Lift/UCA/wheel concerns

[pawzitiv]

I've read every thread on this forum regarding what lift kits, UCAs and wheels people are using and with that, I've got a few concerns that hopefully others have already dealt with.

I'm likely going to go with following for my KDSS-equipped Trail Edition:

OW Full 2.5" Suspension Kit
LR UCA's
Pro Comp 7028 wheels (4.75" backspace)
LT285/70R17 Cooper STT tires (true 33" OD)

My concerns are:

1. Will this wheel offset/tire combo rub the LR UCA's? Extra clearance with aftermarket UCA's is implied in some forum threads but has anyone actually confirmed this?

2. Should I upgrade the OEM "pot metal" wheel studs with ARP or Dorman wheel studs?

3. Using factory-spec caster on the LR UCA's, will I rub on the front fender liners/mud flaps/body mounts at full stuff?

4. Should I install a diff drop to prolong the life of my CV joints/boots?

5. If I install a diff drop, will BudBuilt skidplates still fit (with the spacers provided in the diff drop kit)?

Any insight from those who have already "been there/done that" would be very much appreciated.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

1. Will this wheel offset/tire combo rub the LR UCA's? Extra clearance with aftermarket UCA's is implied in some forum threads but has anyone actually confirmed this? Shouldn't have a problem. My wheels have about 4.53" of back spacing on a 9" wheel.

2. Should I upgrade the OEM "pot metal" wheel studs with ARP or Dorman wheel studs? I am running standard wheel studs with no problems

3. Using factory-spec caster on the LR UCA's, will I rub on the front fender liners/mud flaps/body mounts at full stuff? You will most likely rub a little up front but mostly in the rear. I added caster to pull the wheels forward away from the body mount.

4. Should I install a diff drop to prolong the life of my CV joints/boots? your call...see below.

5. If I install a diff drop, will BudBuilt skidplates still fit (with the spacers provided in the diff drop kit)? I have not seen any 5th Gen owners install the diff drop yet. The budbuilts would need some tweaks due to being design around a truck (Harper7) with no diff drop and no sway bars.

Any insight from those who have already "been there/done that" would be very much appreciated.

See above for my response but its only my opinion.

 

[pawzitiv]

Thanks, Mike.

My understanding about diff drops is that the closer the front lift is to 3", the more likely a diff drop might be needed. I hope to be able to keep the OW 2.5" front coilovers set at 2.5" +/- and avoid using a diff drop (which, as you noted, buggers the ease of installing BudBuilt skidplates). I've been talking to Andries at OW to get some idea of the actual rear lift height with the 2.5" kit because I don't want to have crank the front coilovers all the way to 3".

What is your actual net lift height (front/rear)? And since my wheel selection has a 1/4" more backspace than yours, could you give me an idea of how much clearance you have between your Light Racing UCA's and your tire?