Newbie chronicles...need advice

[murphjaxfire]

Hey guys, I’ve been a camper/hiker for decades but just started to get interested in overlanding. I’ve been reading everything I possibly can on here and other forums, talking to friends that do it and shopping....oh the never ending comparisons!!!!

Looking for advice.

I bought GX470 for this build. Not trying to build a tank for the outback or rock crawling. I live in Florida and spend time in the North Georgia and NC mountains. Want a 2.5-3” lift, airbag delete, but I’m not sure who to go with. Thinking OME or Dobinson’s based on reviews. Don’t quite understand the “stages” of these kits...total newb to off-road vehicles, but not to wrenching. Don’t want to break the bank, this is for fun with the family. Probably going to have a significant load with a wife and three kids.
What brand and lift has worked for you?

 

[Notismei]

If you're not going rock crawling and just want a lift, the basic kit with an airbag delete will suffice. I have an OME 2.5" Heavy lift and it rides like a truck, if you don't plan on adding bumpers or rooftop tents like myself the medium kit will be fine. Only difference is the load ratings.

If you want complete comfort I wouldn't suggest the OME, like I said it rides like a truck, I've seen others across the forum say Dobinson's has a smoother ride but I can't confirm that.

 

[Mahalol]

Usually the stages refer to what is included in the lift kit. Stage 2 may include a upper control arm for more adjustment, a remote reservoir or the shock diameter will be larger 2.5" as opposed to 2.0" not to be confused with the actual lift 2-3".

Keep in mind, after 2.5 inches of lift your suspension geometry will change and you will have to get upper control arms and fix the angle of your cv boots.

I recently purchased an Ironman Foam Cell Pro kit and can't wait to try it out. Really hard to find any reviews on it but I didn't want to spend upwards of $1,800 + for other brands suspension for what I was looking for.

 

[corkybuchek]

I put on a basic 2.5" medium load Ironman kit from MetalTech (Not the FCP mentioned above) that was bundled with SPC UCA's. Got it for a great deal, around the $1K-1.1K mark if I remember correctly. Also got the MT rear coil conversion kit. Its been about a year and 20K miles and I've had no issues other than some drivers side lean in the rear (fixed with an ironman trim packer). I would highly recommend for a basic kit for light off roading/overlanding.

As for dobinsons, had a medium duty basic kit on my 01' 100 series, fantastic kit for the price, David is a really solid guy and will guide you in the right direction.

edit: also did diff drop spacers, but honestly not sure how much of a difference they actually made.

 

[alphaequipt]

If you are looking for a basic lift based on what you're doing, Eibach and Dobinson both have nice entry-level 2.0" shock kits that will do the job well.