Are you level or stinky?

[3D FJ]

So since i've had everything on the truck for a bit of time, I've started to fine tune my t-bars. I have a bit of thread left on the adjustment bolt before i have to reindex. I started thinking a little. Should i go to an inch lower than the rear, or should i go level? I read a lot about many of you who've done both. I'd like to see if there is any correlation between doing one vs another and the frequency of any type of problem there associated. Of course the higher you go, there is more likelihood of issues with the cv's. But are there other issues?

Here's the question then..

After lifting the truck, are you level or not, and since getting to that stance, what problems have you had if any?

 

[petrotk40]

I've had it both ways, you want the rake. I don't think it'll cause different issues, I just won't ride or handle as well without that 1" rake.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

I have 1.5" of rake because I ran out of droop. I think you want .75-1" of rake to keep the weight distribution right. No CV leakage problems yet.

 

[pfran42]

You want 1" rake. Get the front too high and you'll start noticing all sorts of issues with torque steer, bump compliance, drifting, droop etc.

 

[Nottajeep]

I got the 1" stinky and the ride is good.
Would love more front lift for clearance, but DD ride quality takes the priority.

 

[2000UZJ]

I have ran all setups, mad stinky (2+" rake), stinky(1" rake), and level (.25" rake). I can say mad stinky drove the absolute best at high speed and offroad, but looked stupid. Stinky was great all around, somedays it looked stupid, some days it looked fine. Level (current setup, 2.8" of lift upfront) is pretty twitchy at high speeds (~100MPH), offroad you top the front end out quite a bit and on the road there is bump steer (?), torque steer, takes more steering wheel to keep it straight, murders gas mileage, but looks 100% better than everything else. I plan on running the 2.8" of lift upfront for several months and dropping it for a complete comparision between all the setups I have ran. I'm 1 month/3,500 miles with this setup and haven't had any major issues other than CV boots leaking.

 

[mister bean]

You want 1" rake. Get the front too high and you'll start noticing all sorts of issues with torque steer, bump compliance, drifting, droop etc.

Well, that explains all those things I've been experiencing. Mine was level, or maybe slightly higher in the front when I bought it. Maybe this weekend I can try to give it back a little rake.

What's the best way to measure? Bottom of hub to fender?

 

[rusty_tlc]

Well, that explains all those things I've been experiencing. Mine was level, or maybe slightly higher in the front when I bought it. Maybe this weekend I can try to give it back a little rake.

What's the best way to measure? Bottom of hub to fender?

We measured mine from the concrete driveway to top of the fender well.

Mine rides stink bug empty and almost level when loaded for a trip or towing our little trailer. Drives fine either way.

 

[pkelly72]

stinky by design

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

Stinky.

But, that is un-laden. You load up the cargo area with gear, fridge, fuel/water cans on the rack on back and it sits level-ish.

I DD it stinky and no problems

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[no-pistons]

From center of hub to the fender I have 20.5" up front and 22" in the back when the truck is empty and it drives and wheels very nicely. The back does squat down 0.5-.75" when loaded up, but it still drives nicely.

Anyone know what these measurements are on a stock rig? Forgot to measure myself before I lifted it.

 

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

Good Lord..I had no idea the different levels of stink that existed for my set up...

My rig rides like my feet smell...Stinky

 

[bkgee]

What's the best way to measure? Bottom of hub to fender?

I've seen most measurements on this forum from center of hub to bottom of fender lip

Anyone know what these measurements are on a stock rig? Forgot to measure myself before I lifted it.

Here are a couple reports https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/557722-goal-get-stock-ride-height.html#post7331619

 

[5Cruiser]

1.5 or so of rake when day trip loaded, nearly level for 5 day trip

 

[3D FJ]

You want 1" rake. Get the front too high and you'll start noticing all sorts of issues with torque steer, bump compliance, drifting, droop etc.

This also happens when you lift the truck, and have a really out of wack alignment and don't get it corrected. Ask me how i know! Know what a tank slapper is? I've experienced something like this with the truck.

I'm going to remeasure tomorrow morning. I'm pretty sure i have about a 1" to 1.5" rake right now. Then it's off to the tire shop and then off to a weekend of wheeling. Nothing like doing things last minute. I just finished installing stan's (NCFJ) rear LCA's. Now i can get another alignment tomorrow.

 

[jemsec]

When I added OME t-bars and 865 spgs., set mine perfectly level at first using frame to ground measurements. Experienced torque steer and other issues. Added ARB and winch. The extra weight lowered the front by about 1" and all steering issues went away. Think I'll leave it just like it is allthough I like the level look it drives just fine now. Replaced cv boots and not having any problems.

 

[stinkyfj60]

stinky is level for now...

 

[hks3sgte]

Stinky FTW

 

[Brock]

have about 1.5 inch rake....level it does not handle well and I get lots of torgue steer. a little stink and everything went back to normal.

stinky and proud!



Stink is the NEW Level!!!!!

 

[Supra88]

Mine is at 21.5" up front, just about level, and has terrible handling. I'm going lower it this weekend to see if that helps.