Buying lift kit this week...I think. Which one?!

[kuuner]

Looking for 2.5 - 4.0 of lift...or am I?

In Denver with different daily driver so not desparate for time here.

Have bone stock 85' fj60 with no mods whatsover. Springs seem ok (doesn't seem to be much sag if any), but after 20 years I am thinking...time to replace? Shocks... I think they are the original factory equipment. The bushings are non existent....that's how old and faded the shocks are (As limited as my mechanical skills are, I KNOW these need to be replaced). Shackles? I thought shackles was a skin disease. WTF are reversable/greasable/tri, etc.? ...And do I care? Do I need to upgrade?

Putting 33'' MTR's ($800 installed, mounted and balanced out the door is a good price?) on old school 15" Center Line (Already on vehicle) wheels. Current tires are balding...in spots (Bad allignment?) on the front ones (They are 31' BF Goodrich TA's). The thing rolls, hims, haws and creeks like mad right now.

While on line I saw Manafre selling OME at around 1,600 for the whole thing. I saw an OME "Basic" kit for fj60 for around 800. Medium Duty for 1,400. I saw a BDS kit (Who is that?). Does Procomp make kits for 60's? Are they anygood if so?

Objective: Improve worn out suspension. Not going rock crawling but want the ride to be capable if I do go off road (Amateur style for me till I learn WTF I am doing!) eventually. I also want it to look damn good and want 33''s to fit with whatever I put on it.

Budget: I could spend up to 2K for parts and labor on suspension but would vomit after paying it. I am hoping there is a 1K version with same results...or hell, better yet a $250 shocks upgrade so I can get my tires and spend the extra on making sure every leak in the beast is dried up.

Am I on crack to think a suspension kit is something you can open up an instruction manual, start unbolting stuff, throwing old stuff away and bolting back in new stuff? I figure if this is an easy job I would do it and save the labor. If I unbolt something and a spring flies out through three layers of drywall and impales my dog...I probably shouldn't be touching the tools.

Any advice from you 60 veterans would be appreciated. Gotta do it this week!

Thanks in advance.

 

[brett76]

as for the lift i am not sure which one you want. i am also still shopping and deciding for myself. everyone else like ome though.
as for just unbolting stuff. go for it and save yourself a ton of money. its really not that hard to do at all. although having air tools makes it go WAAAY faster

 

[nuclearlemon]

alcans are great for those on a budget. ome's are great for those that have the money. pinnacles suck big chunks, but i think i've covered that. a friend has bds on his and i liked it, but some say it's too rough for them.

 

[cruiser_guy]

I've got BDS and my buddy has OME. His comment was that the OME wasn't worth the premium he paid for it. I don't find the BDS too hard or stiff but mine may have been softened up by several cross continent trips fully loaded (Vancouver to Guatemala City twice loaded to the gills).

If you're going to do it yourself, plan on a weekend if you're not to familiar with tools and yes, I'd go with greaseable anti-inversion shackles and pins as well as all new poly bushings.

 

[High Desert]

That seems a little high on llthose 33s. Are they BFG? You should be able to pick up some 33x10.50/15 for around $150 each, I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm out of line.

You need to "search the forum" and read for a few hours about lifts. I'd get the whole system, no matter what brand you go with. Don't half ass the upgrade, what you don't re-do now will be the weak point waiting to screw you later...

Just a matter of opinion..
hd

 

[lovetoski]

Since you have a daily driver, and your cruiser works, my advice is don't rush into the lift, rather spend a little time making sure you get what makes sense for you.

That said, as all of us who've done a lift on an old cruiser can vouch for, the lifted truck handles better than the old/worn suspension by far.

Check into the FAQ, there are a couple threads on lifts. Read them thoroughly. Also do a search on "lift" and you'll get hundreds of threads.

Read the websites for MAF, SOR, BDS, etc. They are trying to sell you something, so take it with a grain of salt.

How are you with tools? If you can do basic things with tools, and have common sense (like porn - hard to define, but you know it when you see it!) then you can do the install. Read the posts, there are some stories about how the installs went, steps, tools, etc.

Can you find somebody in your area who has a 60 with a lift? If so, see if you can get a ride to see how it works.

Can you find somebody who's done a lift who can help you do yours - even better. It took me a full weekend to do mine, but I'm sure I could do the whole thing in a day now the second time.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I am a true OME fan...
http://www.cruiseroutfitters.com/sus_60series_dakar.html

I truly beleive that most people can install these kits pretty easily. Talk a freind into helping you out, and spend some time spraying everything down with rust buster, etc.

