3" or 2" Lift?

[RICECR]

Ok, I know for sure there might be 10s or more threads about this but didnt actually answered my question, so question is actually oriented for you guys to give pros or cons on each and why do you think I should go one way or other.

Here is some info you might want to take in consideration about the truck.

I thought I had all figured out of what I wanted, but since I have had the time for thinking about it (no $$ to get it at the time).
I was thinking on getting 35" Tires and a OME 3" Lift.
So then I realized if got the 35" tires I would need to regear and have to spend all that money, at the end I would only gain 1" of extra clearence on the diff and were significally higher cost. So I got the 305/70 R16 KM2.

So now I need to decide if its worth the extra $$ for a 3" lift or the regular 2" would do just fine. My main concern in this truck is ground clearence, but SL wont give me that so no need for 3" there.

This is my daily driver/weekend offroad-touring car. Its going to be using an ARB Winch Bumper with an M8274 Winch, Custom made rear bumper with tire carrier, roof tent.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[greentruck]

If you're talking OME, there is the Stock Height 1" and then the 2.5" lift. At least you usually see the 2.5" advertised here as such. I have seen it advertised as a 3" lift, but suspect that is initial lift and you'll be down to 2.5" after things settle. I haven't seen a 2" kit other than the 2.5" lift.

I suspect that maybe you're dealing with different vendors, one that is selling a 3" lift, the other is selling a 2" lift and both are actually the 2.5" lift kits?

If that's the case, there's no real choice. Both are the same.

As for 35", I've traveled in Central America, not in CR, but enough to know you're gonna encounter hills. On the otherhand, they're not that much above sea level. This may be a case where you can get away with regearing, as some do run 35s and insist they are happy with the performance.

Me? I'm reall happy on 33s. So much less $$ and 98% of the performance. For the rest, that's why there's a winch if I really have no alternative route.

 

[JCruse]

I also didn't want or need the extra expense on top of all the other expenses so I went with a TJM 2" lift with progressive springs, which actually gave me nearly 3" of lift anyway. A good 2.5" at least. When I go offroad I'm slogging through deep loose sand and climbing steep soft dunes with no trouble at all. The Cruiser barrels through this stuff with ease even when I don't air down, though I usually do to save strain on the tranny. I've been beach cruising nearly every day for the last several weeks to two months and have never even come remotely close to getting stuck.
Aside from rock climbing or deep mud I can't imagine this rig needing a higher lift. And I'm "only" on Firestone Destination A/T's. (a pretty darn good all around tire IMHO)

 

[RICECR]

If you're talking OME, there is the Stock Height 1" and then the 2.5" lift. At least you usually see the 2.5" advertised here as such. I have seen it advertised as a 3" lift, but suspect that is initial lift and you'll be down to 2.5" after things settle. I haven't seen a 2" kit other than the 2.5" lift.

I suspect that maybe you're dealing with different vendors, one that is selling a 3" lift, the other is selling a 2" lift and both are actually the 2.5" lift kits?

If that's the case, there's no real choice. Both are the same.

As for 35", I've traveled in Central America, not in CR, but enough to know you're gonna encounter hills. On the otherhand, they're not that much above sea level. This may be a case where you can get away with regearing, as some do run 35s and insist they are happy with the performance.

Me? I'm reall happy on 33s. So much less $$ and 98% of the performance. For the rest, that's why there's a winch if I really have no alternative route.

Thanks for the answer!

Im actually getting the info from OME Catalogue, There is a 50mm kit and a 75mm kit.

I actually work at a shop and we are an ARB Dealer over here.

ARB Makes 2 kits (standards and 50mm) and makes 3 kits for offroad (75mm,100mm and 125mm) these includes lower and upper trail arms for the rear, front and rear panhard roads and larger shocks.

Still you can install a 75mm kit with just replacing the caster kit and extending brake lines with no issue and need of the rest of the parts.

 

[half k cruiser]

Why not get both ? Man A Fre has an OME kit with 3" front and 2" rear. Gives the cruiser a nice level stance and rides great. I'm running that kit on my 97' with 35's. In town it has good pickup, however, on the highway it definitely makes me want to re gear.

 

[greentruck]

Thanks for the answer!

Im actually getting the info from OME Catalogue, There is a 50mm kit and a 75mm kit.

I actually work at a shop and we are an ARB Dealer over here.

ARB Makes 2 kits (standards and 50mm) and makes 3 kits for offroad (75mm,100mm and 125mm) these includes lower and upper trail arms for the rear, front and rear panhard roads and larger shocks.

Still you can install a 75mm kit with just replacing the caster kit and extending brake lines with no issue and need of the rest of the parts.

Ah, OK, I think I know what's going on. Here, the OME packaged lift kits are sold as 2.5" lift, so those are the 2" ones you mention, maybe?. But then there's the longer J (IIRC) series coils. Those may be the 3" lift one's you talking about?

If you work at a 4x4 shop, then I'd say the 35" tires are going to be practically mandatory. Gotta have 'em to sell 'em to folks.

 

[SIZZLE]

I recommend OME heavies 2.5". It'll settle once you get all your other junk installed, then use coil spacers to adjust the front/rear rake to what you want. It'll look sweet with 305s! Final step: pics!

 

[amcilwain]

I recommend OME heavies 2.5". It'll settle once you get all your other junk installed, then use coil spacers to adjust the front/rear rake to what you want. It'll look sweet with 305s! Final step: pics!

II already have 30 mm spacers up front to make it sit level. I was thinking heavies in front and mediums in back to keep it level once I put the ARB on it.

Sent from my piece of crap salt water corroded iPhoneusing IH8MUD

 

[sh3pherdd]

for the 3" lift: Along with coils, shocks, brake lines, castor kit, and dampener you will also need to either remove your front sway bar or get an extension bolt kit. Dont know about the other companies but tjm had one available for me.

 

[temple]

For every inch, add a lot of $$$$. Ask me how I know.

 

[NLXTACY]

For every inch, add a lot of $$$$. Ask me how I know.

I didn't think it was that bad. I got the components one at a time. Took awhile but got what I wanted.