Other Suspension Question (2 Viewers)

[AppaFJZ80]

I purchased a beautiful 96 LX450 and have been enjoying every minute of it! It came with a 4" lift and 37s KM3s. While it looks cool, it's not practical for our use (98% on road). I'm looking at lowering it to 2-3" lift and 35s on OEM wheels. However, I would consider other options as well. I just need a better understanding of what I currently have, and what could stay and/or work. I've read several threads about upgrading, but not necessarily down sizing.

Currently Installed (from my inspection as no receipts were provided during purchase):
BFGOODRICH® Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 37x12.50R17/D 124Q
Circuit Offroad Steller Matte Gunmetal 17×8.5 6×139.7, -10mm Offset, 4.36 Backspace
2in Wheel Spacers (unable to find brand/link)
OME 419X Front (100mm / 4in)
OME 422X Rear (100mm / 4in)
Radflo OE Replacement 2.5 Front With Remote Reservoir
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Smooth Body IFP Shocks - Rear
Front Radius Arm drop brackets (uncertain if correct brand)
Front & Rear Adjustable Panhard Bar (unable to find brand/link)
Front Swaybar Drop Bracket (unable to find brand/link)
OME Steering Damper

Questions:
What 2-3" springs should I buy? (We will rarely be underload, no plan of future armor)
What equipment will need to be removed when lowering, if any?
Can I remove that 2in Wheel Spacer now and not rub? What about when lowering? (I hate that it's on there, rubs now in reverse on pass side)
If I lower before finding a set of OEM wheels, will the 37s fit without cutting? What about 35s on the current wheels?

Thank you in advance!

 

[AppaFJZ80]

Additional photos of rear panhard and front spring

 

[Azca]

I had a 2-1/2" OME setup, bit of a harsh ride though. I am now on a 3.5" Dobinsons lift and 35s with the following:

• C97-144VT front coils - 3.5"
• C97-145VT rear coils - 3.5"
• MRA45-A912 front 4" length shocks for additional travel
• MRA59-A687 rear 4" length shocks

I only show that so you have some comparison. I am happy with the springs as they are more compliant, definately not harsh. I have not had an opportunity to play with the settings for the shocks yet. I like the springs and would suggest the shorter lengths. You will need to change the shocks if you drop in lift height or you may bend them due to restricted travel length.

I worked with @crikeymike at Exit Off Road but you can also reach out to Dobinsons for help.

 

[smorkington]

ome 850 front 860 rear

 

[alia176]

i don't think you can remove the backspacers with your current tire/rim combo due to rubbing while turning. I see you have caster correction by way of dropping the front radius arm mounting solution. These will need to come off with lower springs.

If I were you, I'd simply place an ad on classifieds that goes something like this:

i have a 4" suspension and want to trade for your 2" suspension, 37" tires+ rims + wheel spacers plus you throw in xxxx amount of $$$ for my high end shocks/caster correction/etc. I'll need to swap out the both panhard rods and a set of 285 75 16 newish tires on factory rims as well. Oh yeah, this project will be done on both vehicles simultaneously!

This is a $hit ton of work but quite doable on a good weather day outside with beer/weed/pizza . For two novices, it'll take two short days or one long day and air tools will make things go quicker.

I'd also connect with your local clubhouse chapter and find some local bros who can help. This makes for a great "tech" day because it'll teach everyone a whole bunch of stuff.

Do you know if the diffs have been regeared for 37s? If so, this is another trade possibility for stock diff ratios.

One thing to keep in mind is that if the new lift is 2" or less, you typically won't need a caster correction solution up front.

This is a lot to take in so PM me if you have ?s. There's a lot of money tied into this suspension!!!

 

[cts]

What is it about the ride that you don't like? All terrain tires will be quieter and have a more comfortable ride. Smaller tires will accelerate/decelerate better and effectively lower the gearing. So, just dropping down to 34 or 35" AT tires might make enough of a difference. You could always go with shorter and softer/firmer springs later as a next step depending on how you want to further tune the ride characteristics.