When To Replace Front Springs?

[iam-jorge]

Good day everyone.
I am brand new to the forum but I try to answer my own questions before asking blindly about something that has been covered already. With that being said here is what I would like to know because I can't seem to find the exact answer I am looking for. When do you need to replace the front springs on the truck? Here is the backstory.

I have a new to me 2011 1500 5.7l ST RCSB 4x4. ( I had to decipher the code you all use here for the body style of our trucks like RCSB, CC, SCLB etc ) It has 185,000 miles on it but it's in super condition. I am looking to improve ride condition a bit but to level out the truck so it doesn't have so much of a wedge look to it. I do VERY little off-roading but will tow a trailer, less than 4000lbs, from time to time. The truck has stock 17" wheels and some odd brand 265/70R17 profile tire.

In reading the lifted/leveling sections I determined that I will put Bilsteins 5100s front and rear. Since I needed to remove the springs from the OEM shock I thought of replacing them with new ones since the truck is 14 yo and close to 200K on the clock. I found that MOOG has 2 part numbers that fit the 2011 (81768 & cc81764) and I can't determine what the difference is. I ordered both and found 1 is shorter than the other by a couple of inches. I figured that I would compare them to the OEMs that comes out of the truck.

So the the suspension experts on here:

* Why 2 spring heights from MOOG. ( I can't find anything on their website to explain the difference and this is for my own edification)
* Do I really need to replace the OEM springs?
* If I need to, which MOOG spring should I use or is there a better alternative to the MOOG parts I have listed?
* What about the rear springs as well? When should they be replaced and with what?

I am probably going to put in the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 kit as well to help with trailering. More expensive than just replacing the rubber suspension supports but seems to be a way better option.

 

[BenchTest]

My .02 worth: With 200k on the clock, good chance the stock/OEM springs have settled or partially collapsed with normal usage. If you're going to do "stock" things with that truck (not offroading, not towing a heavy payload regularly) put stock parts back on it. If you're planning to keep it long-term, I'd suggest investing in OEM parts. If you're planning on an "occasional use" or short-term vehicle, consider MOOG or various other after market solutions that are more cost-effective. Again, going long-term ownership, invest in front/rear suspension components. Do bushings, ball joints, sway bar links, etc. etc. If one or more items are worn at that mileage (which they most likely are) and everything appears original, most likely other things are worn out. Doing one worn part at a time will have you under the truck regularly replacing the next thing down the line every couple of months. You'll find that when doing suspension, you're likely going to already have a lot of those parts loose/disassembled in order to replace another item. Great time to get it all done. Obviously, if it's a cost concern, start with the noticeably worn items first and replace others as finances permit.

Will also add - I suggest staying away from the "loaded strut" options like Monroe Quick Struts. Those are great for front wheel drive cars and commuter vehicles, not trucks doing truck things. They are "cost-effective" because they lack the robust build quality of OEM parts. Buy solid struts. Buy solid springs. Install good quality seats/bushings/bearings when working on that front end. The economy grade selections are economy for a reason.

 

[rzr6-4]

Where did you buy the springs from? I just see the 81768, when I search on google specifically for results with cc81768 nothing comes up. I know nothing about moog spring quality so I can't speak to anything there.

Do you need to replace the springs, probly not. If they are sagging from age you may want to to get your ride height back, but you wouldn't NEED to. The only thing that you could argue as a NEED, is if you frequently pull at max capacity and you are getting sway/sag from the springs being worn out. Doesn't sound like that's an issue for you. These rules apply for front and rear.

 

[kurek]

RCSB's weigh 400-600 pounds less than crew cabs and diesels weigh around 300 pounds more than hemi's (including the weight of the turbo and other necessary parts).

I was not able to find OEM replacement springs that were assuredly made for RCSB's and all aftermarket springs that I found were advertised as being even higher spring rate than stock for "added capacity".. in other words ride like doo-doo.

If rust isn't a factor where you live I think it's reasonable to assume your springs haven't really sagged that much, that just doesn't seem to be as big a deal as it might have once been.

 

[D1DAVE]

I agree with Benchtest. I put oe original front springs in cause I wanted to. With Bilsteins 5100. I put Tuff truck rears in. To get the correct height front and rear. Probably overkill with the front springs, but truck rides fine. The vin is necessary to get the correct springs from the dealer. There were five or six different L&R different combinations on my truck.

 

[iam-jorge]

Thanks everyone for the input so far!

@rzr6-4 I but the part off Amazon. Can't beat the return policy. For my specific truck those 2 MOOG parts came up. I then went to the MOOG website and searched by year/make/model and found those same 2 springs. Again no details on what they fit exactly but they are very different springs.

@BenchTest I did front and rear sway bar bushings and drag links so far. Needed to in order to pass safety inspection here in Missouri. I will check the ball joints as well. I agree on the loaded strut theory as well. Great for cars but not such a good idea for trucks.

Thanks again for the input.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

The oem springs are probably disco by now, and there is a cross reference for replacement.

Send Benny @AllMoparParts.com a note with your vin and he can tell you the replacement part number and sell you the springs.

If that doesn't make you feel happy, call shock surplus, order a set of fully loaded bilstein 6112s that come pre-built with springs at your desired ride height or:

call or email Nick @Nick@GotExhaust and have him build you some icons or fox shocks.

My input. These resources are here to help us lets use them