New HE Owner - Questions

[04UZJ100]

On stock 285/60R18 tires:

On 285/70R18 34" tires:

Its getting BP-51 lift. Will post a comparison after I get it back.

Any rubbing?

 

[jamgolf]

Any rubbing?

Only noticed rubbing on full right turn and I only drove a few miles on streets for a couple of days before dropping off the car for BP51 installation.

 

[Dre01SS]

Only noticed rubbing on full right turn and I only drove a few miles on streets for a couple of days before dropping off the car for BP51 installation.

Was that after any trimming? Looks good!!

 

[jamgolf]

Was that after any trimming?

I did not do any trimming whatsoever since it was going in for the lift anyway. I even left the mudflaps on.
But please don't draw any conclusions from my brief experience in on-road gentle driving

 

[jamgolf]

34" Nittos with BP51:

 

[jamgolf]

Also got Slee skid plate system installed.
Now just waiting for regearing and lockers ...

 

[theringworm]

34" Nittos with BP51:

looks so good!

 

[jamgolf]

Picked up the vehicle after BP51 installation and went to Loch Lomond trail not to far from my home. BP51 suspension is quite nice on the road and trail. I’ll probably tweak a little bit but it feels pretty good as it is.

 

[jamgolf]

BP51 Settings: F(c=6, r=2) and R(c=5, r=2)
Tires Pressure: 38psi cold

Went on a ~500-mile road trip after getting BP51 and 34" Nitto Exo Grapplers and here are some thoughts:

• I like the controlled manner in which it drives on the road. I think my wife would prefer it to be slightly softer, so I might try F(c=5,r=2) R(c=4,r=2) but otherwise, on very tight mountain roads such as Independence Pass and Pikes Peak Highway, I liked how the vehicle felt well control. Much better than how stock suspension felt.
• Also went on an off-road trail nearby and I think I either need to air down considerably or use softer BP51 settings on trails maybe F(c=3,r=2) R(c=2,r=2). It felt controlled but a bit stiff for my passengers' liking.
• Overall quite happy with the setup and the choice of BP51

I think installation is a very important part of the equation and the alignment from Slee is spot-on.

 

[RobW0]

BP51 Settings: F(c=6, r=2) and R(c=5, r=2)
Tires Pressure: 38psi cold

Went on a ~500-mile road trip after getting BP51 and 34" Nitto Exo Grapplers and here are some thoughts:

• I like the controlled manner in which it drives on the road. I think my wife would prefer it to be slightly softer, so I might try F(c=5,r=2) R(c=4,r=2) but otherwise, on very tight mountain roads such as Independence Pass and Pikes Peak Highway, I liked how the vehicle felt well control. Much better than how stock suspension felt.
• Also went on an off-road trail nearby and I think I either need to air down considerably or use softer BP51 settings on trails maybe F(c=3,r=2) R(c=2,r=2). It felt controlled but a bit stiff for my passengers' liking.
• Overall quite happy with the setup and the choice of BP51

I think installation is a very important part of the equation and the alignment from Slee is spot-on.

You will probably want to air down to about 18 to 20 PSI for trails. That will make a big difference on the trails. Sounds like you have a great combination of mods.

 

[jamgolf]

You will probably want to air down to about 18 to 20 PSI for trails. That will make a big difference on the trails.

Yes, 18-20 psi would be the number once I get the ARB compressor installed. Currently I don’t have a compressor. Used to have a Viair unit but gave it away when I moved.

Sounds like you have a great combination of mods.

Thanks!
34” tires, BP51, sliders, skid plates so far.
lockers, re-gearing and air compressor will complete my mods.

 

[HGB]

I know we don’t buy these for MPG, but have you noticed a big hit?

 

[jamgolf]

There is certainly a drop in fuel economy to the tune of ~2-3 mpg.

 

[jamgolf]

With the front+rear ARB lockers and 3.9 gears installed. I am done with my mods.
Essentially my mod list is:

• Nitto Exo Grappler 34" tires
• OME BP-51 suspension
• Slee sliders
• Slee skid plates
• front+rear ARB lockers (dual ARB compressor)
• 3.9 OE gears

The only other thing I might add at some point is a winch. But at the moment I don't see any solution which retains the stock/OEM look without removing some safety elements from the bumber. So I'll wait and see if a solution ever comes about. Otherwise, I am OK without a winch too because I do like the stock/stealth look.

 

[TCM]

With the front+rear ARB lockers and 3.9 gears installed. I am done with my mods.
Essentially my mod list is:

• Nitto Exo Grappler 34" tires
• OME BP-51 suspension
• Slee sliders
• Slee skid plates
• front+rear ARB lockers (dual ARB compressor)
• 3.9 OE gears

The only other thing I might add at some point is a winch. But at the moment I don't see any solution which retains the stock/OEM look without removing some safety elements from the bumber. So I'll wait and see if a solution ever comes about. Otherwise, I am OK without a winch too because I do like the stock/stealth look.

Have you considered the Trail Tailor hidden winch mount? It looks completely OEM, but I cannot speak to the effect it has on crash performance and safety. 200 Series Hidden Winch Mount

 

[afgman786]

But at the moment I don't see any solution which retains the stock/OEM look without removing some safety elements from the bumber. So I'll wait and see if a solution ever comes about. Otherwise, I am OK without a winch too because I do like the stock/stealth look.

Does the Trail Tailor hidden winch mount not meet those needs?

 

[jamgolf]

@afgman786 @TCM
I've looked at the Trail Tailor solution and have considered it. There is a very informative and stepwise youtube video someone posted for the installation. It involves the removal of an aluminum bar and some foam padding behind the bumper fascia. I think in case of a low-speed impact, the padding and aluminum bar will probably play an important role. For high-speed impact, I am sure there is some role these items would play. I am not ruling it out, but I am not comfortable removing stuff that is present for impact absorption. At least I would try to see if there are any other solutions.

 

[Fishinsea]

I fit a 35” under mine

View attachment 2373094

You managed to get a 35" spare under there ????? I have 295/65/18 which is a 33 inch tire and it just barely fits ! did you have to modify to do this ??

 

[bloc]

@afgman786
I've looked at the Trail Tailor solution and have considered it. There is a very informative and stepwise youtube video someone posted for the installation. It involves the removal of an aluminum bar and some foam padding behind the bumper fascia. I think in case of a low-speed impact, the padding and aluminum bar will probably play an important role. For high-speed impact, I am sure there is some role these items would play. I am not ruling it out, but I am not comfortable removing stuff that is present for impact absorption. At least I would try to see if there are any other solutions.

Yes, the primary purpose of the crash bar is to absorb and displace force in low speed impact. Aka, reduce the repair bill.
Exact same reason I don’t run a hidden winch on mine.