RPG 1.5 Collar vs SDI Top Hats OFF ROAD

[Starboy786]

Hi all I have a 24 801A and picked up a new in box set of RPG 1.5 Collars from FB Marketplace for $100. My question for those that have had this setup and the SDI Top Hats how do these do off road? I off road my truck once a month or so nothing crazy but definitely like to get up to speed where possible and take it out camping. From my understanding the 1.5 Collars and SDI Top Hats ride almost the same as stock on the street. It’s when you go the higher collar lifts where ride starts to suffer with more pre load. Haven’t seen much from those that have this setup off road. Really don’t want to lift it too high as I plan to pair with 1 inch rear spacer to keep rake and as much of the stock suspension intact as possible. I was also told by a couple dealerships near me that RPG collars will not affect warranty as they don’t remove or replace any stock components. Anyone who has experience with this feel free to chime in!

 

[taquitos]

Any time you add preload there will technically be a difference in ride quality. Both still use the stock spring so the stiffness of the shocks technically remains the same. What is sometimes perceived as increased stiffness is lost down travel/droop. Not all impacts are bumps. A large number of impacts are actually dips in the driving surface. In those instances, decreasing down travel will make it not ride as smooth and increase the occurrence of instances where the wheel loses contact with the ground. In that regard, the top hats edge out lift collars as they add less preload. Whether or not that’s noticeable or worth it depends on who you talk to. I personally think it’s noticeable on road too.

I’d like it to throw my name in the hat too since not many people have heard of it still. The Index Suspension top hats are worth a look if you haven’t seen them. 1.25” of lift and less preload than any of the lift options other than the 0.5” Icon puck, so the most similar to stock ride you’ll find.

 

[Keith88]

I have had both on my truck. I prefer the collars. Truck is “tighter” n feels “right”.

 

[Starboy786]

I have had both on my truck. I prefer the collars. Truck is “tighter” n feels “right”.

I like that it’s tighter last few times I had it off road it felt very squishy even in Baja mode. Ride fantastic but that’s me just nit picking.

 

[Starboy786]

Any time you add preload there will technically be a difference in ride quality. Both still use the stock spring so the stiffness of the shocks technically remains the same. What is sometimes perceived as increased stiffness is lost down travel/droop. Not all impacts are bumps. A large number of impacts are actually dips in the driving surface. In those instances, decreasing down travel will make it not ride as smooth and increase the occurrence of instances where the wheel loses contact with the ground. In that regard, the top hats edge out lift collars as they add less preload. Whether or not that’s noticeable or worth it depends on who you talk to. I personally think it’s noticeable on road too.

I’d like it to throw my name in the hat too since not many people have heard of it still. The Index Suspension top hats are worth a look if you haven’t seen them. 1.25” of lift and less preload than any of the lift options other than the 0.5” Icon puck, so the most similar to stock ride you’ll find.

This is an interesting one just checked them out online. How much less preload does this setup have over a 1.5 collar?

 

[taquitos]

This is an interesting one just checked them out online. How much less preload does this setup have over a 1.5 collar?

It’s a little bit less than half.