[crushers]

i am not a big fan of SOA for road use. if you are using this rig for Rubicon then fine, or if all you play in is DEEP mud then fine.
the issues are obvious as you already noted.
i have had this debate with many over the years, if the SOA is done correct with turned front axle, offset rims then it can be acceptable. check out Lowenbrau's build on his 74. THAT is a beautiful truck. sad to say most SOA are cheap, thrown together monstrosities that track like shit and have severe body roll.

if you are going SOA then go as wide an offset that your flares will allow for. Bruce is running 37s and Peter is running 38s, anything 35s and smaller stay SUA. a 2 1/2" lift and extended shackels clear 36" skinnies or 35" fats. you will need to drill the springs and mocve the axle ahead 1" to clear the sheet metal.

you have a host of other issue to contend with when going larger tires, gearing, birf strength, cooling, (sway bar attachments are needed, donot fool yourself).

i would strongly suggest you talk to Peter Staub, Bruce Lowen about their builds before going into this half informed.

Plus, you need to let your insurance company know of all the mods, check with TC and see if they allow these on BC roads 'legally'. RHD are being harassed already and if you are driving a RHD and SOA you could loose hte joy of your truck in very short order if you start being pulled over everyday.

(yes, i know there are trucks that are HUGE but if they are illegal in your province then up to you)

i have 35X12.5 on my ragtop 70 SUA, it tracks very nice and handles very nice. the cops do not mind. ths insurance company has inspected it and gave it the thumbs up so all is good. MTO in Ontario has very little sense of HeeHaw so you do not see many HUGE trucks (in this area anyway).

play it safe, check with ICBC, TC, do your homework, talk to those that have done the lift PROPERLY and then make the jump one way or the other.

but...<see sig line>