OK suspension gurus, I'm in need of some advice (I did some searching, didn't find an answer):

I'm getting ready to buy a lift for my 2DR Sidekick. Only looking for about a 2" lift. I was leaning towards a spacer lift. However, I will be installing a bumper and winch on the front of the vehicle, and am wondering if the stock springs will sag too much with a winch/bumper combo.

Seeing as though the vehicle will be getting this extra weight up front, would I be better off investing in a spring lift instead, or am I going to be fine with coil spacers?

Any thoughts would be great.

- Andy

Are you going to run rope or cable?  If your looking for a good ride I would go with springs instead, the spacers are the best bang for your buck but I found they ride quite a bit rougher then a spring lift.

A set of 2" XL7 lift springs would probably work just about perfect and give you the lift you need with the heavier bumper.  But someone else with more experience with the newer rigs might be able to jump on and give you their view.

there are different thickness spacers available too, just get the thicker ones. thats what I did at first with a trailtough bumper and a elcheapo crap winch. worked fine,no sag

I used my 2" spacer lift and steel bumpers and winch in front with no problems or sag. I used the 1.5" coil and strut spacers but if you felt you needed them I can send 2" spacers for the front.

I am planning on using cable on the winch, FYI.

Thanks for your info, Jeff; that's good to know.

- Andy

I've done all of the above to my Trackick also a 2 door. Warn 6k winch, Calmini steel bumper and Calmini full skid plates underneath, numorous other mods. First went with OME lift via RR, OME coils and RR's spacers. Rode nice, spacers collapsed, Coils collapsed within 6 months. ARB USA was kind enough to send me a new set of coils under warr, but once again a few months later squish, lost some lift. OK, then I got a used set of Calmini 3" lift coils, worked ok for less than a year. Added spacers to them to get ride height back. Then Collapse. Got Calmini to sell me another set of their coils, figured the used ones were just clapped out. Ended up adding a .5" spacer to them as they began to collapse, then a .75" by putting two together, then a 1.25" on top of the Calmini coils. I am now in the process of modifying a set of FOA/Suspension Specialist 550lb coils to fit my rig. I guess what I'm saying is, it depends on how you drive it I think. I may be too agressive with mine, but I think ALL coils will eventually sag under the extra weight, and hard use. Just a charecteristic of IFS I think. Seriously considering going SAS when I can afford it.