I recently installed new struts built with MOOG 81114 springs and a BDS 2" strut mount replacement lift. I put these on to replace some aftermarket struts onto which I had installed a Readylift 2" top hat style leveling kit.
With the ReadyLift installed, my front end ground-to-fender heights were:
Right front: 35-1/16”
Left front: 35-1/8”
After installing the MOOG/BDS struts they were:
Right front: 37-3/8"
Left front: 37-1/2"
Just for reference, the factory numbers were:
Right front: 32-3/4”
Left front: 32-7/8”
1" of this height is due to a larger tire diameter. 2" larger tires = 1" more in ride height.
So factor out the tires and Snowball is 4" higher in ride height than factory. Knowing that CV axles do not take well to being operated at extreme angles, I'm wondering if that BDS lift needs to come off? Here are some pics of the current CV axle angles:
Drivers side:
Passenger side:
I also don't want to over-stress the axle disconnect. I do intend to install a Badlands Apex 12000 lb winch and mounting plate, and those two will add about 100 pounds to the front end. Already have both of them, can't return 'em, gonna use 'em.
So I guess my question comes down to this: Do you guys think that the CV angles are too high, or do you think they're OK as they are? The MOOG 81114 springs are the ones MOOG recommends for an '04 TB EXT, so that's why I bought those. They do have an extended length about 1" longer than the 81110's, but the installed length and and spring rating (375 lbs./inch) are the same. I don't know what the rating on the springs on the previous struts were. I no longer have the original struts.
If the CV angles are OK, I'm fine with leaving it as is, but I don't want to break anything, either.
With the ReadyLift installed, my front end ground-to-fender heights were:
Right front: 35-1/16”
Left front: 35-1/8”
After installing the MOOG/BDS struts they were:
Right front: 37-3/8"
Left front: 37-1/2"
Just for reference, the factory numbers were:
Right front: 32-3/4”
Left front: 32-7/8”
1" of this height is due to a larger tire diameter. 2" larger tires = 1" more in ride height.
So factor out the tires and Snowball is 4" higher in ride height than factory. Knowing that CV axles do not take well to being operated at extreme angles, I'm wondering if that BDS lift needs to come off? Here are some pics of the current CV axle angles:
Drivers side:
Passenger side:
I also don't want to over-stress the axle disconnect. I do intend to install a Badlands Apex 12000 lb winch and mounting plate, and those two will add about 100 pounds to the front end. Already have both of them, can't return 'em, gonna use 'em.
So I guess my question comes down to this: Do you guys think that the CV angles are too high, or do you think they're OK as they are? The MOOG 81114 springs are the ones MOOG recommends for an '04 TB EXT, so that's why I bought those. They do have an extended length about 1" longer than the 81110's, but the installed length and and spring rating (375 lbs./inch) are the same. I don't know what the rating on the springs on the previous struts were. I no longer have the original struts.
If the CV angles are OK, I'm fine with leaving it as is, but I don't want to break anything, either.