I spoke with Zeb at Thuren yesterday, and he enlightened me a bit...Thuren's CA joints (F&R) use a metal ball with a special durometer 2-piece Poly cup. That joint has minimal "drag" and moves freely, while the poly keeps NVH close to stock. Their rear swaybar endlinks use Energy Suspension Poly balls with Thuren's machined steel sleeves..again, free moving without NVH. Their panhard bar uses machined Delrin bushings with pressed-fit sleeves..Zeb says they want zero deflection through the panhard bar, and full smooth movement, so Delrin bushings on both ends.
This info definitely swayed me to go with Thuren suspension pieces and I have an order in my Cart waiting on the shocks decision. I do like the Core4x4 parts a lot also, but Zeb had all the right answers, so Thuren for the win!
I discussed the Kings briefly with Zeb (they are 2-3 month backorder) and he seemed confident that Stage-1 Kings with Adjusters could work for me, but said Don does all the King orders and emailing him info is the best start. I asked if they come standard with 500PPI or 600PPI CO springs (I've seen order option for either on Accutune or Shock Surplus, I forget) and he said Don would know. I asked if Eibach 450PPI or 500PPI springs could be swapped in, and again he said Don will be able to answer that.
@boogielander I believe you mentioned in your build specs that Fox PEs come with 450PPI CO springs??
I remeber that Shock Surplus used to offer Fox PEs that had spring options..Eibach 450, 500, 550, 600, etc..but they don't show that on their site anymore.
I feel like any CO with a 600PPI spring is going to be "over" sprung for my needs..I'd prefer a softer spring like a 450 or 500..so if King is 600 and Thuren can't swap, and if Fox is 450..that would sway me to the Fox PEs.
Oh, I did also ask Zeb about lift on Kings. I've been thinking that on Kings, I'd want to stay under the 2.5" max lift to keep ride comfort the best, so maybe only go ~1/2" more (2.125-2.25") than I have now (1.5-1.625"). I'd have to refigure how to do 1/2" rear lift..easiest would be 1/2" billet spacers I have on the shelf..not crazy about it, but I've done it before. If I knew Carli rear springs were 1/2" as they say, I'd do that. Foxs are easier, 2.5" lift is middle of their range whereas it's top of Kings range. I have new rear 1" ORPs and 1" Eibachs that I could use with Foxs at ~2.5" lift.
Thuren suspension with Fox PEs is probably the easiest setup for me, but I do love suspension challenges!
One thing I have no idea about is adjuster setting on Kings. You all have given me great data on your setting for L/H, but Kings are completely different, especially if custom setup by Thuren..an unknown for sure. I can't afford another expensive mistake (I've mentioned the whole painted wheel, caps, flares incident..cost me $1750 to correct it all..plus the $600 I couldn't get back!!
I'll be interested in what Don has to say, but also much appreciate the advice here! My email to Don said, "I'm building a poser that looks offroad, but will be all onroad mainly, and everthing I'm doing is for maximum comfort". I often feel like Wisconsin roads are "asphalt offroads" though!