Hell Creek 4" lift with 34x10.5x15 SS LTB's questions

[diggity]

Hi All,

Just ordered the Hell Creek 4" lift for my 1978 FJ40, ordering the 34x10.50x15 LTB's tomorrow or the next day and have a few questions.

Couple of questions. First some current specs.

- Currently has stock springs and 28" tires.
- I think stock shackles.

To be done soon specs.

- 4" SUA lift
- stock shackle locations.
- 34x10.50x15 LTB's (if I can find a local shop to mount them on the stock steelies (Discount Tire not real interested).
- 60% off road (mild, as in bypass helicopter pad and guardrail)
- 10% in the garage and 30% on the street (I know the LTB's are not the best for this).
- 60 series power steering, looking for the complete setup.
- Don't want to cut rear fender's, will 1.5" longer shackle work to make these tires fit?

Read quit a bit and just want some current comments/opinions on these questions.

- Do I need spacers with the stock steelies with these tires? if so, 1.5" with 60 series studs?
- Would like to replace stock shackles/bushings etc, thinking about $OR or Con-Ferr stock style (not H)? or should I think about the 'H' style?
- Would be great to see pics (more pics) of this setup and how you handled any issues that came up.

Thanks for all the helpful info already, it is appreciated.

Brad

 

[pc4400]

search for user: MDH33's ROTW. He has a similar set up.

I wanted those tires but I need radials

 

[Fast Eddy]

If you didn't already do the power steering, why not do Saginaw and be done with it. The drag link is where they are going to hit at full left turn. You could just adjust your limiters out.

I run 32x9.5s (measured) with stock suspension and they just touch the drag link. The lift doesn't help this problem much. With that steering arm gone they should stuff nicely.

 

[diggity]

Fast Eddy - I have read about 60 series and saginaw, like the 60 series setup a bit better, specifically install location and read mostly positive comments.

Any particular reason you like the sag setup better?

Thanks again

If you didn't already do the power steering, why not do Saginaw and be done with it. The drag link is where they are going to hit at full left turn. You could just adjust your limiters out.

I run 32x9.5s (measured) with stock suspension and they just touch the drag link. The lift doesn't help this problem much. With that steering arm gone they should stuff nicely.

 

[mooker82]

No spacers required. I have this setup but my rear is cut for flares. It will fit without cutting though. I do get the slight rub on steering linkage as well. I am going with 1" spacers soon just so they push the tires out more and fill out the rear cutout with the flares. My front springs are flipped and rears are not. See my buildup for pictures:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/217107-my-72-40-build-up.html

 

[diggity]

Mooker82 - thanks for the response, I had read your build up in the recent past, looks good. Regarding the front spring flip, aside from the front drive shaft extension, any other issues, would you do it again and what did you do for the front drive shaft, extend stock or find a bolt on option?

Thanks again - BTW - shipping is HIGH on the lift.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

search for user: MDH33's ROTW. He has a similar set up.

Here is the ROTW for MDH33

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/204583-rotw-mdh33.html

 

[mooker82]

Mooker82 - thanks for the response, I had read your build up in the recent past, looks good. Regarding the front spring flip, aside from the front drive shaft extension, any other issues, would you do it again and what did you do for the front drive shaft, extend stock or find a bolt on option?

Thanks again - BTW - shipping is HIGH on the lift.

I like the flip. I have not had a problem with the tires hitting the front fenders but some people trim them up. I think the wider tires make them more likely to hit. I needed new front brake lines but that "should" be done with any 4" lift. I used a stock cruiser 4 speed shaft (cant remember if it was front or rear) and swapped pinion flanges. If I did not get the 4 speed shaft for pretty much free I would have just made a square tube driveshaft or got the front extended.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Fast Eddy - I have read about 60 series and saginaw, like the 60 series setup a bit better, specifically install location and read mostly positive comments.

Any particular reason you like the sag setup better?

I actually like the 60-series swap better, but the saginaw setup eliminates the extra tie rod from the box to the front where the center arm is located and thus you get better tire clearance on that side.

