HD STRUTS OR LIFT KIT

[Coastline]

Got a question for you experts on here. I have a 06 RTV with full metal cab and was wondering if the heavy duty struts/springs are necessary if you have the 2" lift kit installed. Before lift kit the front end squated a bit, now it is basically even with the back. I also have 27" tires if that matters. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[darkday]

Speaking from a JD point they recmend you have the HD struts with a cab and maybe even something like a glass windshield. Anywho I don't think you really need them if you can't afford them but I think it would be good to have regardless. I have them on mine for my trails. At first they weren't in yet but they let us have our gator for a couple of days with factory equipment I could see right off that the new struts were BEEFY compared to factory just by looking at the front and am glad I have them.

 

[Coastline]

Thanks for the info. I would like to have them from a functionality standpoint but, like I said before the RTV is sitting level now (front to back) and I'm afraid that anymore lift in the front would cause the front to be higher than the back. Any more info would be appreciated.

 

[nolefan]

Not sure if this helps but when I purchased my RTV and inquired about the metal cab enclosure my dealer told me that the kit included the heavy duty struts because of the extra weight the cab places on the front.

 

[Coastline]

Does the HD struts raise the front end up higher.

 

[nolefan]

I am only guessing here because I decided to hold off on the cab for the time being but I would say no. To me the purpose of the HD struts would be to maintain the normal ride level of the RTV without the additional weight of the cab compressing the front springs and lowering the nose. I don't think they try to accomplish this by placing "taller" struts but instead use "beefier" struts that maintain the same height you would have without the cab. Your best bet would be to question the dealer but be careful because the addition of your lift kit may raise warranty issues. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your new tires and rims.

Here's a picture of mine at work recently.

 

[Coastline]

Thanks nole, I'll get those pics up as soon as I can. I'm in the southeastern part of N.C.

 

[Coastline]

Oh btw nole, you'll love the cab. I'll be glad to answer any questions you have about it.

 

[Dargo]

The HD struts are not taller, just stiffer. My dealer had a pair in stock and I compared them to a spare brand new set of standard struts. The coil spring was a bit thicker, but they were the exact same height.

 

[Coastline]

Thanks a lot Dargo that answered my question perfectly. As funny as it may seem I don't need any more lift on the front.

 

[darkday]

Man you ever think about getting a bed liner nole ? I'd be scared to load anything into my bed without one.

 

[nolefan]

I appreciate the offer Coastline. I might take you up on it one of these days. There a bit pricey but I know when I'm up at my place for Christmas I will be wishing I had it. When I bought my RTV I was also looking at a demo they had on the lot that had the steel top and windshield on it and it looked well engineered. If I remember correctly it mainly attaches with u-bolts. Is that correct and if so is it fairly easy to take on and off? Also is it easy to remove the doors by themselves? Thanks in advance.

 

[nolefan]

Darkday-
The dealer offered the bedliner for $150 if i'm not mistaken and I really didn't feel it was worth it. I've already broken the bed in with those timbers and with several loads of rocks from around the property that I used in the construction of some cattleguards this summer. I located a dealer in a nearby town that applies Rhino Liner and I may get a quote when I get back up there but I bought it to use for its designed purpose and thats to work! Don't get me wrong I take good mechanical care of all my tools and equipment as well as my vehicles but I don't lose to much sleep over a few scratches or dings it just adds character

 

[Dargo]

Gee, I know where there is an almost brand new RTV bedliner just sitting on a shelf in a barn not being used if you're ever interested... The only expensive thing would be shipping. If you ever pass by my way, I'd make you an offer you couldn't hardly refuse.

 

[Coastline]

Hi Nole, the cab is held on by u-bolts, don't know about how easy it is to take on and off, I would assume fairly easy. On the doors, you just take the little struts loose and the hinge just slides off.

 

[nolefan]

Thanks Coastline. I might have to bite the bullet sometime in the future and get the cab. I might just buy the individual pieces as I can afford them starting with the roof then windshield, etc.

Dargo I appreciate the offer but after reading your post about your bedliner I think I made the right decision. If the Rhino Liner isn't too cost prohibitive I will probably go that route