To lift or not to lift that is the question

[Shane]

OK, so I picked up a ZR2 2dr blazer last week because the son wanted to by the WJ. This morning I desided to break out the tape measure for some caparisons.

Wj
Front-gound to lowest point 8"
Slider- gound to sliders lowest point 13"
Rear diff-ground to bottom of diff 8"

Blazer
Front-ground to lowest point 8"
Frame-ground to frame 13.5"
Rear diff-ground to bootom of diff 7.5"

They relativly have the same clearences. I had the rough country 2" lift on my 92 and although it did lift as advertised it road like crap. So the alternative is a body lift. I am pretty sure that 32x11.50x15 will fit may have some minor rubbing at full steering lock. With the 32's I would roughly be at the same rear diff height as the WJ. With a 2" body lift 33's may be possible may have to get a different wheel offset to avoid rubbing. I do not plan on any major rock crawling with but it seems that it should be able to run the trails that I have already done without any mods. Any thoughts?

I do plan on getting the Synergy winch mount (hides between frame rails and bumper cover) which helps with approach angles, winch and fabbing some sliders.

[gm4x4lover]

2" body lift, crank torsion 1" and an add a leaf. Lots of armor and some 33x10.50x15's. Good luck on the wheels the need to be back space heavy.

[The StRanger]

I thought body lift's where 3 inch only ??

[Shane]

The StRanger previously posted:

[Shane]

gm4x4lover previously posted:

[glacierpaul]

Sounds like you answered your question, and I would concur, save the $ and do what WILL work EDIT: I hear you on getting back out again too!

[Shane]

glacierpaul previously posted:

[curt86iroc]

gm4x4lover previously posted:

[Shane]

curt86iroc previously posted:

[glacierpaul]

If you build the zr2, I am sure your boy would trade And Curt's zr2 is pretty sweet!

[Shane]

glacierpaul previously posted:

[Haku]

Honestly, you can go a lot different ways with this. That said, as someone who has both a full on rock crawler on 40's with cages and tons of flex and a much milder more stock like build, you really don't need to go crazy with it. I've been very surprised where my "mostly stock" 1st gen 4runner has gone without a problem (I say mostly stock since its lincoln locked in the rear, has dual t-case and some leftover parts like bumpers and a winch from my crawler project). It actually makes the smaller easier trails more fun because it adds some challenge back into the mix compared to the big tired monster that parks next to it at home. I would say figure out what kind of trails you want to wheel and build accordingly. I also recommend figuring out what tire size you want to run and build it according to that. No use going with an 8" lift if you can run the tires you want with a 3" lift or without lifting it at all.

If it were me I'd go try a series of trails starting with something on the easy side and work your way up and see how the rig does. You can start with easy stuff like disconnecting the sway bars and such to see if helps, and go from there. If you can do all the trails you want to do without modification, then your set. If you need to step up the tire size or find you are scraping a lot, then you'll at least know what you need. I personally prefer not to body lift, but I know some vehicles have limited ability to do suspension lifts without going crazy so they are a necessary evil sometimes.

A lot of this is pretty obvious stuff, but its good to kind of map it out sometimes too. The other thing I'll say is that doing suspension mods can kind of snowball and become more involved then you expect. By this I mean you'll do a lift and the CV axles will start to bind or you'll put bigger tires on it and need to do more gearing or it will brake axle shafts, and any number of different support mod variations.

[The StRanger]

Seen It last night. Ya it was dark but, Nice lookin ride..

[dscowell]

I agree with Josh!

[gm4x4lover]

curt86iroc previously posted:

[curt86iroc]

gm4x4lover previously posted:

[Sonomanclature]

I have my Aluminum tcase skid still, its your if you want it. I'm planning on going up to Littleton to get rid of my trailer and pick up an engine this weekend. could swing by and drop it off.

And FWIW, the new RC kit isnt worth the money, the A-arms pop welds on the cross supports, and they bend. its just a new coat on an old dog. Body lift and small t bar tweak and shackle would be the best bang for buck. I would also look into the 1ton idler arm upgrade.

[Shane]

[QUOTE=Sonomanclature;271356]I have my Aluminum tcase skid still, its your if you want it. I'm planning on going up to Littleton to get rid of my trailer and pick up an engine this weekend. could swing by and drop it off.

I am definately interested in the aluminum tcase skid, I am not home this weekend but my son will be. I will pm my address if you are in the neighborhood.

I don't think I will consider the rough country lift based on the experiences I had with the my last s series.

[Shane]

Got home a little bit ago, Thanks for the tcase skid!

[The StRanger]

Just got a K&N, Want it ??