38" tires and low lift question

[NVFJ60]

I have been thinking about this for sometime and since my rear quarters are shot and in need of replacement anyway, I thought I might try to stuff 38's under her. I have seen a few ( please excuse me) heep guys that have little or no lift and running 40's. Big tires for ground clearance and low center of gravity. If it doesn't work, I can always put the Budbuilt corners on and go back to 35's. Front fenders are in OK shape but was looking to put Metaltech fenders on as well.

So I am asking if anyone has tried this and if so, what are the pitfalls? Thanks.

 

[1974FJ]

What's the suspension status of the 40? Sprung over? What axles you running, Longfield's?, lockers, brakes!?

 

[NVFJ60]

Disc brake convesion, power steering as well. Stock 40 axles with Longfields. Detroit in the rear and a Lockright up front. I don't doany hardcore rock crawling. Right now she has a 2 1/2" spring under from the PO and I upgraded from 33's to 35's with zero trouble. I almost don't believe its only a 2 1/2". But he swears it is. I know the lift may have to be modified, but the ultimate goal would be to keep it as low as possible and still make good use of the 38's. I don't want to lift it sky high in order to get the tires under it.

 

[Tapage]

Let's see if I can help .. 38" on 40 with mild lift ( IIRC 2" Dakar springs )

Pics courtesy of Fantasma4x4 ( MUD user )

 

[NVFJ60]

Awesome. What kind of axles are you running. Spacers? Or back spacing on your wheels? I want that low wide look and stance. Thanks.

Didnt you have a 60 with a soft top? I thought I remebered your handle from the 60 pages on here. I sold mine to a guy with a big family who needed it more than I did. She sure was fun while I had her though. I sure miss the Dana 60's!

 

[Mace]

I've got about 2.5" of lift on my 40 and 39.5" Irocks.

Course, I do not have front fenders, and the rear end has been dovetailed all on 1 ton axles.

With fenders in the front and the stock cruiser axles, you are going to rub pretty badly if you do not limit up-travel severely..

 

[Tapage]

Awesome. What kind of axles are you running. Spacers? Or back spacing on your wheels? I want that low wide look and stance. Thanks.

Didnt you have a 60 with a soft top? I thought I remebered your handle from the 60 pages on here. I sold mine to a guy with a big family who needed it more than I did. She sure was fun while I had her though. I sure miss the Dana 60's!

Some answers ..

1. Not my 40 is Fantasma4x4 40 ..

2. he's running Stock Axles, no spacers not sure about wheels backspacing

3. Yup still have Tencha ( thread on my sign )

 

[ColoCruiserJeff]

Here's my build...FJ80 frame and stock suspension and stock 80 axles. Regeared to 4.56. Running 37's. Puts me nice and low, with plenty of clearance for what trails I like to wheel.

Still have a very long way to go to get it running, but that's the fun! Shes really wide and should be stable too.