Quote:
Originally Posted by JZiggy
@ raKnizek
Nice build thread buddy!
I am planning a very similar lift to what you did back in 2017. My current ride height is basically the same as yours pre-lift and I'm shooting for the same (or slightly less) height than you gained with your lift.
I'll be using a Dobinsons kit with IMS shocks and JBA UCAs + PCK of course. Just wanted to query you on a few things:
- How did the ride quality change after the lift?
- Are you happy with the JBAs? What caster did you dial in when aligned?
- Why are the front control arm bumpstop extensions necessary?
- Would you do anything different if you had to do it over again?
Thanks!
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Thank you!
Interested to see what you think of the Dobinsons. I see the brand mentioned a lot recently. Maybe they will become the new bread and butter recommendation for 3rd gens?
The ride is undoubtedly more firm after lifting. But remember most people, myself included, are comparing old worn out suspension with brand new stuff and unless you're the original owner, or have driven one with new stock suspension, it may not be the most genuine comparison. That being said the ride feels more refined and the shocks take the edge off bumps much better. The body is very well controlled over bumps (with stock sway bars and extended links) despite being taller. It almost feels sporty in its own way. But you will feel that extra height during higher speed turns as it leans in with a notable (but predictable) delay relative to the steering input.
Tires made almost as big of a difference in my opinion. I tried load E General grabbers and it was too rough for me. Even with the new suspension. Moving to a load C helped solve that. But every tire will be different. Adding to that, mud terrain tires made my steering a bit more vague and it has a different response than with the all terrains (or highway tires).
JBAs are great. I replaced the bushings after not many miles but I did not grease them as much as I should have. And the bushings have been redesigned since then with channels to allow for better grease distribution. I have felt that they have allowed for the travel my coil-overs have. Owner and customer service have been excellent too. I even got an email reminder to grease the bushings based on when I purchased them.
I do not believe those front bump stop spacers were needed. I just did not know at the time and have since removed them. I should probably get the front DuroBumps to match the rear.
I don't think there is anything major I would do differently. Maybe get the rear DuroBumps from the start. The stock ones are just super hard. Other than that maybe I would just go for a 2.5 rear. More to future-proof rather than outright necessity. I would love to try other setups, too.
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2000 SR5 3.4, Manual, 4x4
Icon 2.5 extended coilovers & 2.0 rear, JBA UCAs
265/75R16 General Grabber X3 on LC80s
Full Skid Plates