Newbie questions

[smakee]

Ok....so I'm in Colorado and I've had my GX for about a year and a half. Just joined and happy to see people are taking advantage of the GX capabilities.

Really bored with mone stock and have been toying with the idea of getting a Cruiser to take into off road world, but just discovered Southern Style Speed products and I have new hope for the GX.

But I have some questions about mods and order of mods as I've looked around at the forum.

1. I have KDSS on mine. What are peoples thought on lift kits and upgrades to the suspension?
2. I am about down to tire replacement. I would prefer to keep the original wheels and paint them black, but how big on the tires have people gone in terms of width? I like the look of a wider stout stance. If wider, do I need spacers or anything? Can I get a 70 height on the tire without mods?
3. Anyone want to chime in on their experiences with the best sliders?
4. If my plan is to order the Southern SS front and rear bumpers, any advice on strength of springs? And also, tire sizes they've used?
5. Does anyone have pics of the Southern SS front bumper with the headlight loops as well as the center?
6. To Southern SS: when will you have rear bumpers ready to roll again? What are your thoughts on rear backup camera relocation or modification so the rear tire doesn't block the view?

I appreciate everyone's input and any look forward to thoughts input and future endeavors on the trails.

 

[JLee]

I don't have too much info for you, but as no one else has responded I'll toss in what I can.

1) To the best of my knowledge, you could run a small (2"ish) lift and also go extended travel and retain KDSS. Long travel may be a problem.
2) I want to say 255/75R17 works - I'd do some more checking. You can use Spidertrax spacers to push them out a bit, but that'll add strain to your wheel bearings by offsetting the load.
3) KDSS will be tricky. There aren't any direct bolt-on sliders available from any vendors (non-KDSS will not fit).

I don't have any info for the rest. Good luck!

 

[Nothinghead]

2-I had 265/70 17s on my stock GX and rubbed on the front inner fender liner at full lock in reverse. I lifted the front abou 1.75" and still rub almost exactly the same. It's just plastic. I also mounted mine on FJ cruiser rims that have a slightly wider back space.
3-I have liked the OPOR sliders available through metal tech. They're quite hefty and I doubt I'll be able to damage one. I went the bolt on route and am only slightly concerned about the strength of attachment to the frame. If I wheeled harder, I'd weld them on but I mostly did this to replace the aluminium side steps that were original.
Keep searching the forums and you'll find most of your answers.

 

[JLee]

Do you have pics handy of the 265/70's? I'm thinking about doing those (don't want to take a power hit or have much speedo error over stock), curious how they'll look with a 1-2" lift (don't want tiny-tire-syndrome, haha).

 

[smakee]

Here's mine now on stock suspension with FJ Trail rims and 265/70/17s. No rub at all in any turning circumstance.

Sorry for the cap picture....it's -6 degrees outside.

 

[JLee]

Thanks!

 

[WhiteH2O]

For tires, you should be able to go with 285s with a little bit of a lift. I put on 265s, and regret not doing 285s. They did rub a bit until I cut out some plastic, but if you do the SSS bumpers, those issues will be gone.

For your questions on the SSS bumpers, just give Kevin a call or send him an email. He is a great guy and can answer your questions better than most of us. I didn't get the headlight loops, just the one in the center. I did relocate the rear camera, and I'm glad I did. I don't use it very often, but it is worth the extra money for when I do need it. It comes in handy when I'm hooking up the trailer alone.

Here is a picture with 265s and the SSS bumpers. This is with painted stock wheels and a few inch lift.IMG_0570

 

[Nothinghead]

Do you have pics handy of the 265/70's? I'm thinking about doing those (don't want to take a power hit or have much speedo error over stock), curious how they'll look with a 1-2" lift (don't want tiny-tire-syndrome, haha).

As requested:

This is with the Old Man Emu coils in the rear and Bilstein struts up front on the second from the tallest setting and OEM coils. 285s would look better.

 

[JLee]

Hmm. 285/70R17 on stock wheels with 2" lift would be okay, or asking for trouble? I don't want to go past 2", looking for long distance (Pan-American) reliability for CV's, etc. For those on 285's, how does the truck do with stock gears? Is there an easy way to correct the speedo?

That does look good, but coming from an 80 any extra I can get would be nice.

*off to Google*

Edit: Speedo correction? http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...ire-size-recalibration-speedo.html#post728844

 

[GXO]

I have that size, stock wheels they will rub at full lock (not horrible). It has a V8, stock gears are fine, hit on mpg is all, power is good.

CVs are CVs, they hold up well but it is IFS. Road driving they are completely fine, offroad you just have to drive smart.

Speedo correction...I just subtract 3mph in my head

 

[JLee]

That's while lifted? Debating tires or suspension first, and tires are way cheaper.

 

[GXO]

Lifted, armored, etc. Check my build thread for details. I have just about everything.