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.

 

[FishFreak]

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.

Hey 602;

Isn't the Doug's kit for all intents and purposes, giving you the same positioning and travel as the KHC buckets? Doug's kit doesn't restrict travel does it? Lol, well if you ever go to KHC buckets, LMK, I'll buy your Doug's G2's and/or trade you Gen 2 shocks and cash...

 

[602Raptor]

Doug's kit shortens the overall length of the Gen 2 shock which limits the travel vs a stock Gen 2 shock. Suspension travel vs the stock Gen 1 shocks remains the same. The KHC buckets allow you to run a full length Gen 2 shock and achieve the similar travel #'s as a Gen 2 raptor. There is a great thread here that helped me understand how it all works:

How to increase front suspension travel without a long travel kit?

Hello, I'm in search of some more information on how and what is the best way to increase your front-end wheel travel without increasing the track width. I've heard you can get longer traveling struts like the Gen2's and aftermarket UCA for more travel. Does anyone have numbers as far as how...

www.fordraptorforum.com

 

[TomDirt]

I got those Fox valves replaced with Schraders, and had the local off-road shop charge 'em. Ready to bolt up.

 

[TomDirt]

Unfortunately, I can't find the 2nd set of SVC adjusters & coil spring seat. I'll work around that issue for now but if they don't appear, they are no longer available from SVC.

This is somebody's picture of the big axles contacting the SVC adjusters. Looks like I'm reusing the original CV axles instead.

 

[602Raptor]

Yuck. Still, that looks minor enough that the adjuster could be clearance'd slightly.

 

[TomDirt]

It's definitely possible to cycle the suspension without the spring, lock that part in place (with the set screws), & then grind it to clear.

But, when you really huck it; will it clear?