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

[TomDirt]

Here's the  before pictures of the P-side oem buckets. They're definitely much closer, due to Ford offsetting the motor to clear the front diff. KHC’s tech guy assured me the new bucket clears the 6.2l motor, and allows access to the spark plug, with enough room for the motor to clear when it "shudders" during hard acceleration.

(We shall see)

 

[602Raptor]

I did Doug's kit in the Front with brand new Gen1 springs. In the rear, I did the KHC relocated mounts with rebuilt and revalved Gen2 shocks all around. I'm happy with the ride and overall performance, but I think I'd do the coil buckets if I had to do again. I like the idea of the longer shock and a bit more travel. Not sure the stock upper control arms would still work, so those would have to be upgraded as well.

 

[TomDirt]

Not sure the stock upper control arms would still work, so those would have to be upgraded as well.

I cycled my aftermarket (tubular) UCA's with the KHC bucket, and they didn't clear at droop because they placed 2 holes within range of them at full droop. I removed those bolts (in the 1st picture) and welded the bucket instead. The oem stamped UCA's are "flatter" and might have cleared, but I'm committed to using my Blitzkrieg UCA's instead. At full droop (2nd picture) the arms can now use every last inch of travel. When I do the P-side I'll just remove the powdercoat and use those holes to do rosette welds to the oem bucket instead. The 3rd picture shows 3 predrilled holes on the P-side bucket; top one is for the UCA bolt, center hole is the one I'll rosette welds, bottom one is still used for their hardware. It was also the easiest one to get a drill into.