Stick with Stock or go lift? (1 Viewer)

[CodyCoyote]

I just picked up a 05 Gx470 to add with my 99 LX470. I keep picturing these bada** looking gx's I've seen around all lifted running bigger tires. HOWEVER...is that what I want? I could add some nice KO2's or AT tire and get in and out of most places stock no?

What did you do? To lift or not to lift. What are most of the ih8muders doing with their 120's?

I understand it has a lot to do with what the use is. This is daily driver, and some fun expo trips here and there.

 

[GXMac]

I think these are plenty capable stock with a good set of 32" all terrains. Also, getting rid of the running boards helps the looks a lot.

However, I voted for lift simply because your stock suspension is probably old and tired anyway and you may as well upgrade it while you are going to be there when you replace shocks.

 

[half k cruiser]

My money is the overwhelming majority on here will tell you to go 2.5'' lift and 285 KO2's ! I'm with @GXMac though, its fairly capable stock. The biggest limiter I see with these trucks is the rear suspension has very limited travel. Go take a look at the distance between your factory bumpstops and axle, its very close. My wife's will occasionally bottom out around town.

That said, her rig is quite capable with nothing more than a good set of 265's and proper driving. I actually like the factory e-shocks. The ability to dial them to the terrain is quite nice. That's with 120k miles on them. I imagine brand new they were excellent.

 

[CodyCoyote]

Thanks guys, this is all helping! Truly!

 

[Bluetribal]

I have been wheeling mine on stock suspension for almost two years. Finally ready to pull the trigger on a lift but just lose the running boards and get some decent AT tires. You can always move forward from there.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Yeah...I agree with @Bluetribal...try it with better tires and remove the running boards. That's a good starting point until you know what you need and want. Wait until things break (like the rear air bags) to then replace with stock or lifted springs/shocks with conversion kit. Same for front in terms of waiting for things to fail.

If you got the money and want the lift look and the bigger tires, then that's a different story. It's what you need/want for what you gonna do.

 

[Chuy]

Lift, in my state its too low even for stocker friendly trails. The rear will bottom out on any rough section of a fire road. I tried it out stock but its way too low to even do the easy tourist trails here in AZ. Don't get me wrong, it will do the trail but with running board damage, rear contact and under body contact.

 

[Bluetribal]

True, I trashed my PS steps, and it takes a crowbar to get my stock skid plates off. But I quickly got sliders and skid plates will come after I finish up the lift. A little black spray paint cleans up the underside for the most part.

 

[CodyCoyote]

Thanks Guys. I will try to save up and flip the lift.

 

[GXO]

NOTHING sucks more than a nice ride in the wilderness with flat air bags. Get a lift.

 

[scparrish]

I slowly pieced together my lift. I looked all over ebay, forums, and craigslist to find used parts for a fraction of the cost. Metaltech usually has some really good holiday sales. We are fortunate enough to have a platform that shares parts across so many vehicles.

And nothing like buying tires to find a great deal on a lift a short while afterwards and needing new tires again.

 

[hammerheadfistpunch]

I just picked up a 05 Gx470 to add with my 99 LX470. I keep picturing these bada** looking gx's I've seen around all lifted running bigger tires. HOWEVER...is that what I want? I could add some nice KO2's or AT tire and get in and out of most places stock no?

What did you do? To lift or not to lift. What are most of the ih8muders doing with their 120's?

I understand it has a lot to do with what the use is. This is daily driver, and some fun expo trips here and there.

Get the smallest lift you can get away with to achieve your goals. Saves on ball join wear, slip joint wear/noise, tires are cheaper, mileage is better. Basically unless you are going places you would want a locker...stay stock. Thats just my 2 cents.