What springs to run on Gen 1 with Gen 2 shock and bucket conversion?

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Speedhunter

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Hello,

I have a 2010 Raptor and I recently purchased some Gen 2 shocks. I want to do a front bucket conversion to fit the new shocks.

I'm having a hard time finding what springs to run. What are your experiences?

Things I have found out so far:

- OEM Gen 1 springs are shorter than the Gen 2's and have a higher spring rate.
- OEM Gen 2 springs are longer than Gen 1's but have a lower spring rate.
- The OEM Gen 2 springs also look larger in diameter. I've seen a person try installing Gen 2 shocks and springs on a Gen 1. Due to the diameter, the OEM Gen 2 spring would hit the frame and a couple of other places. I've only seen one case of this so far.
 

Jhollowell

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i think you need to stick with the Gen 1 spring unless the gen 2 top hat is compatible with the new coil buckets. you may want to look at re-valving the shocks too as they are probably a bit soft for the gen 1 (heavier) truck especially with the stiffer gen 1 spring.
 

SilverGen1

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I have done this, and I stuck with the Gen 1 Eibach Springs, I had no clearance issues that weren't present with the Gen 1 Shocks and Springs. I haven't revalved them, they perform well, I'm sure they could be better
 
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Speedhunter

Speedhunter

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I have done this, and I stuck with the Gen 1 Eibach Springs, I had no clearance issues that weren't present with the Gen 1 Shocks and Springs. I haven't revalved them, they perform well, I'm sure they could be better
This is great to hear!

So all the parts of the shock you are using are Gen 2 except the spring? Gen 2 top hat?
 

blueherron96

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I just got my gen 2 FRS shocks in and they will be sent out shortly to be revalved for the heavier weight of the gen 1. They came with a 18" long 550lb spring and I will be replacing it with a 18" long 600lb spring from eibach.

Not sure how this carries over to the factory shocks but I think I've seen people run gen 1 springs on oem gen 2 shocks.
 
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Speedhunter

Speedhunter

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I know the KHC and some of the other brands' buckets are compatible with the Gen 2 top hats. You have a great point about getting them re-valved.
 

SilverGen1

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Nice this is a great deal of help! The new suspension set up looks awesome.
Thank you!! If you have the time/patience/cash I would send your shocks out and have them revalved for sure, I would be curious to see the difference it makes, or if any other suspension gurus in here know the difference in the valving between gen 1 and gen 2 and where everything sits on a gen 2 converted gen 1
 
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