As I stare at the bum of my 80 I have 2 issues with the departure angle (I think). For sure this will get better when I get my planned OME springs but research tells me that it's only a 2" gain (with the lower version springs).
I'm comparing to my 60 which I know barely clears when going into my fav 4X4 fishing lake.
Biggest issue is the hitch. It's mounted with the usual 6 bolts and it's made by "Valley hitch" out of Calf. The rect frame of the hitch is about 1" below the bumper and then the square receiver is welded just below the hitch frame. Is there a better hitch that sits up tight to the bumper? It's too bad that the hitch isn't built into the step bumper. I'm not thrilled to go buy a hitch but .... maybe that's what needed.
Also the bottom of the spare tire ends up being much lower than my 60. I guess there's nothing I can do for this except to get a rear mounted carrier. But that's a pain for my wife as this is her "soccer mom' rig for during the week. Having the tire underneath gets it out of the way.
Is it OK to have a spare that is narrower than the other tires? I know it's not great but I rarely use my spare.
Any ideas on the above issues?
FYI the 60 is bigger all around, sits up better in the rear. It's just such a pain to drive and ride in.
I'm comparing to my 60 which I know barely clears when going into my fav 4X4 fishing lake.
Biggest issue is the hitch. It's mounted with the usual 6 bolts and it's made by "Valley hitch" out of Calf. The rect frame of the hitch is about 1" below the bumper and then the square receiver is welded just below the hitch frame. Is there a better hitch that sits up tight to the bumper? It's too bad that the hitch isn't built into the step bumper. I'm not thrilled to go buy a hitch but .... maybe that's what needed.
Also the bottom of the spare tire ends up being much lower than my 60. I guess there's nothing I can do for this except to get a rear mounted carrier. But that's a pain for my wife as this is her "soccer mom' rig for during the week. Having the tire underneath gets it out of the way.
Is it OK to have a spare that is narrower than the other tires? I know it's not great but I rarely use my spare.
Any ideas on the above issues?
FYI the 60 is bigger all around, sits up better in the rear. It's just such a pain to drive and ride in.