You can save some $$$ on shackles, pins, etc. BUT, alot of times the original stuff doesn't like to come out without damage, so it is nice to not worry about them (including using the torch/hacksaw to remove them if needed). Plan on destroying the U-bolts, not that they should be re-used in any situation.

The OME Nitrocharger shocks are matched to the suspension, thats not to say you can't use some cheaper shocks with the springs, but I wouldn't recomend it, I can refer you to a few that did and came back for the OME stuff.

Good luck!

 

[Tinker]

Goodrich MTRs SUCK in heavy, wet snow. I got a new set last August & got stuck in my driveway in September (7% grade). But then Discount siped them for free 'cause they screwed up my wheel order, & now they're better.

Discount should have about the best price on whatever you're looking for - they'll match online prices (but found out they don't stock Blizzacks for my car).

You'll probably be sorry if you skimp on the suspension. Sounds like you should fix that before you buy tires, though.

 

[Fearnofish!]

I have the OME lift (close to 3 inches). I picked up the entire heavy duty kit. I saved a few bucks by switching out OME shackles pins with another brand but same style and doing it all my self.

I also just finished off a set of BFG ATKO's and they were terrific. Next spirng I will buy another set. I have heard that the MTR's are AWFUL. And with a sale yoiu can find the BFG's for about 110$!!!. Check out tire changing places for a used one to use as a spare.

THe lift was one of the best things I did to the truck. Seemed to tighten the whole thing and I Feel like it ran better afterward. I would not go above 3" though as you will have to change steering and possibley a few other things.

 

[kuuner]

Went to High Country 4X4 today. $850 for BDS 2.5 kit and another grand to install and allign! I didn't thin of Alcan. I'll do some research on their equipment.

I just have this HUGE fear that once I get the truck on jacks the load/tension won't be gone from the springs went I start unbolting stuff and some piece of deadly metal will just whip out and kill someone or worse yet...me!

If I did my own trunion/knuckle rebuild do you think I can do a suspension rebuild? The knuckle job was tedious but it was sooooooo fulfilling to know that the money I saved NOT giving it to the dealer is the money I am spending right now on my suspension. I have air tools and a Visa card, what more do I need?

I have repeatedly heard the Goodyear MTR's aren't all they are cracked up to be. I like the Pro Comp tires, the Nitto 33" is sexy but stupidly expensive and I also like the Micky Thompson tires. Proly go with BFG's. Got them on the Hummer and they are great so far. If I can find them for $110...done deal.

Some guy at a shop told me today..."I'll do the Add-a-Leaf" and put for Rancho 5000 installed for $500 and you'll get a nice budget two inch lift and you can spend the rest on other stuff". Was he wacked?

Thinking of going the self install way as long as I don't have to weld anything. Spend the extra bucks maybe. Leanning towards the OME heavy duty per the thread from "Cruseroutfitter". Seems like a nice kit. Leanning towards the BFG's as well. You guys really know how to lean a guy!

P.S...loved the porn analogy!

 

[Cruisin'Carolina]

Maybe the add-a-leaf, new tires, and a full tune up/ leak fix for the same money will get you where you need to be???

I am going this route.

 

[lovetoski]

I just have this HUGE fear that once I get the truck on jacks the load/tension won't be gone from the springs went I start unbolting stuff and some piece of deadly metal will just whip out and kill someone or worse yet...me!!

If you did the knuckles, you can do the suspension! Only real way to kill yourself is to do a lousy job in securing the truck, and having it fall on you. No joke really, this does happen from time to time. Nothings going to fly off and decapitate you. When you remove the springs, they just fall to the ground. When you remove the u-bolts, the axle just sits there, held in place by the spring.

Use 6 ton jackes for the frame, and 3 ton jackes for the axle. Make sure everything is REALLY secure, and you'll be fine.

 

[lovetoski]

Some guy at a shop told me today..."I'll do the Add-a-Leaf" and put for Rancho 5000 installed for $500 and you'll get a nice budget two inch lift and you can spend the rest on other stuff". Was he wacked?

