Interim 1"lift

[revkev]

I am plopping on some 265/70/17 Cooper Discoverer ATPs next week on stock suspension. I hear this is the max size and I may get a little rubbing. Just had a kid, so there will be no expeditions this year (which gives me plenty of time for my build and source most of my parts used). Not sure if the Coops will rub, but thinking of just putting some 1" spacers as a preemptive measure. All my $$ is going to diapers, nanny, and pretty soon expensive daycare in $an Franci$co so trying to keep this on the cheap thus I am opting for 1" spacers for the front suspension.

1. Has anyone done this and could you tell a difference in handling (to the negative)?
2. Is there an official spacer for the 120 (like OME is to the LCs)?
3. I need to look into the adjustable Billsteins 5100 everyone raves about w/ OME coils. If I can score both of those for under $200, I may opt for that since that will be in the rigs future anyway.
4. Finally, will 1" be enough to avoid rubbing (for pavement driving)?

Thanks!!

 

[chitown40]

You shouldn't need any lift to clear 265/70/R17. IF you have any rubbing, it is usually when backing up and at full lock of the steering wheel.

 

[revkev]

Yup...that's why I wonder if a 1" lift will make tight U's and backing up rub free. My wheels will also have a -6 offset.

 

[Scat Adams]

Go with coils and shocks, spacers are never a good idea.

 

[revkev]

Hey Scat, I saw the thread at Toy120 where you were against spacers. So you reco Billsteins 5100 and OME coils? If so, which. If I do opt for this direction, I would get the adjustable 5100's (looking on 4wheelprts now and there are a few, which do you recommend)? Right now, leaving the rear alone and just want to lift front 1-1.25" so I get ZERO tire rub. Thanks

 

[madtoy]

Cutting and moving some plastic is much cheaper and better than a spacer. I fit 285's on stock suspension with no rubbing. Just some minor trimming, and a cab mount chop. But the price was right

 

[chitown40]

Definitely avoid the spacer - it's not worth the work to install for the benefit. I'd try out the 265/70 tires without lift for now, plan on Bilsteins and your choice of a coil F & R for the future. I would also wait to lift it if you don't absolutely have to. I have two young kids and a moderately short wife and having them climb in and out of a lifted truck was not fun for them. Also, with a new baby, you don't need the extra height. Save your cash for the right parts and when you NEED to replace your suspension, do the big upgrade. Hopefully your child will be older and into climbing so getting them in and out won't be a big deal.

Also, nice former rigs. I used to have a 1989 FJ62 and a 1979 280ZX. Both were awesome.

 

[revkev]

I think the extra height will be OK. I like how the car seat is almost level and i dont have to bend over and crank my back. Plus, and here comes a little TMI, our newborn needs to eat every 3 hours so when we are out and about, and if it is not convenient to go home, my wife nurses in the car. So a little more privacy.

I was sooooo not ready to sell my FJ. But one day I set up the car seat and realized that even though it was a tank, it lacked modern safety. I'm sure it was fine, but I like the preventative safety features like anti lock brakes. Ummm, do you also have a Prius? haha, my DD. : (

 

[chitown40]

I think the extra height will be OK. I like how the car seat is almost level and i dont have to bend over and crank my back. Plus, and here comes a little TMI, our newborn needs to eat every 3 hours so when we are out and about, and if it is not convenient to go home, my wife nurses in the car. So a little more privacy.

I was sooooo not ready to sell my FJ. But one day I set up the car seat and realized that even though it was a tank, it lacked modern safety. I'm sure it was fine, but I like the preventative safety features like anti lock brakes. Ummm, do you also have a Prius? haha, my DD. : (

Nope no Prius.

I'm in love with the 60 series trucks and have had several of them. Heck I even won one in a raffle several years back. But, living in the Chicago area, a Land Cruiser is nothing but a pavement pounder most of the time, so I agree that it's hard to sacrifice the safety and comfort of a new Lexus for an old rough-driving classic like a 62. I have two kids now and I had to start thinking more practically and responsibly. There will be a time for 60 again someday, like when I need to give my GX to one of little girls for their first car and dad needs something cool to drive in his retirement.

 

[revkev]

I was soooo not ready to sell the 62. Just kind of happened...plus I got 3x what I paid, which made it hard. But I thought about her for a couple of weeks. The buyer flew in from NY to road trip across the US back there. He said he would post on his Instagram so I followed him and saw my rig and just stared and longed. I too will return to the 60/62 but must say, I do like the GX's better MPG, the ability to pass cars up hill on a highway, and knowing I have several layers of safety. Have been eying 380Z/ZX's too.