New Lift build out help

[TLC94LS]

Hey group, looking for some input on putting together a lift for my new 94 FJ80. Looking at the "lift kits" options from the big 3, Ironman, Dobinsons, OME. Just not finding one that seems to have what I am looking for. Curious to see what have y'all actually installed.

Currently stock height springs most likely.
This vehicle is almost done with a 6.0 LQ4 & 4L80 swap. I am only looking for 2.5" - 3" lift to get maybe 35" tires. This is not for rock crawling. Looking to do trail rides, camping with kids, hunting trips.

Current set up is ARB front bumper, no winch, but plan to modify bumper to add one.
No rear bumper, plan is to get one.
No rear deck, that will be way down the road, I would replace rear springs if I got one.

What I like so far is the Dobinson VT springs, that variable ride seems interesting.
I like the ironman drop brackets over bushing caster correction.
Ill get the Delta rear panhard bracket.

My questions are do you need, or "have to have" new front panhard bar, rear adjustable links. Seems like some of that stuff in the "complete kits" may be unnecessary for what Im trying to build for.

Are remote reservoir shocks necessary on a trail at slow speeds? Isn't that for heat dissipation for high cycle rates or large swings on a shock?

Do I stop bitching and just buy the whole damn kit? Price differences between a basic OME kit from Slee to others is huge. Just looking for a little help sifting out the marketing hype.

looking at the Dobinson 144VT and 145VT springs.
Thanks all, any input is welcome!

 

[Road Apple]

Hard to go wrong with Dobinsons, which has multiple options for springs and shocks to fit your specific weight and wheeling style. Reasonable price for high quality lifts.

Remote reservoirs are not necessary at slow speed to cool the shock oil, they the adjustability is very nice to have.

Suggest calling Dave, who is very knowledgeable and will suggest a setup for you.

Dobinsons Spring & Suspension USA Doral, FL
David Otero
(305)424-8353

 

[Azca]

The OME is a good entry level system but it rides harsh (IMO). I would upgrade to the Dobinson's springs and very tempted to jump on the BP-51shocks. Definitely will upgrade to an adjustable shock once I get to that stage myself. My comfort is important and just a minute to adjust the shocks from roadgoing to dirt, to more difficult terrain is awfully appealing to me.

 

[calokie]

Following...
Without first hand experience and based on research. I will eventually go with Dobinson's for 4 reasons;

• Availability and support
• No spacer needed for the driver side lean, Springs account for the weight/springs are side specific, unlike Icon that requires a spacer, I don't think OME requires a spacer, I know Iron Man doesn't (I have Iron Man)
• Dobinsons, I have found no negative comments on ride quality etc.
• Dobinsons, come in 2 awesome colors

Their is also Eibach, incase you don't know. Not a lot of info on their 80 series line, they have a 3" spring and shock package, "legend has it" they manufacture for FOX racing

 

[TLC94LS]

Thanks, I appreciate the inputs. How many changed out the panhard bar in the front or rear adjustable links? Is that fluff?

 

[Azca]

Thanks, I appreciate the inputs. How many changed out the panhard bar in the front or rear adjustable links? Is that fluff?

No, do it! The difference the Delta PH bracket made was only surpassed by adding their 4 in radius arms. Night and day difference driving, especially on curvy roads and highways with grades.

 

[AgentOrange]

I've had OME and Dobinsons. The OME were nice, but as Azca mentioned, they ride harsh down the road. My Dobinsons I have now are still firm but a lot easier on the spine. The Delta panhard bracket is a super underrated addition to these things when lifted, so good there. I have caster bushings and will be going to new arms down the line. I should have done brackets originally. Remote reservoir shocks aren't a must, but it's sure nice to have the adjustability and the extra cooling when you speed up a bit are fantastic if you can swing it.
As far as adjustable links, do you mean sway bar links?

