anyone got an idiot's guide to suspension? 2020 Rebel (not air suspension)

[kc9umr]

97k miles... probably time to do a few maintenance items... suspension time. tires... I'll wall on my sword here and admit my ignorance. time to learn something.

I'm seeing a lot of people going to the 5100s - I'm an electrical guy, so learning here. been a long time since I did the coiler replacement on my 2002 explorer.

My goal is to replace my tires with the same ones that came on the truck. had good luck with them. why mess with what worked?

1) the rebel is ~1" higher than a normal Ram, right?
2) is the most cost effective thing to just replace the struts with the 5100s?
3) will I need to replace anything else? (I'm thinking ball joints, most likely)

Yes, I'm aware that we need to see what's worn before we can make a 100% statement. Just looking to start figuring out what things I need to acquire. I was half wondering if there's a decent enough 2" lift (rebel +1") kit to just replace all the parts. Probably best to just go back stock, though.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Your budget is going to matter and honestly if you're staying stock size tires. I personally wouldn't lift more. I just did a BDS 3" lift and replacing all of my suspension with new. I had 90K+ and wasn't planning on doing again. It can be a rabbit hole, depending how far you want to go and spend.

I'm not sure with the Rebel, what the lengths are, but according to Bilstein 4600's and 5100's have the same measurements. So the only difference is the height adjustability. They both have the same valving. I'm guessing the Rebel just uses the coils for the extra 1".

How much do you want to spend?
How far into replacing for new parts do you want to go? UCA, LCA, Tie Rods, Sway bar bushings, Rear control arms, panhard bar ..... It's going to also depend how long you plan to keep the truck. That saying, buy once, cry once....

I can keep going..

 

[LaxDfns15]

5100's, sway bar end links and bushings, tie rod ends, it's easier to get new UCA's than replace the ball joints honestly. The Rebel gets the 1" lift from the springs, so you can set the 5100's to 1" before installing and have 2 front/1 rear. That'll keep a small bit of rake as I have 3 front/2 rear and it's just enough to not make the truck look nose high.

 

[kc9umr]

Your budget is going to matter and honestly if you're staying stock size tires. I personally wouldn't lift more. I just did a BDS 3" lift and replacing all of my suspension with new. I had 90K+ and wasn't planning on doing again. It can be a rabbit hole, depending how far you want to go and spend.

I'm not sure with the Rebel, what the lengths are, but according to Bilstein 4600's and 5100's have the same measurements. So the only difference is the height adjustability. They both have the same valving. I'm guessing the Rebel just uses the coils for the extra 1".

How much do you want to spend?
How far into replacing for new parts do you want to go? UCA, LCA, Tie Rods, Sway bar bushings, Rear control arms, panhard bar ..... It's going to also depend how long you plan to keep the truck. That saying, buy once, cry once....

I can keep going..

View attachment 207478 View attachment 207479

Well, at the moment I'm looking at "what do I need to do to be stock" - sounds like the next response has most of it. UCAs, tie rod ends, sway bar end links, and shocks. I see "position: Front" - again... idiots guide - are they the same on all four corners?

Got enough life stuff looming right now that "let's make it drivable and not destroy tires early" is the goal. Was even thinking about checking with the youth at church who are headed to be mechanics to see if they'd be interested in helping with the install. a lot of this stuff isn't super hard, but my driveway isn't suited for it. Like I said, replaced the coilers once upon a time on another truck. but I know my limitations!