Want info on this Kodiak with a Lance 1181
Anyone know details on this Kodiak with a lance 1181. I want to do the same things but would like to ask the owner a few details... http://i42.tinypic.com/23uoppg.jpg
Forum Discussion
Honestly I can't remember how much clearance I had between jounce bumper and the spring in the rear before I put on the Kelderman. I will say that with the 4500 stock springs they compress a LOT when the 1191 is dropped on. Enough to be down to be just a few inches of space when loaded. That seemed way too little but you also have to keep in kind that it actually is NOT a true bump stop....it is a Jounce Bumper (i think that is the right term) that is meant to contact the spring but then still can compress a significant amount before it acts solid. Note it has two sections one that compresses and one that is more solid. Now that I have the Kelderman air I can adjust the air to keep the space between the springs and the jounce bumper constant whether the camper is on or not which I like. Over time I believe my springs have gotten flatter and flatter (both front and rear) due to the weight exceeding what the 4500 was meant to carry. 5500 springs would have been the right match. Hence the desire to replace mine someday not only with a set made for 5500 loads, hit also to provide a little more arch (on the front at least but probably on both ends). Your smaller camper shouldn't compress your springs as much as mine did, but if you only have 2-3" now you are right you might be in contact with the spring. I'll be curious to hear once you get that baby loaded up.
The front spring on mine, believe it or not is just about in contact with the jounce bumper. Fairly common on Kodiaks (again especially 4500's) that have much if anythin loaded on the front. Mine has the heavy winch and winch bumper and what little clearance I had when we first bought it is really down to near contact before even hitting any bumps! When I win lotto I'd buy those Deavers and put on some high end shocks like King. You have 2WD so mine may not be so applicable to yours.
I think you are doing the right thing in getting some custom springs especially if you can trade for them. Did you get steer tires for the front or 4 all the same? With a 2WD I'd have seriously considered steer tires + traction tires but not sure if is have done it.
Lastly, if you haven't found the medium duty forum on thedieselplace.com you should look for it. There are some folks there that know Kodiak/Topkixks inside and out and is a great resource. There is even a dude that drag races his built Kodiak as well as some show trucks etc. When I am looking for Kodiak specific stuff that's where unusually go.
Nice rig, keep up the updates.....enquiring minds want to know :)
The front spring on mine, believe it or not is just about in contact with the jounce bumper. Fairly common on Kodiaks (again especially 4500's) that have much if anythin loaded on the front. Mine has the heavy winch and winch bumper and what little clearance I had when we first bought it is really down to near contact before even hitting any bumps! When I win lotto I'd buy those Deavers and put on some high end shocks like King. You have 2WD so mine may not be so applicable to yours.
I think you are doing the right thing in getting some custom springs especially if you can trade for them. Did you get steer tires for the front or 4 all the same? With a 2WD I'd have seriously considered steer tires + traction tires but not sure if is have done it.
Lastly, if you haven't found the medium duty forum on thedieselplace.com you should look for it. There are some folks there that know Kodiak/Topkixks inside and out and is a great resource. There is even a dude that drag races his built Kodiak as well as some show trucks etc. When I am looking for Kodiak specific stuff that's where unusually go.
Nice rig, keep up the updates.....enquiring minds want to know :)