 

[calokie]

I have the iron man front adj panhard, stock rear PHB on 2” lift, with the Eimkieth rear panhard correction. (Soon to be 3” lift)
I went with Eimkieth over the delta because the Eimkieth compensates for a 2”-3”-4”-5” lifts, and it’s cheaper, (welding in the bracket cost me a bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed).
Whichever you choose….the ride quality with a panhard correction bracket will be greatly improved and very noticeable. it’s a must with a lift, I can actually glance away from the road now wile driving

 

[TLC94LS]

I was referring to the rear upper and lower trailing arms. Anyone like the ironman drop bracket over there dobinson lower caster correction plates? The brackets seem a good way to go.

 

[calokie]

I was referring to the rear upper and lower trailing arms. Anyone like the ironman drop bracket over there dobinson lower caster correction plates? The brackets seem a good way to go.

“Likes Radius Arms Drop Brackets”
Said no one

Unless it’s a hybrid setup

 

[TLC94LS]

Spoke with Dobinson on the phone from the number a few posts back. That individual wasn't there at the time, but I spoke with someone els. They recommended the 3.0" lift with the IMS shocks. Recommended the C59-170 and 180 coils. Said the VT coils would be too much since I don't have enough weight on the vehicle. And even with a rear bumper the 180 would be good. Recommended the caster correction bushings for 3" lift as well. Its about 2K$

 

[60 toy ota]

No to the castor correction bushings

 

[calokie]

FYI
land Tank makes castor plates for 2.5" lift. I actually have a new pair of plates if he is out of stock. (I bought castor correction arms)

 

[TLC94LS]

That sounds good, I like the idea of plates over bushings for some reason honestly. Anyone have any feedback on the dobinson shocks, over getting some fox or blisteins, or king. Looking at non remote reservoirs. Just don't think I can justify the cost for my use.
I feel the build your own lift is better than the kits.
So far I'll get the
Dobinson C59-170 & 185 coils
Delta Rear Panhard bracket
Caster Plates

 

[TLC94LS]

Well now that Ive read the 26 page thread on Delta Radius arms, $1,200 bucks is a hard pill, but really seems the way to go for a 3" lift. Do they run any deals for Mud or poor people with expensive hobbies!

 

[REKCUT]

Hard to offer a discount when you sell everything you make the second they hit the shelves. You can start with the lift and shocks. This will get you 90 percent of the way. The delta bracket is a good next upgrade along with a heavy duty rear swaybar. That was the biggest seat of the pants mod for me. You will need some kind of castor correction like bushing or brackets or front arms. You can spend a little and get the bushing and then add the arms down the road. I know plenty of people that have run for years with just the bushing. I probably wouldn't do brackets if I was later going to upgrade arm but if you aren't the brackets would be good. You don't have to do all this at once

 

[TLC94LS]

That's some good advice, trying to ease into for sure. Probably do bushings / coils / rear Delta PH bracket / to start with. Ive got a buddy who races baja, Adam Lunn at Lunn motorsports, hoping to get a deal on some shocks. Thanks again for all the inputs.

 

[dsmud4u]

Thanks, I appreciate the inputs. How many changed out the panhard bar in the front or rear adjustable links? Is that fluff?

Did both. Adjustable front pan hard rod and Delta rear bracket. I didn’t drive long enough on the lift with out them to notice the difference, primarily because the truck felt like driving a shopping cart with out enough caster. I only get a bit of rear end wiggle when the suspension loads up on corners.

 

[dsmud4u]

A lift I would say is about half…address the pan hard rods, if you go above 3” get the Delta front radius arms. Don’t forget a D.C. driveshaft…maybe some lower rear control arms but not necessary. Upgrade the rear sway bar with a super pro if possible and some adjustable end links while you’re at it.

It adds up to more the double if you go this route.

 

[calokie]

Well now that Ive read the 26 page thread on Delta Radius arms, $1,200 bucks is a hard pill, but really seems the way to go for a 3" lift. Do they run any deals for Mud or poor people with expensive hobbies!

no its Delta

lots of people swear by castor plates,
Superior Engineering manufactures radius arms (super and Hyper flex) around the same price point.

I have Blackhawk Radius arms, don't order them through 4XOUSA, it will be months possibly years of bickering with the dealer before you receive any product. 4XoUSA will tell you "yea I have a shipment about to hit the usa in a few days" 6 months later........ crickets There's another dealer in the USA who is supposed to be carrying Blackhawk if your interested.