Only you can make this call. I'm 100% positive that you will love how the OME suspension works. Whether it's worth the money to you, only you can answer. Add-a-leafs + longer shackles can give a lift for a lot less money. It won't work quite as well, but might work well enough for you. If you go the AAL route, use the long ones. The short ones really suck. There are a few on here who run the AAL's + shackles, and are plenty happy with how it works. Doc maybe?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

You can do the suspension yourself and save the $1000. It really is no big deal. I installed a full OME kit (no Dakars then) almost 3 years ago and have been very happy. I had never done a suspension before, and a friend and I had it done in about 6 hours. No rust here though! The Greasable shackles/bushings are great-I squirt a tiny bit of grease in every oil change and no squeeks ever. I would not go to the trouble and expense of a new suspension without greasable shackles. If you don't want the OME ones, the 4+ shackles from MAF are excellent in every way. I wish they were cheaper, but they are super high quality.

Don't forget the stuff that goes with the lift like extended swaybar links, extended brake lines and the like.

On the tire advice above, I think there is some confusion. BF Goodrich makes MTs, not MT/Rs which are a Goodyear tire. I do not like the BFG MTs. They are especially noisy and TERRIBLE in the rain. I'm running a set I got cheap on my FJ60, but when they wear out, never again. Goodyear MT/Rs, on the other hand, are great tires. I have two sets and they are excellent in all conditions.

 

[nuclearlemon]

Went to High Country 4X4 today. $850 for BDS 2.5 kit and another grand to install and allign! I didn't thin of Alcan. I'll do some research on their equipment.

I just have this HUGE fear that once I get the truck on jacks the load/tension won't be gone from the springs went I start unbolting stuff and some piece of deadly metal will just whip out and kill someone or worse yet...me!

If I did my own trunion/knuckle rebuild do you think I can do a suspension rebuild? The knuckle job was tedious but it was sooooooo fulfilling to know that the money I saved NOT giving it to the dealer is the money I am spending right now on my suspension. I have air tools and a Visa card, what more do I need?

I have repeatedly heard the Goodyear MTR's aren't all they are cracked up to be. I like the Pro Comp tires, the Nitto 33" is sexy but stupidly expensive and I also like the Micky Thompson tires. Proly go with BFG's. Got them on the Hummer and they are great so far. If I can find them for $110...done deal.

Some guy at a shop told me today..."I'll do the Add-a-Leaf" and put for Rancho 5000 installed for $500 and you'll get a nice budget two inch lift and you can spend the rest on other stuff". Was he wacked?

Thinking of going the self install way as long as I don't have to weld anything. Spend the extra bucks maybe. Leanning towards the OME heavy duty per the thread from "Cruseroutfitter". Seems like a nice kit. Leanning towards the BFG's as well. You guys really know how to lean a guy!

P.S...loved the porn analogy!

rancho 5000's....RUN!!! RUN FAST!!! horrible shock
the lift really is easy...for someone who's never done it, figure a full day for the time you spend drinking beer while waiting for the pb blaster you forgot to spray the day before to soak in. air tools really make it a piece of cake. if you don't have them, rent or do it at someone's house that does. (i'm home most of the time on weekends...north denver area)

i like the bfgs. they wear forever. mt/r's are like swampers...six months later they're worn.

 

[CruisinGA]

Goodyear MT/Rs, on the other hand, are great tires. I have two sets and they are excellent in all conditions.

You don't deal with mud much, do ya?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

You don't deal with mud much, do ya?

True enough-all rocks here! IH8MUD. Mud is for tards.

 

[Exiled]

True enough-all rocks here! IH8MUD. Mud is for tards.

Amen!

Here's another tip:

Buy a couple of cans of PB Blaster, and tomorrow, after the snow clears, spray all of your suspension components liberally, especially all bolts. Drive it for a few days, then repeat the process. Do this a few more times, then the day before you're having buddies come out to help you do the suspension swap, spray more PB Blaster all over the suspension components. It will soak up and make the 20-yr old nuts/bolts a lot easier to remove!

 

[yetiman]

The lift install is not that hard. The but the effort is well rewarded it is a world of difference from your worn out old spring almost like a new truck. I have the BDS lift with poly bushings and anti-inversion shackles and greasable pins (liquid offroad) and I really like it. It might ride a little firm empty but I always have it loaded down with mountain bikes and gear and people, and i like the ride. the PB blaster advice is an absolute must it will save you hours, make sure and really soak the inner shackle pins really well, they can really be a booger to get out if the pins and bushing have tried to become one.
good luck!!

 

[WAVEPIMP]

Any of you guys running BDS, did you use caster shims? I'm wanting to get a BDS with 2" shackel and was wondering if I need to use those 4 degree or 6 degree shims? I drive alot of freeway miles and want my steering to be pretty good when I'm cruizing on Houston freeways.

thanks james