Another lift question thread

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Irish11

Irish11

10 Year
Joined
Jan 23, 2012
Threads
116
Messages
1,061
Location
Everett, Wa
Before anyone says it, yes I searched. Then I searched more, and after that I searched. Also, I am not going to go SOA.

I am looking at a 4" lift for my 1977 FJ40. I plan on using it for light wheeling (ExPo style) dirt road running, camping, and driving around in the city. I want to run 33x10.5r15's so 4" is what I can do that with comfortably. I am running without a top in the summer and undecided on the winter, I have a hard top but it needs a rebuild or I might run a soft top.

Here is my lift question. I am on a decently tight budget so I am thinking of running Rough Country. I have a deal on a lift with some store credit where I can walk away with a 4" kit for $350. I figured I would check and see if the springs were really that rough. I know its a SWB rig on leafs so I am not expecting a miracle. I was debating running bilstein shocks down the road and thought they might help a little. Has anyone tired this combo? I know HFS is popular but I don't have the discount with them so would they be worth the extra money? Thoughts?
 
Hi Irish11, long time, no see!

For the Rough Country leaf springs I'd would try to get some more technical specifications about them. For example, if the rear leaf packs are three leaf I'd be wary; these usually ride rough.

Good luck,

Alan


Irish11 said:
Before anyone says it, yes I searched. Then I searched more, and after that I searched. Also, I am not going to go SOA.

I am looking at a 4" lift for my 1977 FJ40. I plan on using it for light wheeling (ExPo style) dirt road running, camping, and driving around in the city. I want to run 33x10.5r15's so 4" is what I can do that with comfortably. I am running without a top in the summer and undecided on the winter, I have a hard top but it needs a rebuild or I might run a soft top.

Here is my lift question. I am on a decently tight budget so I am thinking of running Rough Country. I have a deal on a lift with some store credit where I can walk away with a 4" kit for $350. I figured I would check and see if the springs were really that rough. I know its a SWB rig on leafs so I am not expecting a miracle. I was debating running bilstein shocks down the road and thought they might help a little. Has anyone tired this combo? I know HFS is popular but I don't have the discount with them so would they be worth the extra money? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
 
If you only want to run 33's 2.5 inches is plenty. You would only need 4 if you were trying to run 35's. I run 33 12.50 15 on my 40 with 2.5 inches. and it is fine. It going to run ride rough.
 
Hey Alan! I was going to post up on the email too, but I thought I would try here first. Hopefully I can get a lift on this thing so I can put the new tires/wheels on there and drive it to the next meeting, haha.

Thanks for in input guys. I was going back and forth between the 2.5" and 4". I will look into the 2.5" options! (that will let it fit better in the garage as well). I was just worried about droop when the springs settle. I don't want to destroy my freshly painted and uncut fenders.

Any verdict on Pro-Comp? I can pick up a pro-comp 2.5" kit for $350 shipped. That's a hard price to pass up on as well. I was looking at OME, HFS, and Skyjacker, but for that price difference I might go with the Pro-Comp and spend the extra funds on nicer shackles and fix other cruiser issues.
 
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Here is an example of 2.5" lift accept the tires are 33x12.5-15.

DSC00312.webp


Yes, that is ride height as the jack stands are under the axles.
 
I run the 4" Skyjackers - now on 315s with a 1" body lift - I would buy them again

4 Wheel Parts, Summit and others occasionally run specials on Skyjackers
 
After more searching I keep going back and forth. The 2.5" lift seems like a good way to go but I am worried about it sagging overtime. I really like the look of 1911's FJ40 with the 4" lift and 33's. So I am leaning back towards that. Between Rough Country and Skyjacker seem to be my options. Skyjacker is a little above my price range, but I was wondering if their lift really makes that much of a difference. And at that price HFS is a contender too. I would really like to keep it below $900. Thoughts?
 