 

[diggity]

Mooker82 & Fast Eddy - thanks for the responses.

Extended brake likes will be going on. Fast Eddy, I will read up a bit more on the saginaw as well, that is what my brother has, just sort of liked the position of the gear box with the 60 series.

Now my bigger problem Local tire shop I have been doing business with for years will not mount the 34x10.5 LTB's on the 5.5" stocker rim, it requires 8.5" wide rim per the Michelin fitment guide, which he says is the bible (per the gov't).

Please let me know some of the places you guys had your tires mounted, also any safety concerns riding on the rode a bit with this
tire/rim combo?

Thanks again,

Brad

 

[mooker82]

Mooker82 & Fast Eddy - thanks for the responses.

Extended brake likes will be going on. Fast Eddy, I will read up a bit more on the saginaw as well, that is what my brother has, just sort of liked the position of the gear box with the 60 series.

Now my bigger problem Local tire shop I have been doing business with for years will not mount the 34x10.5 LTB's on the 5.5" stocker rim, it requires 8.5" wide rim per the Michelin fitment guide, which he says is the bible (per the gov't).

Please let me know some of the places you guys had your tires mounted, also any safety concerns riding on the rode a bit with this
tire/rim combo?

Thanks again,

Brad

There are no govt regulations for rims width if you are in the US. I have no problems on the stock rims. I had mine done at a local 4x4 shop where I bought my tires. Just about anyone here would mount them no questions asked.

 

[diggity]

Not sure about the govt reg's but they will not do it. They will sell them to me.

I am going to start calling around today to other shops to see if they
will mount them.

Any suggestions on places around Raleigh, NC?

Friend of mine pushing me hard for 33's, says I will regret the 34's...oh, well I am a bit hard headed sometimes.

Brad

 

[mooker82]

Not sure but try posting up on NC4x4.com and I am sure someone can recommend you someone local to Raleigh that could do it.

If you are not used to swampers or bias tires you may not like them. They do ride rough, are pretty loud and flat spot. Tread life is also not that great. They do look good and are awesome offroad.

 

[MDH33]

Just saw this thread and the reference to my rig.

I'm running a similar setup. I had to use 2.5 inch over stock shackles (rear) to clear the tub with a 4 inch SUA lift. Unless your tub is trimmed, you will need longer shackles to clear the 34x10.50 LTB's and they will still rub inside the wheel well at full tweak. They will rub the (outer) wheel well with spacers. I get a tiny bit of rub on the front tie rod also, but nothing major. I was able to use the stock drive shafts no problem, but needed extended brake lines and shims front and rear to correct pinion angle. The LTB's are bias ply with seriously stiff sidewalls, so running them on the stock steel wheels isn't an issue. Please keep in mind when wheeling that these tall skinny tires will make off camber and tippy spots extra scary.

 

[slickrock]

Fast Eddy - I have read about 60 series and saginaw, like the 60 series setup a bit better, specifically install location and read mostly positive comments.

Any particular reason you like the sag setup better?

Thanks again

I love my 60 sereis steering. Very easy to install and a lot less work (in my mind) than saginaw. I have done both, and after driving my own rig with 60 series steering, I personally feel I made a good choice over saginaw.

 

[Cornbread]

food for thought, I have a different lift (old man emu with extended shackles in the rear and flipped in the front) and 35 x 10.5 SSR's and I have yet to rub the rears (uncut). I however am running white wagon rims. I think with stock steelies, you may rub the inner rear fender a bit.

 

[mooker82]

Just saw this thread and the reference to my rig.

I'm running a similar setup. I had to use 2.5 inch over stock shackles (rear) to clear the tub with a 4 inch SUA lift. Unless your tub is trimmed, you will need longer shackles to clear the 34x10.50 LTB's and they will still rub inside the wheel well at full tweak. They will rub the (outer) wheel well with spacers. I get a tiny bit of rub on the front tie rod also, but nothing major. I was able to use the stock drive shafts no problem, but needed extended brake lines and shims front and rear to correct pinion angle. The LTB's are bias ply with seriously stiff sidewalls, so running them on the stock steel wheels isn't an issue. Please keep in mind when wheeling that these tall skinny tires will make off camber and tippy spots extra scary.

