Finally got the time slot to get the lift on. This is the TF medium duty 2" lift from Lucky 8. Wanting the taller skinny look I stuck with my plan for 235/85/16. I always liked the Camel Trophy profile and this gets it close. Wheels are basic aftermarket steelies for a Honda Odyssey minivan in 16x7 ET50 vs ET57 on the Disco so only 7mm outboard from stock. I had the center bore machined out form 64.1 to 73.1 and added a 70.1 to 73.1 spacer. My stock springs and shocks were likely original at 175k and shot. Gain from hub center to fender is 2.25". From ground between 3-4" total. I meant to measure before to get an accurate number but got in to it before doing so. Tires are 31.7".
Initial impressions are -

Ride - Better over all. My stock springs and shocks were worn out so the ride was jittery and harsh due to that. Now it is smooth but firm. 10ply tires add to the firm part for sure. I have them at 40psi. Will play around with pressure as I go. Ride is quieter overall but tires due start to hum at about 30mph. Expected as they are mud tires. Stock spare carrier is flipped and clears the bumper by .5". Worked well.

Handling - The narrower tire has improved steering response. You can tell there is less drag or scrub at the pavement level over the stock 18". Or it seems that way. With the taller stance you can feel the height in quick steering inputs. I wouldn't want to try and quickly dodge a deer at 70mph. But that move would be dangerous in most 4x4's and some cars. I also have a BMW X5 with M sport which ruins any chance this truck would feel "responsive" in the handling dept.

Power - There is a bit of power drop with the larger and heavier wheel/tire combo but not as bad as I thought. Mostly felt at take-off from a stop. Once to speed it rolls fine and feels close to normal. These wheels and tires weigh about 12 lbs ea. over the stock setup I had.

 

looks nice, i had the 2 inch with the hd springs, did you keep your original shock towers ?

 

Yes. Mine were in perfect shape with zero rust or delamination.

 

Looks really good. What brand tires are you using?

 

and how is the ride...more detail please...

I had TF HD's and they were wayyy to stiff even with 500 extra lbs and passengers...about to install TF MDs....

 

Tires are Kumho MT71's. A new design released maybe a year ago or so. I don't know much about them other than they looked cool had good reviews and were priced reasonably at $162 ea although prices are going up. So far the noise is not bad. Had it on the highway yesterday and with windows down there was a hum but not terrible. More noise from wind. I am running 40psi and might move it around to see how the ride changes. Appears to be two schools on E rated tires and pressure, one says go rated psi always the other says it doesn't matter and can go down to 30psi.

Compared to stock its way better but my stock springs and shocks were worn out and likely original at 178k. Firmed the truck up and handles better over uneven pavement and when you hit a decent bump. Rebound and control are solid. I would not throw it into a hard corner but have "tested" how it manages a quick reaction at reasonable speeds and its not scary. The ride is firmer for sure but I think some (most?) of it is due to the E rated tires. I would not call it harsh or annoying. I have not loaded the truck down to test sag, etc.

 

I’m certainly no expert on tire pressures, but I would personally never go higher than the pressures listed on the door sticker. And for off road I think you should be able to safely air them down to 15psi or even less.

 

Tire pressures are a free for all once you get away from stock tires and tire sizes. Best way to find the perfect PSI is to take a piece of chalk and mark perpendicular to tread and drive or roll the vehicle and see how the contact patch looks. Adjust tire pressure and repeat with fresh chalk line. Front and rear will probably be different. Can't say about the wheels as I don't have any experience with the honda wheels but the 16" LR alloys will hold a bead down to 10 psi very nicely and so will the 16" LR steelies.

 

@dswilly That's the same set up that I am looking to go with and you confirmed that it looks great, thank you for the photos and review. Love the color of your disco also, is that Vienna green?

 

Yes, Vienna. So far really happy with this set up. Not really a hit on MPG which was what I was worried about most. Was getting 12 + mpg before and the same after.