Gen 1 to Gen 2 suspension conversion methods, buckets vs retrofit

[Degen]

I know this topic has been covered a lot, but I haven’t found anything comparing KHC/Camburg buckets to Doug’s retrofit kit.

So from what I under stand:

Buckets:https://khcoap.com/products/gen-1-r...ver-conversion-buckets?variant=41772242927815
Pros:
Direct fit gen 2 shocks
Longer shock body = more oil (?)
More aftermarket options with the gen 2 shock
Cons:
Cutting old buckets out
Spring rate on the gen 2 shocks is not great for the gen 1

Doug’s retrofit kit:https://mikramfg.com/shop/kits/f-150-raptor-3-0-front-shock-retrofit-kit
Pros:
Uses the correct spring rate
No modifying of the frame
Cons:
Have to disassemble gen 2 shock and gen 1 shock to make a hybrid
Stuck with gen 1 style shorter shocks in aftermarket

Has anyone had experience with both? Anything I am missing?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jakenbake]

Personally I would prefer the longer shock with the new located upper mounts (front and rear), but that depends on how much work you would want to put into it.

Running the new upper mounts would give you a larger range of shocks to choose from.

Do you happen to know the spring rates between the two gens? I believe at least on the king replacements, that king uses the same 600lbs/in 16” spring. So the spring rate issue may not be much of one. If I recall, gen 1 oem spring rate is 550lbs/in.

Just throwing info out.

 

[Degen]

You may be right in the spring rates, this is what I found on this forum:

2010 front coil PN# from Tascaparts.com
Coil Spring- 560 lbs per inch, 13.25 " of normal working height, ID is 4.0" , 0.746 wire dia.
Part Number: HL3Z-5310-A

2017 Front Coil PN# from Tascaparts.com
Coil Spring- 533 lbs per inch
Part Number: AL3Z-5310-B

But I’ve seen gen 1 reference anywhere from 550-600 lbs/in so not 100% on these numbers if someone has more info

 

[djdorazi0]

what is the outcome of the "preferred coil spring" for the Gen1 to Gen2 OE coilover suspension conversion? So the Gen 2 coil spring is long enough but tad too soft, and the Gen 1 spring is too short?

 

[TomDirt]

I'm planning on using the Gen 2 coil springs. This lightly used set already had the SVC coil spring adjusters on them. The SVC website had this instruction page; I'm guessing that if I use the height recommended for a G2 with a heavy bumper/winch I'll be close.

 

[rschap1]

From everything I have read and been able to find...
I been thinking...
Gen2 shocks with the Gen1 springs on front.
Gen2 shocks rear.
IF I did have the time and ambition, the buckets, Mira conversion, and rear Gen2 conversion mounts would be best/better.
BUT, hearing a LOT of folks do the swap like I mention above and OK.
Guessing not as hard of use, not beaten on as hard, not using all the travel as often - as serverly.
Probably the category I am/would be in.
I had wondered if limit straps would be a safe guard for over extending the shocks, but then thought the rest of the Gen1 suspension would probably keep or help keep that from happening.
And the bigger/more likely threat would be compressing the shocks too far and bottoming them out.
That led to me wonder if bump stops/Sumo spring set up rear would lessen the chance of that...??
(Am hoping I can do Deaver +2s and remove blocks in the rear too.)
(Seems like everything I have found says this type of set up is pretty good step up without get too expensive or carried away)
I dunno??
All I know for sure is my stock stuff is all worn and blown out.
Something needs to be done sooner or later, what that is...
Again, I dunno.
I do know that MANY have shared their knowledge and experiences.
Appreciate everything everyone has told me.
Now I have to digest it, process it all, shop, price things out, and get motivated
AND, if I am wrong/off base/mistaken in my way of looking at this, feel free to correct me.
Also, if anything to add...I am wondering best route...find used Gen2s? Sounds like they last a LOT longer and better chance of finding some with lower mileage and still usable without rebuild needed; or part number/source/best price (guessing Rock Auto-that is what I was thinking for stock Gen1)for Gen2s.

 

[TomDirt]

I went with the KHC buckets & Gen 2 shock combination because it offers more uptravel without the risk of overextending at full droop. The axles can go farther up (without binding) than they can go  down. The UCA's, tie rods, IWE & brake lines as well. Don't care about the swaybar because it's not going back on anyway. The only restriction is the 35's impacting the fender & liner on a hard hit. That means 37's or 0 offset wheels are out of the question unless you invest in McNeils' Gen 1 fenders and get more clearance.

10-14 Ford Raptor 2+2 Off Road Fiberglass Fenders

The 2+2 in the title means that these off road fiberglass fenders are 2 inches wider, and 2 inches taller than what you would find stock on a Raptor. They also work as a conversion

www.mcneilracinginc.com

 

[TomDirt]

That's with the shock & tie rod removed. Remember, the tire is actually 34.5" tall, on 34mm offset wheels, and it scrubs on a hard landing. A 37 on a 0 offset wheel would destroy the original fender on a big hit.

 

[TomDirt]

Decided to weld on the KHC buckets, (in addition to the hardware they provide). Cleaned off just enough of the powdercoat to get 4 vertical beads on the sides and a nice, fat horizontal bead where the new 1/4" plate buckets line up against the stamped steel 0.90 wall bucket. These will never, ever get loose.

 

[rschap1]

That does look awesome and surely a worthwhile mod.