BDS Lift Question....

[sourcemine]

once again pardon the noobness, I'm trying to particpate on this forum when I can, and I check and read it 2-3 times a day, if not more..

I purchased my new FJ62 as a daily driver, not a weekend vehicle, not a family car, just a run of the mill hopefully very dependable fun to drive daily driver with some style and to start getting into landcruisers and learn about 4x4's.

In2Cruisers put a BDS 2.5" lift kit on the vehicle and although I don't mind it, I'm wondering if I might be happier with another route.

I live in an apartment complex so I can't clear my driveway to park my car if I raise it up anymore, it's already around 2.5"-3" with 33's.

I'm wondering what the labor units is on switching out the suspension components, how much I could sell the 1400 miles used BDS lift kit, and lastly..

If I want to get the best ride without going overboard what would be a better alternative, I saw CCOT has some nice leaf springs and shackles and they only add a 1.5" lift, not sure if that'd clear the 33's, but right now there is PLENTY of room in there.

Would I just need to move the extenders on some of the components and get new leafs and struts?

Where can I get good leafs or what would good leafs be for daily driving? and what struts would give a nice riding FJ? I know OME is good for off-road and on-road, I imagine its similar to the BDS though...

In summary..
1. Labor units to swap suspension?
2. Approx. selling price to sell a BDS used kit with under 2000mi(is there even a market? for used stuff)?
3. What new suspension would you guys suggest?
4. Will 33's clear your recommended setup, or should I go down to 31's? ('d probably gain a MPG or two also loosing the 33's too huh?

Is this dumb? if all the work for the lift has been done should I just enjoy it as is, or seek something more tailored to my taste for the time being...

If anything later down the road I'd like to go on some light trails on southern california/nevada/arizona, nothing to intense just places to explore and go camping possibly.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[DocB]

I did a re arch/add a leaf lift and still got 2 inches over stock. 2.5 in is not that much; not extreme at all. 33 inch tires , especially wide ones, can beat you up on the road, if driven daily. You might consider a narrower tire instead of a shorter one. I run 32X11.50 on my 60, and it rides good but is not a daily driver. Consider finding a 33X10.50; nothing too agressive, if you can. Also, remember that your leaf springs will soften over time and ride better, especially when off roaded some. You will lose a little lift over time too. Also try a lighter shock, put some cheap non nitro charged shocks on there and see how it rides (KYB , etc). It may ride less stiff/better on the road. Basically, you have a decent and mild lift on there now; labor to take it off would be a PITA, I don't think you would be happy going back to stock sagged springs; they would need to be re arched more $$$; you could sell your wider tires after you find some narrower ones. Also, you get more MPG with a taller tire due to the built in overdrive of taller tires.

 

[89s rule]

I am in the market for that lift. Dont knwo waht it would be worth though. let me know if you decide to move it out. Thanks!

 

[JDub]

Do you have greasable shackles and spring pins on your Cruiser? If not, you might think about adding some.

I'm a new FJ62 owner and I installed new OME springs and shocks a couple of hundred miles ago. The ride quality improvement over my stock (worn out) springs was significant! However, I just installed greasable shackles on the front today and greased the greasable spring pins that I had previously installed and noticed a more "fluid " ride. When I can afford to do the same to the rear, I will.

I don't know anything about the BDS springs and shocks, but the OME light springs and shocks are very comfortable on and off road.

 

[87CRUSR]

I was looking at the BDS lift myself. How much did you pay? What did you end up doing if anything?

 

[sourcemine]

Who are you asking? this was just posted yesterday..

 

[87CRUSR]

My bad SOURCE I didn't pay attention to the date

 

[sourcemine]

My bad SOURCE I didn't pay attention to the date

either way check out liquid off road, they seem to have good prices on most suspension setups.