I'd like to get about another 1" of road clearance on the front end of my 2014 RT Ltd.
I've got more than my money's worth out of my SpyderPops Bumpskid. I've only have 2 1/2 to 3" clearance up front and just want to raise it a bit.
Would switching out the stock shocks to a Fox or Elka shock increase the height?
Any other options that might improve height?
All opinions welcome including the Fox vs Elka debate!
The question to consider is where does the suspension settle / ride with a rider aboard in the seat?
Somewhere I have a chart that was published that shows desired ride height vs rider weights.
Suspension, beyond the front arm geometry can get complicated.
Springs have a certain rate, typically lbs/in or kg/cm. A heavier rider or more performance based rider may require a a firmer spring. The casual rider or someone on more bumpy roads may prefer the softer spring.
Here is the kicker in all of it. Ride height is important, you wish to increase yours. When ride height is increased and the same spring is utilized, the spring rate does not change, however the spring force is increased along the suspension movement.
The downside of this increased preload to raise the vehicle is the initial bump compliance is not as supple.
With a firmer spring, less preload is required. Yes the rate is firmer, and the same net spring force is required to support the vehicle. The difference is the firmer spring running less preload most times can provide a better ride quality since the end force is often lower. More importantly, the firmer spring, running less preload reduces the harsh tendency of making the shock top out.
Raising the front will not change the castor angles. The camber angles will change, whether they will go more positive as Peter mentioned or my thought was more negative, but I did not go look at the arms initial position, can be a benefit or detriment. If your oem suspension has settled, adding some preload may improve handling and offer some ground clearance. If the supension is riding low on account of the rider and payload, then firmer springs may be needed.
So, without debating Fox vs Elka, since I would prefer Ohlins anyway, I think you should bring in all parameters, ride height increase, suspension wear, rider size, rider performance desires, how much junk in the frunk etc, then decide if you need spring rubbers, BajaRon adjustable preload collars, new aftermarket front shocks or maybe get a warranty replacement of the oem fronts if possible.
Whatever you decide, it will need an alignment if you raise the front. These vehicles have very simple designed front suspension and steering geometry. Basically a go kart with a little bit of suspension. Because of the direct linkage without idler arms or rack and pinion ends placed further outboard, as the suspension moves, both up and down, the front wheels will toe in or out constantly changing. Technically, the term is excessive bump steer.
All the best with it.
