Lift question for dummies

[Tex68w]

I wouldn't bother with a diff drop.

 

[RandyDaytona]

Thanks to all the helpful input above, I have decided to upgrade my tires (275/70r18’s) on Monday. I’ll drive them for a bit and then upgrade my suspension, and then add an airbag if I think I still need it.

But then I’m stuck on what to “upgrade” on the suspension. Or how to upgrade it.

What are you guys’ thoughts on Tinkerer’s Adventures video on the differential drop?



To me, there is a logic in not lifting a vehicle 2” only to drop the differential 1”.
(Approach and departure angles notwithstanding.)
Since I’m not looking for a giant lift (wife and garage constraints) I am contemplating a 1” lift. And this would allow me to avoid a lot of the other changes one needs to do when lifting.
But I am only seeing 2” minimum lifts out there.
Or maybe I misunderstand what I’m seeing out there.
For instance, if you buy a dobinson kit, you can select springs for 1” lift springs for cars with no load, but then if you have weight added to the LC it jumps to 2” springs for different weights. There aren’t any 1” springs for a loaded vehicle.
Or am I missing something? Are there 1” to 1.5” suspension lift kits for a mediumly modded truck?



OP: I again apologize for hijacking your thread, but the title you picked seems so perfect for my stupid suspension questions. Let me know if you would prefer if I start my own thread.

Nope - it’s all good info. Keep it going.

 

[MCtree]

I wouldn't bother with a diff drop.

Do you mean with a 2” lift you wouldn’t bother with a diff drop?
Or in general you wouldn’t bother?

 

[Tex68w]

Do you mean with a 2” lift you wouldn’t bother with a diff drop?
Or in general you wouldn’t bother?

Anything under 3" I wouldn't.

 

[bloc]

Key point here: the 200 doesn’t seem to need a diff drop at 2” suspension lift like other platforms do.

 

[MCtree]

Ah! Thanks @bloc and @Tex68w! This is good/helpful to know.

 

[artwerks]

Anything under 3" I wouldn't.

Can anyone explain why a diff drop doesn't help a 200 series like it would a 100 series on a lifted rig? I'm not making sense of this.

 

[lx200inAR]

Can anyone explain why a diff drop doesn't help a 200 series like it would a 100 series on a lifted rig? I'm not making sense of this.

DId you watch the video posted earlier in this thread?

Lift question for dummies

 

[artwerks]

DId you watch the video posted earlier in this thread?

Lift question for dummies

No, I didn't. But I did now. I'm convinced. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[MCtree]

While the Tinkerer certainly seems to know his stuff, he isn’t speaking directly about LC’s or LX’s.
My mechanic, who will be installing my lift, is adamant that I need a diff-drop if I lift my LC. Even if it’s only 2 inches. He says he’s seen several LC’s with broken CV’s very soon after mild lifts.

Since a diff drop is relatively cheap, I don’t think of this as a money grab. But I’m also not sure how big his data pool is.

So… anecdotally, how many of you have mild lifts, didn’t do a diff drop and haven’t seen any issues? And over what time frame?
Any data would be appreciated.

 

[lx200inAR]

While the Tinkerer certainly seems to know his stuff, he isn’t speaking directly about LC’s or LX’s.
My mechanic, who will be installing my lift, is adamant that I need a diff-drop if I lift my LC. Even if it’s only 2 inches. He says he’s seen several LC’s with broken CV’s very soon after mild lifts.

Since a diff drop is relatively cheap, I don’t think of this as a money grab. But I’m also not sure how big his data pool is.

So… anecdotally, how many of you have mild lifts, didn’t do a diff drop and haven’t seen any issues? And over what time frame?
Any data would be appreciated.

Based on the video, the only specific thing to an LC is the ground clearance affect on a 200. Everything else he talks about seems fairly universally applicable.

 

[Umbrarian]

While the Tinkerer certainly seems to know his stuff, he isn’t speaking directly about LC’s or LX’s.
My mechanic, who will be installing my lift, is adamant that I need a diff-drop if I lift my LC. Even if it’s only 2 inches. He says he’s seen several LC’s with broken CV’s very soon after mild lifts.

Since a diff drop is relatively cheap, I don’t think of this as a money grab. But I’m also not sure how big his data pool is.

So… anecdotally, how many of you have mild lifts, didn’t do a diff drop and haven’t seen any issues? And over what time frame?
Any data would be appreciated.

Lift is About 2.5, no diff drop, no issues. Do not wheel this vehicle hard

 

[Tex68w]

It’s been noted multiple times on this forum that a diff drop isn’t needed or all that beneficial for the 200 and the mass majority here don’t have one which equates to millions of miles of hard evidence. That said, I don’t think it’ll hurt and they are cheap so if it gives you the warm and fuzzies to run one then knock yourself out.

 

[bentonrover]

I picked up this kit from Crusher Outfitters. Couldn't be any happier. I got this particular set up to accommodate my full size Gobi roof rack and my Rival4x4 front bumper with a Ironman 12k winch. HD front springs actually brought the front up about an inch. Rear pretty much stayed the same. Maybe slightly higher but not much at all. I love it. Good luck

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I picked up this kit from Crusher Outfitters. Couldn't be any happier. I got this particular set up to accommodate my full size Gobi roof rack and my Rival4x4 front bumper with a Ironman 12k winch. HD front springs actually brought the front up about an inch. Rear pretty much stayed the same. Maybe slightly higher but not much at all. I love it. Good luck

View attachment 3375800

Thank you!