|
Its a trade off either way, third member clearance is probably close to the same. My objectives were
to get really good approach and departure angles, and get a good high center clearance. Without actually measuring the angles, my lower radiator x-member is 20" from axle ,23" off the ground, and with roughly 9' from axle to axle, my center clearance is 20". There is PLENTY metal in front, and under the front third member for protection, incase you end up straddling a rock(usually, I'll get rubber on that rock and thats that...). The rear third member has 11 1/2" in the center, and my hitch is 33" out from same and clears 22". While I have had contact a few times on sharp break overs at the top of steep inclines, it was minimal. My drive line angles remain as engineered, so there is not elevated wear and tear here with daily driving, and that lower a arm ball joint connection(take a look at the fabbed angle change and taper just inside of the actual b/j mount) is not constantly under greater load due to the angle change. I would definately NOT go higher, and if I was gonna go somewhere that required lots of borderline sidehill angles I would throw on some 33x13'5's....if I can find some way to get 'em into the
back shed without someone else catching me. Until then, we'll see what breaks first, and go from there....
|