time to lift

[TheOriginalPete]

hey fellas so ive been doing a bit of shopping online looking at 2 inch lift kits and ive found both the simple cheap block lift and the expensive full suspension upgrades how much of a difference is there between the two? im also woundering if that would be enough to fit 33 x 12.50 tires? and if i can would factory gears be able to handle that as a daily driver?

 

[KidVermicious]

What truck? What gears do you have now?

If you do any kind of trails, I'd stay away from the lift blocks. They'll shorten the life of your springs and can cause axle wrap.

 

[Bad_Vision]

stock ride height = 31x10.50
+2.5 inch = 32x10.50
4 inch will fit 35x10.50

ok here is the truth about suspension lifts.
Block lifts only break your leaf springs never use them.

the 2.5 inch lift for the front IFS works but youll need to jack up your torsion bars and that will eat through ball joints and thats not cheap to take care of every year.

if you want the most reliable and study get a all leaf 4 inch lift kit. NO BLOCKS

and remember that when you get bigger tires you must re-gear or you risk breaking your 3rd member, transmission and transfer case.

 

[Thurlo76]

you dont need a lift to fit 33's. just sayin... but if you dont wanna do some pounding best bet is to go bj spacers in front and either a zuk mod in the rear (can pic up jeep coils for 30 bucks) or AAL. a shackle lift might do it depending how sagging your rear leafs are. dont crank the t bars. that will give you less travel and a harsh ride. and the block is seems cheap now but might cost you alot more down the road, just my 2 cents.

 

[TheOriginalPete]

okay yeah. its a 94 3vze and i usually hit the trails every weekend. i dont have leaf springs in the rear though. what kind of gearing should i be looking for with 33 x 12 50 tires?

 

[fourwd1]

okay yeah. its a 94 3vze and i usually hit the trails every weekend. i dont have leaf springs in the rear though. what kind of gearing should i be looking for with 33 x 12 50 tires?

For 33's 4.88 gears would be the best if you have a manual trans, for an auto you need to go lower, which would be 5.29. You really don't have to regear for 33's, but that's as tall as you can go before you really need to. There will be a loss of power and mpg, but most people find it liveable. Keep in mind that regearing is going to run you $800-1000.

With lift kits, like anything else, you get what you pay for.
A well built kit with good ride, handling, and flex will cost more.
If you do want that, and just need 2-3" to fit 33's check out Old Man Emu kits.

 

[Thurlo76]

for the 2nd gens just go get bj spacers, and coil springs off a 80's style land cruiser. they are cheap as well

 

[BucknutBob]

For 33's 4.88 gears would be the best if you have a manual trans, for an auto you need to go lower, which would be 5.29. You really don't have to regear for 33's, but that's as tall as you can go before you really need to. There will be a loss of power and mpg, but most people find it liveable. Keep in mind that regearing is going to run you $800-1000.

With lift kits, like anything else, you get what you pay for.
A well built kit with good ride, handling, and flex will cost more.
If you do want that, and just need 2-3" to fit 33's check out Old Man Emu kits.

In total agreement with this! I've had personal experience with the OME kits--the equipment is top-notch, they articulate well, and OME is known for it's excellent ride quality. They're also relatively inexpensive (springs, shocks, and steering stabilizer for about $800), and you won't need to change anything else to make it work. Also, 4.88's will keep your engine in its factory powerband with 33's.

 

[TheOriginalPete]

you guys freaking rock. thank you for pointing me in the right direction in all this im just getting into four wheeling and ive really had no clue about any of this. ive heard alot of good things about ome lifts so im definately taking that route and hell if the factory gears can handle 33's then i will let that sleeping dog lie.
Cheers,
Pete