I am about to replace my shocks and springs, probably with the Terrafirma brand for a 2 inch lift. As well, I'm going to do the rear drive shaft mod to include a u-joint v. Rotoflex coupling. My front drive shaft is a relatively new Tom Woods. I don't know if any of the components have ever been changed on the truck. The ride isn't bad, but I probably wouldn't know the difference!

My question - what else should I replace or examine while I'm at it? The Terrafirma steering damper is $60 so that's a no-brainer. I also saw a kit somewhere with the entire set of replacement bushings. Are there other things that might improve driveability, reliability? I haven't taken this truck off road yet, but plan to do so this summer. I don't need to make it bomb proof, but am interested in some upgrades.

Any suggestions appreciated!

DRW

 

I would check all the ball joints and go ahead and do the bushings. I'm pretty sure they sell a set with all of them in there.

 

Why are you wanting to change the rear drive shaft, what a waste of money?
What sort of wheeling will you be doing? Might want to consider running the OME stabilizer, it is much more heavy duty.
As for a bushing kit, pretty expensive for something you may not need, much less a pain in the *** to replace. D1 had bushing issues ours are few and far between.

 

Mike,

Don't you think the rear u-joint v. rotoflex is worth doing? Granted, a flex coupling will last a few years or more at low cost, but why not go with something more permanent?

 

Forgot to ask this one. Will I see (feel) any difference with OME stabilizer during daily driving? Would like to go OME. Mike - what is recommended OME springs/shocks for everyday and moderate off road driving? Don't want more than 2" lift. Would prefer to go OME.

DRW

 

My first roto-flex lasted 8 years, nearly 100,000 miles over more hard trails then you could imagine. I like them cause even when they fail, it will give you a week or more notice instead of just letting go like a u-joint which are not a permanent fix cause they too fail with time and lack of greasing.
As for the OME suspension, it has a 25 year history after being built and tested in Aust.
T.F. is becoming popular, not because of their quality but because they are so cheap and cheap doesn't always cut it off road.
Some time back, we had a couple people post reguarding their T.F. shocks breaking for no good reason.
Until they get a serious track record, I am sticking with OME, in your case the medium duty set up.
Let us know what you do.