BDS Suspension has expanded its FOX coilover lineup with 6.5-inch (16.5 cm) coilover conversion high clearance systems for the 2011-2016 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra/Denali HD trucks.
This new systems joins the existing 2.5-inch (6.3 cm) coilover conversion allowing HD owners the ability to eliminate the rough riding traditional torsion bar suspension in favor of FOX 2.5 factory series remote DSC coilovers.
This system builds on the tried and true BDS high clearance IFS systems now integrating the coilover conversion for improved performance over any terrain. These new coilover systems have been engineered and tested for improved comfort, fade free performance, and increased suspension travel.
At the heart of the system is a pair of FOX 2.5 Factory Series Coilover with remote DSC reservoir. These coilovers offer superior dampening for impressive capability to soak up the harshest terrains offroad while providing comfort during the daily commute.
These FOX coilovers feature a smooth bore and honed seamless alloy body, 7/8″ hardened stainless steel shaft, FOX coil springs, black anodized machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum mounts and FOX’s DSC (dual speed compression) adjustment technology. The DSC adjustment allows for easy adjustment of the vehicle’s suspension compression dampening to dial in the ideal ride performance to soak up the bumps, both large and small. The DSC has 12 adjustment points for the high speed compression as well as 10 adjustment points for the low speed compression allowing you to make large or small changes to further improve your performance.
Adjustments can be made by simply twisting the “blue” high speed and “gold” low speed compression knobs located on the end of the remote reservoir of the FOX 2.5 coilovers. No tools or shop adjustments needed, allowing users to tune the suspension out on the trail. The coilovers come fully assembled, preset for 6.5-inches of lift for optimal wheel travel, but can be adjusted between 5.5-7.5-inches (14-19 cm) of lift with the use of the (#129600) spanner wrench.
To mount the coilovers BDS supplies a bolt-on bracket that installs on the frame in the shock mount location. A weld-in support gusset is used to reinforce the upper mount, however still allows the kit to be completely reversible if the owner ever chooses to revert back to the torsion bar style suspension and upgrade the suspension on another truck.
In addition to replacing the factory torsion bars, the upper and lower control arms are upgraded to improved strength, travel, and accommodate the new coilovers. The uppers are FOX’s new performance upper control arms designed specifically for this system to integrate with the 2.5-inch coilovers. The arms are fabricated from large 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) OD x .120-wall chromoly tubing, fully TIG welded for the highest quality, strength and durability. The arms utilize premium MOOG brand ball joints and factory style rubber bushings for smooth, quiet operation and superior durability when compared to arms with uni-balls, poly bushings or heims.
The ball joint cups are repositioned for optimal performance allowing a 30 percent improvement in wheel travel. The FOX upper control arms are finished in a durable black powdercoat and include a FOX branded billet aluminum ball joint dust cap. The control arms come fully assembled for easy install right out of the box. To compliment the uppers, the new lower control arms are built from high strength steel, fully boxed with internally gusseted.
These lower arms integrate new reinforced lower coilover mounts and similar to the uppers use durometer specific rubber bushings at the frame mount and high quality Moog ball joints at the knuckle mount for quiet, low maintenance operation.
Along with the coilover conversion, this 6.5-inch system includes a pair of one-piece laser cut high clearance crossmembers, CNC machined ductile iron steering knuckles to correct tie rod angles, heavy duty front skid plate and differential skid plate to increase protection, multipoint differential relocation brackets to secure differential and correct CV axle angles, longer sway bar links and braided stainless steel extended brake lines. In the rear, BDS offer both a 3-inch (7.6 cm) and 5-inch (12.7 cm) rear block and u-bolt kit to lift and level the stance. The 5-inch rear block kit includes a u-bolt flip kit with new spring plate and the preferred round u-bolts for increased strength and ground clearance. To compliment the performance in the front this system includes precision tuned FOX 2.0 IFP gas shocks in the rear. This system allows for up to 37-inch (94 cm) tires to be installed.
