Coil Springs - What is their life cycle?

[Titchadesh]

I bought my 2019 Ranger Lariat used ~5 years ago and it had already been lifted by a previous owner.

The 2.5" lifted front has all OEM components, except for:

• Fabtech UCAs
• Fabtech intrusion beams
• 2.5" spacer above the shock (definitely not what I would have chosen, but here we are)

I never touched the suspension components until this year when I upgraded the rear suspension to the Icon multi-rate leaf springs, 2.0 aluminum rear shocks, and bump stops. As you can imagine, it has been a massive improvement over the OEM rear suspension. I have been looking for the most cost effective setup for the front-end to complement what I have done in the rear, and have settled on the Bilstein 5100s to go along with the OEM coil springs.

I guess my question would be: given the fact that the existing coil springs have been on for ~86,000 miles and lived under a top-hat spacer the entire time—likely accelerating fatigue—would it be a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity and swap them out with fresh OEM springs? (~$250 from online OEM parts dealers) or is that overkill?

I know some might suggest why don't I just go with the 6112s and take advantage of their coilover assemblies, but I really think that the 5100s + OEM springs would better complement my ICON rear setup at the moment and provide the better overall balance of the truck I'm looking for. 6112s are also too sporty for my occasional off-road use.

Sponsored

 

[Tako]

I personally didn’t like 5100.

in your situation I would: 1) icon coilovers ext travel since you have aftermarket uca or
2) Eibach coilovers

I usually would swap springs on a car with that much mileage.
If u do go the route of oem springs reach out Levitton.

 

[Joeiconic]

I have the 5100’s and they are great for my application, which is 95% on pavement, with some gravel and dirt roads mixed in. They are firm, which makes them great on road, but I think many here consider the Eibachs a better all-around compromise if you are off road with some frequency. In your shoes, I would consider one of the Eibachs options with the springs pre-installed.

 

[TxOTRRanger]

I have the 5100’s and they are great for my application, which is 95% on pavement, with some gravel and dirt roads mixed in. They are firm, which makes them great on road, but I think many here consider the Eibachs a better all-around compromise if you are off road with some frequency. In your shoes, I would consider one of the Eibachs options with the springs pre-installed.

That is the next step for my truck is to upgrade the shocks to the Bilstein 5100s. I'm with you on that, mostly highway driving with some gravel roads mixed in with it. Thank you for sharing your experience with the 5100 shocks.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

This is the recommended rebuild schedule for Fox 2.0s

 

[Frenchy]

Unless there was a crazy amount of weight or the Factory Upper Control arms were in place, then the coil springs will be ok. That said there is nothing wrong with getting new spring that have a lot of miles on them

Something to consider if you have a bigger budget, check out Dobinsons. They have the IMS and is is nice stuff

 

[Justamessenger]

I’ve regretted not putting new springs on when I replaced struts at 8 years and typical miles. You aren’t there yet, but $250 all in is not much money to avoid regret.

 

[LawnMM]

This is the recommended rebuild schedule for Fox 2.0s

Fox has said it can be as low as 10k if off-roading frequently

 

[Deleted User 38384]

Fox has said it can be as low as 10k if off-roading frequently

I'm hoping to get 35-40k out of mine. If things swing my way,,, I'll replace them instead of rebuilding them. I want the Fox 2.5s with a 3½" lift.

 

[Frenchy]

I'm hoping to get 35-40k out of mine. If things swing my way,,, I'll replace them instead of rebuilding them. I want the Fox 2.5s with a 3½" lift.

Just keep in mind on how much time you spend on the trail. Even just 50/50 use for street and trail results in those needing to be rebuilt every 10,000 miles according to Fox.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

Just keep in mind on how much time you spend on the trail. Even just 50/50 use for street and trail results in those needing to be rebuilt every 10,000 miles according to Fox.

I'm more like 90% street / 10% off road.

 

[fusseli]

It's way more work to disassemble the fronts and re-use the old spring and you will have nagging regrets of not getting new ones in while you did all the work. At least get fresh springs to assemble into new front shocks if you are trying to save $ over pre-assembled coilovers.

 

[Titchadesh]

Thanks everyone for your input, I appreciate it. The more I stewed on it I definitely agree with what some have said. I do think that if I reused the coil springs I would regret not spending that extra $250 just for the peace of mind. Instead of just throwing money and shotgunning parts, I've been trying to think thru all of my options more carefully before I attack a project and that's what I was doing here.

With that said, I'm going to go with the Icon 2.5 IR coilover kit in the front. I already have a diff drop, so will ask they set it for 3" in the front from my current 2.5". Since the Icon kit is already balanced to work with what I currently have in the rear, I think this is the smartest way to go.

I was trying to be cost effective but ended up going with the most expensive option

Better to do it right

Sponsored