Forgot to add that I do have extended rear shackles as well. Mine wasnt done for clearance but to level it out (I think mine are 1" over stock). Mine do rub on the inside in the rear but not bad (just a few rubber marks inside the wheel well). I do need to shim mine since I have a slight vibe at 40mph that goes away above and below 40mph.

X2 on it being fairly tippy. I am used to this as my bronco has skinny tires too, but if you are used to wheeling something wide it may take a bit to get used to .

 

[dwh84]

I think you will love the performance of the ltb's. I have had them on a heep and my buddies dad has them on his 40 and we all love them. You can't get a better tire for the price. They did just fine on the road for me as far as driving goes. They will wear kinda fast if you run them on the road a lot though. In reference to mounting, we just mount all of our tires ourselves. Just a thought.

 

[diggity]

I think you will love the performance of the ltb's. I have had them on a heep and my buddies dad has them on his 40 and we all love them. You can't get a better tire for the price. They did just fine on the road for me as far as driving goes. They will wear kinda fast if you run them on the road a lot though. In reference to mounting, we just mount all of our tires ourselves. Just a thought.

Hmm, not sure about doing that. Never have, may check into it.

Forgot to add that I do have extended rear shackles as well. Mine wasnt done for clearance but to level it out (I think mine are 1" over stock). Mine do rub on the inside in the rear but not bad (just a few rubber marks inside the wheel well). I do need to shim mine since I have a slight vibe at 40mph that goes away above and below 40mph.

X2 on it being fairly tippy. I am used to this as my bronco has skinny tires too, but if you are used to wheeling something wide it may take a bit to get used to .

Mooker82 - I am drooping in the rear as well (and so is the 40), so I will likely try 1" over as well, I will be putting in caster shims (probably 4 deg) need to read on that a bit more.

food for thought, I have a different lift (old man emu with extended shackles in the rear and flipped in the front) and 35 x 10.5 SSR's and I have yet to rub the rears (uncut). I however am running white wagon rims. I think with stock steelies, you may rub the inner rear fender a bit.

Cornbread - thought about flipping the front as well, but will wait until a bit later and I find out what I need for front driveshaft.

I love my 60 sereis steering. Very easy to install and a lot less work (in my mind) than saginaw. I have done both, and after driving my own rig with 60 series steering, I personally feel I made a good choice over saginaw.

slickrock - it looks simpler to me as well and cleaner overall, at least I think...still reading up on PS conversion.

Just saw this thread and the reference to my rig.

I'm running a similar setup. I had to use 2.5 inch over stock shackles (rear) to clear the tub with a 4 inch SUA lift. Unless your tub is trimmed, you will need longer shackles to clear the 34x10.50 LTB's and they will still rub inside the wheel well at full tweak. They will rub the (outer) wheel well with spacers. I get a tiny bit of rub on the front tie rod also, but nothing major. I was able to use the stock drive shafts no problem, but needed extended brake lines and shims front and rear to correct pinion angle. The LTB's are bias ply with seriously stiff sidewalls, so running them on the stock steel wheels isn't an issue. Please keep in mind when wheeling that these tall skinny tires will make off camber and tippy spots extra scary.

MDH33 - Love your 40. do you think 1" over stock will be enough? how bad do the 2.5" hang down?


All - Any suggestions on caster shim degree with this lift?, shackle mfr. (would like, I think to stick with stock style shackles) ?

Thanks again for the responses, the lift arrived today (fast shipping from Hell Creek - thanks Tom).

Now off to order some other goodies.

Brad

 

[diggity]

NO 34x10.5x15 LTB's BACKORDERED 6-8 weeks

Backordered Don't really want to wait 6-8 weeks for tires....

Please post up some pics of your with other suggestions. Looking for something that will fit with the 4" Hell Creek lift on stock steelies.

Use: 60% wheeling, 30% paved roads and the remaining in the garage

Now back to trying to find some brake lines locally so I can start on my lift.

Brad