Second Thoughts on 850J/863J

[latinoguy]

I was set to get my OME suspension lift installed tomorrow, but after more careful reading (I guess I did not do all of my homework) I am now undecided on what I should do. I purchased the 850J/863J 3" lift from Manafre. I did get the CC bushings which I plan to install as well.

My 97 FZJ80 is stock right now. This is the first mod I will be doing (don't count the Conferr rack rear ladder as a mod.) My rig will see 80% street driving, 20% off road. I want to set up the vehicle for expeditions, don't really see myself doing any rock crawling. I plan on getting either 285/75/16 or 295/75/16 tires. I don't plan to move up to a 35" tire anytime soon, don't have the $$ to deal with the incremental expense...regearing etc. My other option is to return the J springs and go with a OME 2.5 Heavy/Mid lift and call it a day.

My concern is that this set up may require more $ investments to get full benefits of this lift. Based on what I read today, If I stay with the J springs I May or Will need:
Extended Brake Lines (planned to get but not this week.)
Slees Caster Plates (not in original plans)
Spacers/Mr. Gaskets (not in original plans) to Level out the rig.
Panhards (not in original plans)
Sway Bar Drop Brakets front and rear (not in original plans)
Bump Stop Blocks

Will this lift be overkill for the size tires I plan to run? What would be a benefit of keeping the J set up over a OME 2.5 Heavy/Med. set up?
Tomorrow I may exchange my J coils for the OME 2.5 Heavy/Med lset up.

Will the 2.5 heavy/Med this the best set up considering that I do plan to get a Front Bull Bar with a winch? (near future) Rear Tow Bumper with Rear Tire Carrier, and sliders.

Opinions and advice greatly appreciated.

 

[-Spike-]

I'd go with the bigger tires right off the mark. Re-gearing is optional IMHO. Mine runs true 35" tires without problems, on medium-core trails. Definitely not as powerful on the street, but fortunately I'm used to gutless V-6's so it doesn't bother me- actually still has more power at any speed than either my '95 Nissan 4x4 pickup or my '94 4Runner, both with the V-6. The larger tires make bumps less noticeable and give you a bit more functionality.

If you're dead-set on the tire size I don't have any experience with the J's, but it does seem a bit much, looks-wise.

-Spike

 

[firetruck41]

My 850/863 (non J) gave me 3" of lift, personally I wouldn't go higher with out going bigger than 285s, it would look funny, and probably not really needed.

 

[GXO]

Get the non-Js or sell them once you get the lift done. You can sell the Js and L shocks pretty easily and get some normal heavies easily.

Sounds like a bit too much lift for what you are looking to do.

Also, I would purchase the package deal from Slee if you ever want to "go big" since it is all there, no piece and part approach.

That being said...anyone interested in some J springs? I am thinking I need the Slee 4" springs

 

[Buckums]

Get the non-Js or sell them once you get the lift done. You can sell the Js and L shocks pretty easily and get some normal heavies easily.

Sounds like a bit too much lift for what you are looking to do.

Also, I would purchase the package deal from Slee if you ever want to "go big" since it is all there, no piece and part approach.

That being said...anyone interested in some J springs? I am thinking I need the Slee 4" springs

Yep. I'm looking for a set of J's now.

 

[Romer]

Keep the 850J and swap the 863J for an 863. The back end is a little higher than the front, but I have a Supercharger, dual batts, ARB bar, 12K winch up front. I also have drawers and a Slee bumper in the rear.

 

[CruisinGA]

You will have some serious rake with J's front and rear.

I had to make some 2" spacers for my front end to level things out... my 80 is also lighter than most...

 

[e9999]

with exped plans and no rockcrawling in sight, seems like 33s are plenty big.
Barring excessive weight, Js may be too much, esp in the rear. 863s should be plenty in the rear.
Maybe 850s in the front, little extra mods needed, and can use a spacer if you can't stand the raked look unloaded?

(struggling with the same issue myself: 50Js with mods, vibes, and all or 50s no mods but missing an inch...?)

 

[trainrech]

Question - does a stock 80 sit level?

 

[Darwood]

With 863J's in the rear and 850J's in the front my truck sagged in the back when loaded up with camping gear. I think my truck is 'special' though. If you truely intend to load your truck down with gear for expedition driving I would go with the J's in back. That way it will be level when it's loaded down.

 

[latinoguy]

Thanks for the feedback. I will go ahead and return them Js today, and go non J 850/863. To avoid the rake look unloaded, should I also add a spacer in the front to level things out with this set up? what recommended size spacer?

 

[Doc]

Latino- I was in the same position a couple months back I purchased a set of used J springs and soon realized they were 'too much' for my goals. I traded them for a set of Heavy springs and LOVE the change.

I'm also planning on running 35's eventually with the OME lift, even 285's looks a little 'small' on a OME heavy lift.

 

[latinoguy]

Yup decision made. I will not be getting bigger tires than a 295. Hence I will return the Js and stay with a 2.5 Heavy/Med lift. Now I have to go battle traffic to get to Manafre.

 

[tarbe]

Thanks for the feedback. I will go ahead and return them Js today, and go non J 850/863. To avoid the rake look unloaded, should I also add a spacer in the front to level things out with this set up? what recommended size spacer?

30mm should do the trick. Unless you weigh the rear down with a heavy bumper, then you may not need that much.

 

[Romer]

One thing you need to consider is what other things you put on. I started with a 2.5" lift and after I added stuff, it became 1.5" lift. That's why I went with 850J's in the front and 863's in the back.

 

[CruisinGA]

Question - does a stock 80 sit level?

they do

 

[Pete483]

Does a stock 80 sit level when it is loaded full of stuff? Nope.

I'm not sure why everyone hates the "stinkbug" so much--maybe if it is really excessive--but I much prefer having my 80 sit level when it is loaded down than having the ass drag. You can always add spacers pretty easily if you determine the need.