Lift on 2011 LC -- need advice

[mwm4211]

LC newbie here—I did read the FAQs. Thanks to all who make this forum so informative. Just purchased a stock 2011 (a dream of mine) and am seeking thoughts on a modest lift. The vehicle will be my wife’s kid hauler and our camping vehicle for the next 5-7 years then I can do some more significant mods. Over the next 5-7 years we’ll be doing very mellow off-roading—things it could probably do stock. That said, currently she looks a bit like a mall crawler. I’d like to do a 2” lift at a reasonable cost and am thinking about front spacers with new rear coil springs (OME).

My main objective is 1. lift for larger tires at some point, 2. ascetics, and 3. allow for more clearance/reduce chances of undercarriage damage. Cost is an issue—I can do this for ~$1,000 less than OME 2” lift.

I realize that the proper 2” lift would perform much better but given how the vehicle will be used in the near term, this might be a viable option.

Any reason I should not pursue this option?

 

[mwm4211]

Clarification:
"I realize that the proper 2” lift would perform much better but given how the vehicle will be used in the near term, this might be a viable option."

I meant to say:
" "I realize that the proper 2” lift would perform much better but given how the vehicle will be used in the near term, the spacer/coil option may be viable."
Any reason I should not pursue this option?

 

[MScruiser]

Get an IronMan Foam Cell Pro kit. If it too much money, save up until you have enough. It's worth every penny. Just my $0.02

 

[Angelo1]

Get an IronMan Foam Vell Pro kit. If it too much money, save up until you have enough. It's worth every penny. Just my $0.02

How does that kit compare/differences/quality to the BP-51?

 

[Willy beamin]

Foam cell doesn't have the adjustability the BP-51 does for compression and dampening and the BP-51 is about $2000 more. - if you go with the UCA included kit that Slee offers
For a third of the price on the BP-51's you could just replace the whole Ironman system once it hits the wall. if you look at the two you can figure out the differences in quality. I'm not knocking one or the other, that comparison boils down to what you want to spend and what your needs are.

For a grand you can go the OME 2" lift kit route - if a bit more is doable then the Iron man is an option and I think it yields more height gain from my understanding - I could be mistaken but I don't think I am

 

[MScruiser]

And let us not forget the Ironman has an actual warranty; something the BP-51 and basic OME kit do NOT have.

Keep in mind too, that the Foam Cells are rebuildable, though I haven't seen someone go through the rebuild process yet...

 

[Atx Cruiser]

I have the ironman foam cell pro kit on my 2013 and love it. Not too much of a loss in ride comfort and it handles great. No complaints. I have not tried any other aftermarket suspension.

 

[codyaustin5]

And let us not forget the Ironman has an actual warranty; something the BP-51 and basic OME kit do NOT have.

Keep in mind too, that the Foam Cells are rebuildable, though I haven't seen someone go through the rebuild process yet...

The BP-51 has a 3 year 37k mile warranty and rebuildable. What do you mean for actual warranty?

 

[MScruiser]

Huh?

I was wrong. My understanding was that the BP's did not have a warranty.

My bad. Doh.

 

[codyaustin5]

Huh?

I was wrong. My understanding was that the BP's did not have a warranty.

My bad. Doh.

Lol No worries. Just curious what you meant by real warranty? What does ironman offer?

 

[MScruiser]

I can't remember. Think it's 60,000 km's

 

[mwm4211]

Does anyone have an opinion on my front spacers with new rear coil springs (OME) question vs a proper OME 2" lift? (original thread post)

My main objective is 1. lift for larger tires at some point, 2. ascetics, and 3. allow for more clearance/reduce chances of undercarriage damage. Cost is an issue—I can do this for ~$1,000 less than OME 2” lift.

thanks

 

[kreiten]

One of the main reasons I put the lift kit on (other than to fit larger tires) was due to the way the stock suspension handled at speed on dirt roads. When I would hit washboard roads at say 20MPH or higher the front end would get a floating feel to it, not a great feeling! After getting a proper suspension I can now hit washboard and rough roads at speed and feel 100% in control. Most of the suspension problems I had felt with the stock suspension were in the front end(IMO) so adding rear OME springs and just spacers in the front in my opinion will not solve what I consider the main problems with the stock suspension. Better suspension is not just for hardcore offroad but for proper handling while on dirt roads etc... I think you would be better off waiting until you can get a proper suspension system, even if you are just camping on forest service roads you will have better control and feel safer, just my 2 cents...

 

[Reckless]

One of the main reasons I put the lift kit on (other than to fit larger tires) was due to the way the stock suspension handled at speed on dirt roads. When I would hit washboard roads at say 20MPH or higher the front end would get a floating feel to it, not a great feeling! After getting a proper suspension I can now hit washboard and rough roads at speed and feel 100% in control. Most of the suspension problems I had felt with the stock suspension were in the front end(IMO) so adding rear OME springs and just spacers in the front in my opinion will not solve what I consider the main problems with the stock suspension. Better suspension is not just for hardcore offroad but for proper handling while on dirt roads etc... I think you would be better off waiting until you can get a proper suspension system, even if you are just camping on forest service roads you will have better control and feel safer, just my 2 cents...

You are describing what I am trying to solve as well. My issue is that I don't want to lose the comfortable stock ride, atleast not yet. I was hoping bigger tires (17" wheels) would alleviate the front end issue somewhat. I am not familiar with the Ironman suspension. I also have an issue that my elderly parents won't be able to get in a vehicle that's lifted more than an inch (if that). I was considering the BP-51's eventually as I can play with ride height. Not sure how much better it would be than stock near its lowest setting.

 

[Celt Horseman]

I would say screw the cost and do it the right way (2" lift, or better). I remember when I had my Jeep (yep, yep, I am a convert), I tried doing a couple of different lifts to get bigger tires and more articulation out of it. None of them worked anywhere as well as doing the spring over that was the final outcome.

I as well am wanting to lift my 09 LC even though it will only see light, hmmm ok moderate off roading and tripping around the work site. I figure if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right Hence when it is time to buy tires it will be getting new tires as well as a lift.

 

[Yossarian]

Jowett sells a set of Bilsteins for $995, there is a thread on here somewhere with all the details.

Bilstein Shocks

 

[Willy beamin]

and the Koni Raids if minimum lift is desired - @arich ran those for a while as his set up and he spoke highly about them. I believe @arich sourced those through @bjowett

 

[mwm4211]

Regarding my idea of using front spacers (strut) with new rear coil springs (OME) as a lift option, is there any mechanical reason that I should avoid the spacer idea? I like the stock ride yet want lift to allow for larger tires and a moe aggressive look.

 

[mark71]

You may end up with more rake if you don't carefully choose your rear springs.