Lift kit/tires this month...need help.

[whereischadjones]

Ok Guys,

I'm not going with the Slee lift...what is the average/standard lift everyone here runs? OME/TJM or J springs? Just send me a link to where I can buy the right kit! I was recently in powdery sand in my jeep and wonder how the Land Cruisers do in very soft sand...I'm worried about the weight and sinking in! Would a 35x12.50 tire be enough, or do people run wider tires? I just want a proven lift/spring/shock/tire combo that people have used alot. I'd like 35 (or metric equivalent) tires...I'll be running 4.88 gearing with that size, not the 5.29. A buddy of mine says tires cost less for 15 inch wheels vs 16, 16.5 or 17 inches...is this correct? I'd like to have it done by the end of this month. I'm planning on having Sean in Sacramento do the gears unless there is someone closer that really knows their stuff! The wife leaves this weekend and when she comes back, I really want the new boat and lifted Land Cruiser waiting for her in the driveway!

By the way, a buddy of mine with a built 4Runner wanted to know if he could tag along with us if we ever make it out...I told him we'd probably charge him some beer to be seen with us.

Thanks, Gentlemen.
(my cell is 530-755-8808) if it is faster/easier to leave a voice message instead of typing.)

 

[LandCrawler]

Rather be seen with a 4Runner than a Jeep

For sand, lockers and low air pressure are your friend. Wheel spin is your enemy. I think a 12.50 would be plenty wide.

 

[whereischadjones]

Thanks. Now I just need a quick link or a "go copy what this guy did" and I'll be set! It's just confusing with all the possibilities...some people use stainless brake lines from slee, tjm shocks and metal tech spacers. I don't want to forget something...that's why I'm looking for an idiot/Chad-proof kit! I hope some of the "professionals" who turn wrenches for a living can chime in, too, as they'll be the ones I ask for help when I put this on. Perhaps I should just call Christo and tell him what I want...I hear good things about him, can I trust him to put a complete kit together for me? I just don't want an overly expensive setup...or is it better to just bite the bullet and buy the $2500 4" lift?

 

[LandCrawler]

Alot of people build their rigs specific to their style of off-road.

If you copied a rock crawlers setup, your results in the sand will be poor. If you build your rig to play on the beach, you might have problems when you want to crawl over some granite.

maybe more information on what you are going to do with your rig?

I myself have a simple body lift, and am still on 33" tires... so i don't have a lot to contribute.

 

[whereischadjones]

A few times per year, I'd like to go on some trails that won't completely destroy my truck and ruin all my sheetmetal. Most offroad use will be sand/mud/snow for camping/fishing/hunting/launching boats. So...not a real rock-crawler...but would like to run the Rubicon once or twice! I wanted 37's and 5.29 gears...but then all my "rock-crawling" buddies at work pointed out I'm not a real rock crawler and even if I was...the 80 series is not the first choice! Hope that helps! I believe a 4 inch lift with armor, winch, sliders, lockers, 4.88's and 35" or so tires is more than I'll ever need. I'm just looking for a SOLID setup that is tried and true...and not $20k. Is that too much to ask? Maybe...but lets just start with articulation: lift/gears/tires. The rest will come later.

 

[LandCrawler]

I would go with a 4" lift and 35's

Im pretty sure a 4" will require no modifications. Just new springs and new shocks. You should be able to install it in your driveway.

 

[matttaylor1976]

Definitely need front brake line at 4", or adjust the mounting plate where the front line attaches to the frame. With the j lift and 1" spacer in the front of mine, the brake line was tight. I extended the mounting plate down 2" in the front, and now have just enough at full flex. When i get home i'll post some links for you on the parts you will need.

 

[whereischadjones]

I'll let you know what happens tomorrow. I'm hoping to talk to Christo and then place my order for the 4 or 6 inch lift based on his recommendations. I will tell you I'd rather regret going too big instead of not big enough.

 

[whereischadjones]

And yes, I know I said I wouldn't get the Slee. I just dig that it has everything in the kit...no piecing crap together. Plus, I've never heard anything bad about his stuff. Go ahead and tease me...my wife said I'm acting like she does when deciding on shoes. I told her I wish this only cost as much as a pair of shoes...

 

[matttaylor1976]

If i would have had the cash i would have gone with a full kit, so i cant fault ya! It will make the lift that much simpler.

 

[norcalsvx]

Soft sand has a lot to do with your tire selection ( MUDs dig in more) your gonna want to try to float but its tough to do with a 5000 pound 80