To lift or not to lift...that is the question
#11
#12
Probably because when that list was done 18" were rare and decent off-road tires for 18" wheels were even more rare.
#13
It will be a lot more cost effective if you use a 2" lift kit instead of the 3". With a 3" kit, you will have to change out brake lines, drive shaft, and some other things under the truck. With a 2" kit, you can keep all of the stock components underneath.
I have a 2" TerraFirma kit in my garage waiting to be installed. I'm getting anxious to put it on.
I have a 2" TerraFirma kit in my garage waiting to be installed. I'm getting anxious to put it on.
#14
#15
#16
One thing to keep in mind is a lift is done to FIT tires. Tires are what will give you more height under the axles, which really is what will stop you. Breakover angle will be helped by lift, but the general rule is it's all for the tires to not rub offroad.
In the Jeep world, many people have moved to less lift and bigger tires by trimming, cutting etc - calling it an "LCG build" - where they now have a Lower Center of Gravity. This makes ALL the difference when going up a very steep incline.
The carport / garage is really key.
I have a 2000 Disco, w/ a sagging old OME 2" lift and 32s. It barely fits in my standard garage door. I'm concerned, when I go to a 3" and 33s that it really won't have a chance to fit... Time to build another garage w/ a 10' door... That said, there's another big issue that some don't think of - Parking garages. I don't often drive to them -- but there are times, and I know this truck will BARELY fit as it is. Literally waiting for the scrape on that test pipe that hangs on the entrances to show you the internal height!
If all of that doesn't matter, go with a 3" it'll sag eventually anyway and even a 2" w/ 32s will be more trouble to get in and out of. Anyone 5'8 and below will get to jump a bit.
Dave
In the Jeep world, many people have moved to less lift and bigger tires by trimming, cutting etc - calling it an "LCG build" - where they now have a Lower Center of Gravity. This makes ALL the difference when going up a very steep incline.
The carport / garage is really key.
I have a 2000 Disco, w/ a sagging old OME 2" lift and 32s. It barely fits in my standard garage door. I'm concerned, when I go to a 3" and 33s that it really won't have a chance to fit... Time to build another garage w/ a 10' door... That said, there's another big issue that some don't think of - Parking garages. I don't often drive to them -- but there are times, and I know this truck will BARELY fit as it is. Literally waiting for the scrape on that test pipe that hangs on the entrances to show you the internal height!
If all of that doesn't matter, go with a 3" it'll sag eventually anyway and even a 2" w/ 32s will be more trouble to get in and out of. Anyone 5'8 and below will get to jump a bit.
Dave
#18
Great advice everyone! Thats why I love this forum...
I think I will stick with what I have for now and ease into it as a 'stock' LR. I may look into the 18" tires down the road, or perhaps to the 2" lift to keep things simple.
I only paid $4500 for the vehicle, and I'm quickly finding out that I could spend that amount and more on outfitting her for Off-road.
Being new to this scene, I think I will try it as-is for a few months.
I think I will stick with what I have for now and ease into it as a 'stock' LR. I may look into the 18" tires down the road, or perhaps to the 2" lift to keep things simple.
I only paid $4500 for the vehicle, and I'm quickly finding out that I could spend that amount and more on outfitting her for Off-road.
Being new to this scene, I think I will try it as-is for a few months.
#19
#20