Bill, so what you are saying is put together your own kit, there isn't one that is "all in a box"? I'm also looking at lifts and it seems to be like electric versus hydraulic winches... experience and opinions on both sides, but I know that you have some solid background to go on!
I think Currie will package a full suspension kit Pat, although Im not to sure. I dont think they do less then a 4 inch, and that is why I usually lean to something like the HD OME.
Fact of the matter is, all companies skimp in one place or another to keep cost down, or in line with competitors.
What people who are new to the hobbie usually dont understand is, how big the importance of the joints in the suspension really is. That is the single largest factor in any suspension.
Put it this way. Johnny joints are roughly 50$ a peice. Thats a potential for nearly 800$ worth of joints on a lift kit. Springs are 180 a pair, brake lines are 100$, and the tubing used, even in a long arm is under 200$, and shocks are 50$ a corner unless you go highend.
So you can see, high quality joints are the single largest expense in any suspension. They are also one the most key components of the suspension regarding handling, strength, and most importantly, maintenance.
So where do companies look first to make better margins and have the ability to offer their suspension at lower prices then the next guy? In the joints of course.
Whether its to put a cheap poly bushing in one end, both ends, or use a low quality delrin filled cartridge joint, or a combonation of all the above, at the end of the day, you are just getting what you pay for.
The internet is filled with "do you have issues with your RE bushings" threads. They have been for years. You dont see these posts johnny joints. They are simply a better engineered designed. Currie has a nice video and commentary that explainds the johhny joint and why it is different then most other joints on the market.
I know that right now, there are 4 big name suspension manufacturers using johnny joints in their suspensions. They are the only company that has their product used by that many different manufactures. That in itself should speack volumes.
Springs, shocks, brakelines, and some bracketry can be had just about anywhere. All the companies are just re badging those products from the same manufacturers anyways.
The problem is Joe public is never made aware of this type of stuff. Shops are to busy trying to put you in the lift kit they make the most money on.
With the exception of using some evolutions joints in strictly offroad applications, you will be hard pressed to find anything but a johnny joint under any of my rigs, or any of the rigs I've had a hand in building.
Topic: Any tips or pointers for a first time lifter? (Read 2530 times)