Irish11 said:
After more searching I keep going back and forth. The 2.5" lift seems like a good way to go but I am worried about it sagging overtime. I really like the look of 1911's FJ40 with the 4" lift and 33's. So I am leaning back towards that. Between Rough Country and Skyjacker seem to be my options. Skyjacker is a little above my price range, but I was wondering if their lift really makes that much of a difference. And at that price HFS is a contender too. I would really like to keep it below $900. Thoughts?[/QUOT


I have just recently installed this 2.5" OME lift as well as 33X12.50X15 tires. Note, my rear wheel openings are not cut. I don't plan on flexing my rig, thus I don't have any worries about rear openings being as close as they are.

IMG_0319.webp


IMG_0320.webp
Click to expand...
 
Irish11 said:
After more searching I keep going back and forth. The 2.5" lift seems like a good way to go but I am worried about it sagging overtime. I really like the look of 1911's FJ40 with the 4" lift and 33's. So I am leaning back towards that. Between Rough Country and Skyjacker seem to be my options. Skyjacker is a little above my price range, but I was wondering if their lift really makes that much of a difference. And at that price HFS is a contender too. I would really like to keep it below $900. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I have just recently installed this 2.5" OME lift as well as 33X12.50X15 tires. Note, my rear wheel openings are not cut. I don't plan on flexing my rig, thus I don't have any worries about rear openings being as close as they are.

IMG_0319.webp


IMG_0320.webp
 
I went with the HFS 4 inch springs and am very happy with them. Installed in 2004 and have only sagged an inch since then. Stay away from Rough Country unless you like it rough. Good luck! :cool:

0727131325.webp
 
cruiserkev said:
I went with the HFS 4 inch springs and am very happy with them. Installed in 2004 and have only sagged an inch since then. Stay away from Rough Country unless you like it rough. Good luck! :cool:
Click to expand...

Yours and 1911's rigs are actually ones I saved on my computer before I had mine painted. I used them a sort of build notes. I think I am going to stick with the 4" plan. Its not a DD and its just a for fun kind or rig so I might as well make it right. Noted on the Rough Country.

Thanks everyone else for the input. I have another few weeks before I can pull the trigger so I know I'll put in more research, but this definitely helps.
 
Alright new idea. 4" skyjacker lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks. I can pick this up for $1175 shipped. I have $425 in credit with the site so I actually can have the lift for $750 out of pocket. I will need extended break lines, but I think that's about it. What is everyone's thoughts on this setup?
 
Don't mind my rough country at all... ive owned several vehicles over the years and I can't say the suspension of the cruiser bothers me at all nor is it any more different than the othe old trucks I've owned.

Now the noise and heat? That's a different story...
 
Irish11 said:
Alright new idea. 4" skyjacker lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks. I can pick this up for $1175 shipped. I have $425 in credit with the site so I actually can have the lift for $750 out of pocket. I will need extended brake lines, but I think that's about it. What is everyone's thoughts on this setup?
Click to expand...

I finally have the funds for the $750. I bought the 33x10.5R15's and got my used factory steelies powder coated two weeks ago. I am just waiting on the lift and cannot make up my mind. I know I will needed the brake lines, but I don't foresee needing anything else. Anyone have any drastic reason why I shouldn't go with this option?
 
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I have heard good things about skyjackers. With that much credit, it would be a no brainer. The Bilsteins would be a good move also. You will want extended brake lines and maybe front caster shims to keep stock steering geometry. Longer shackles will be needed to allow the longer springs to flatten out during compression. You will also want extended bump stops. Maybe a taller garage door to top it off:) Finally a can opener for the can of worms you are about to open...
 
I have not been able to find the answers on this, but what shackle length will I need for 4" springs? Ive been searching and there seems o be no definitive answer. Anywhere from stock shackles to 4" longer seems to be the answer. So needless to say I'm a little lost.
 
Running a 4 inch lift, 33x10.50 BFG's on 15x8 rims. I like the extra flex clearance.
25150-1394211182-b123eda43053c6a428bc1d6232d65249.jpg
 
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