Hi all. I am in the middle of a quandary...
Just rolled 200,000 on my 1998, just before I had my total knee replacement. NORMALLY I would be considering doing the pending work myself, but being exactly 1-month removed, I am months from being mobile enough to actually manage the work. The new reality of my new knee at 36. Sucks Up front apologies for any rambling...still on meds.
So my first dilemma...suspension. It is currently OEM across the board (shocks, springs, bushings, etc). Stock wheels running TA KO2s for the winter (LOVE these tires!), and no real desire to run oversized ever. Only selfish improvement I want is a Slee Blueberry sometime this year. Currently it is not incredibly squishy or splashy by any means. Not nearly as tight as new obviously, but people are amazed how nice it is given the age.
There seems to be some debate whether the bushings (which are certainly showing their age) are replaceable or not. As well, since my goal is to refresh this baby to last me another 200K and give to my daughter (currently 6-years old), I am not really on the lift-kit train (unless someone feels strongly about the kit's benefits over stock). I am also a little leery of ego-only upgrades given my 4-wheeling consists of the best Oregon has to offer in highway trips, snowy mountain roads when skiing, fire roads when hunting, etc. Rock crawling and the highly technical 4-wheeling just is not in my schedule for now. I do tow with it and load rather heavy for projects, hunting, etc., so airbags might be a thought.
I tend to lean toward Bilstein in other vehicles, have no experience directly with OME, but am open minded to you all. I have great respect for Slee on here, however, I have never had hands on or seen anyone with their gear.
So the main question I have after giving all you experts that nutshell of an update...given my goals and wanting to have as many things done simultaneously as reasonably possible, do I bite the bullet and replace all control arms, tierods, springs, etc? Or can I work this in stages (not independently wealthy obviously) or omit certain items to refresh this area? Given my current health status I am afraid I am going to have to spend the $ on a shop to do the work for me......so knowing exactly what I am doing before reaching out to one is a big deal for me.
As I said, if the Community has a strong opinion on lifts or kits or upgrades outside this basic nutshell I live in I am all ears. I like how the Cruiser rides, have always preferred the stiffer end of the spectrum with both my trucks and go-fast cars (used to race SCCA and some sponsored events), so please let me have it.
I know there are a litany of items like timing belt and such that are probably on the docket sooner or later, but for now she runs like a top and is smooth as silk.
Thank you all! You have provided so much good reading and entertainment during this rehab it has been immeasurable. If anyone really wants to see my current surgical "suspension" upgrades I would be happy to post pics
Just rolled 200,000 on my 1998, just before I had my total knee replacement. NORMALLY I would be considering doing the pending work myself, but being exactly 1-month removed, I am months from being mobile enough to actually manage the work. The new reality of my new knee at 36. Sucks Up front apologies for any rambling...still on meds.
So my first dilemma...suspension. It is currently OEM across the board (shocks, springs, bushings, etc). Stock wheels running TA KO2s for the winter (LOVE these tires!), and no real desire to run oversized ever. Only selfish improvement I want is a Slee Blueberry sometime this year. Currently it is not incredibly squishy or splashy by any means. Not nearly as tight as new obviously, but people are amazed how nice it is given the age.
There seems to be some debate whether the bushings (which are certainly showing their age) are replaceable or not. As well, since my goal is to refresh this baby to last me another 200K and give to my daughter (currently 6-years old), I am not really on the lift-kit train (unless someone feels strongly about the kit's benefits over stock). I am also a little leery of ego-only upgrades given my 4-wheeling consists of the best Oregon has to offer in highway trips, snowy mountain roads when skiing, fire roads when hunting, etc. Rock crawling and the highly technical 4-wheeling just is not in my schedule for now. I do tow with it and load rather heavy for projects, hunting, etc., so airbags might be a thought.
I tend to lean toward Bilstein in other vehicles, have no experience directly with OME, but am open minded to you all. I have great respect for Slee on here, however, I have never had hands on or seen anyone with their gear.
So the main question I have after giving all you experts that nutshell of an update...given my goals and wanting to have as many things done simultaneously as reasonably possible, do I bite the bullet and replace all control arms, tierods, springs, etc? Or can I work this in stages (not independently wealthy obviously) or omit certain items to refresh this area? Given my current health status I am afraid I am going to have to spend the $ on a shop to do the work for me......so knowing exactly what I am doing before reaching out to one is a big deal for me.
As I said, if the Community has a strong opinion on lifts or kits or upgrades outside this basic nutshell I live in I am all ears. I like how the Cruiser rides, have always preferred the stiffer end of the spectrum with both my trucks and go-fast cars (used to race SCCA and some sponsored events), so please let me have it.
I know there are a litany of items like timing belt and such that are probably on the docket sooner or later, but for now she runs like a top and is smooth as silk.
Thank you all! You have provided so much good reading and entertainment during this rehab it has been immeasurable. If anyone really wants to see my current surgical "suspension" upgrades I would be happy to post pics
