s on the BDs). Following the thread.

This is exactly what I have on my BD.
33” KO2s (285 70-17)

I didn’t make any other mods…no lift no level no coil over.
Gives it a more aggressive look and I think the BD can do 90% of off-roading.

 

[Abenson]

As someone waiting on their non-SAS BD (built but waiting on a rail from MAP), I am surprised that there is a need for coil overs for your intended purpose. OP, are you saying your current setup isn’t capable of fire-roads, hunting and creek crossing right out of the box? We have similar needs from our rigs and I’m not sure what we are doing here if a stock BD needs to be upgraded to handle it. Surely it’s sufficient (although I like the look of 33’ KO2s on the BDs). Following the thread.

No, it's capable, but i was looking at adding a little lift for better clearance and bigger tires.

 

[Oldhippie]

Unless ya can pick up so “take-offs” cheap I would go aftermarket coil overs...there are some good options out there for the price of new Sasquatch parts.

 

[MudMonsterRacin]

This is my plan when mine comes. Im gonna go with a BL non sasquatch takeoffs and 33 inch tires i think. Ive seen full coilover takeoffs for around 800 bucks so far. I really like the optional BL beadlock style wheels too so maybe a set of takeoffs there too.

 

[Trigger]

No, it's capable, but i was looking at adding a little lift for better clearance and bigger tires.

That is encouraging. I’ll follow your lead at some point with a lift and tires.

 

[swami37]

I put a zone 2 inch spacer kit. and SAS takeoffs For south Florida off roading the kit is fine. Waiting on ford performance coils. Removed crash bars. Ride is same or better than before
i have posted pics with lift and stock BD wheels and SAS wheels and 35 s in other threads. Check my posts for pics if you like

Sponsored