Ok moding for multiple capabilities: overlanding, trail use, and daily driving. Want to retain a somewhat comfortable ride possibly looking to sell and do another project within the year or two. Adding a bumper and likely a rear bumper/ possibly trimming the rear quarters as well.

I was originally looking at the 3” TF lift has anyone gone that route and how do you like it, did you change panhard rod, watts, rear drive shaft, caster, abs, etc, 16 or 18” and tire size.

Looking at some 2” rigs that have 265/70/16’s that look very similar/capable height wise etc but could just be picture angles.
OME has been recommended for history and quality, yet my best option budget wise is a straight TF 2” kit. If you have had both or a mixed set up of TF/OME/ Bilstein/Fox etc let me know what you like/dislike.

If you have the 235/85/16 on a 2 or 3” lift how do you like it, do you wish you had bigger tires?

Anyone with 285/75/16 on a 2” lift or only 3” plus lift?

Anyone with 255/85/16’s on a 2-3” lift?

Ok, so from what I’ve gathered, save money buy TF.
TF = stiff and junk shocks but sits tall
OME = good quality shocks. Soft springs. Sags a hair
RTE = most money

Given that has anyone used TF springs with OME shocks?

I’m open to Bilstein or Fox shocks if a good deal on a longer travel can be had.

Im looking at Maxxis Razr MT’s, Maxxis Bighorn, Cooper STT Pro over BFG’s. Others are said to clear mud etc better, grip rocks better and be quieter on the road. What’s your experience been.

I’m looking for all around usage options vs a solely rock or trail rig but something that one could take most places if desired. Extreme end a 2021 Camel Trophy capable set up.


Current inspiration rig pics










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I run the TF springs and OME shocks but a 2 inch, rides and handles well.

 

Are you using the Medium or Heavy TF springs?

 

@SouthxSW Medium Duty springs but I need to add a 1 inch spacer in the back this spring. Tent and everything else makes her a bit back heavy loaded up.

 

Are you running a roof tent? If so which platform?

Do you wish you would of gone with the HD springs or Medium front HD rear springs?

 

Tepui Ayer 2 man, and MD springs.

My roof load is about 155lbs tent, awning, rack

Fully loaded up for 5 day trip including and extra 5 gals of fuel

Jump seat and 60% seat are out

 

I'll toss in my .02, I have OME Springs with TF shocks and I find the opposite of much of what you've said. You can see the details in my signature but here is what I find... In my limited experience of 200k miles ownership.

OME shocks are stiffer than TF.
OME MD Springs are very stiff, remember MD and HD refer to load carrying capacity, not robustness. You must carry the weight full time to appreciate an HD rate spring.
Never had any sag with my OME MD springs.
I mostly drive unladen but do have a steel rear bumper and an A bar up front.
I found the standard Bilstein shocks to be stiff and wore out prematurely. Have not tried the more expensive remote reservoir units.
Switching from OME to TF shocks was the best improvement in ride quality I've ever made. Magic carpet ride for the first 10k miles. Now a bit firmer as they age but a friend compared the highway ride to his BMW M series coupe.
Ride is notably better with a passenger in the vehicle and a full tank of gas. Even with MD springs and no cargo a little extra weight helps.

Here is a pic with the 265/75R16 Michelins... Not your classic off road tire by any means but most of my miles are on the freeway. They do great on forest roads with 10 ply construction, never hydroplane in rain, and are excellent on snow. TF steering stabilizer helped immensely on bumpy roads.

 

Did you keep the OME medium springs with the TF shocks? Which TF shocks did you get?

 

Yes I did keep the OME springs.

Shocks are TF118 and 119.

 

A word of advice (based on my own experience) - make sure the brakes, tranny and engine are in good shape before you spend money with the lift and bumpers. I’ve seen a number of people spend several thousand dressing up their rig only to have the head gaskets blow or slip a liner.