Ok, I've got it figured out. Now I just need Advice!

CoCruiser1380 · 01-08-2008, 09:03 PM

I love wheeling in my rigs, but I don't do anything too hardcore where the stock set up can't handle it. I have been reading and reading and searching and searching and finally came up with the following set up. I would like other people's input if this would be a good set up or if you think it wouldn't work. It is still not finalized if this is what I am going to do to my Black Diamond but here it goes...

16" American Racing Wheels: Teflon Victors
265/75/16R - MTR Wranglers or Mickey Thompsons MTZ

Expedition One Front Bumper - (105lbs) or an ARB - (150lbs)
Warn M8000 Winch - (75lbs)
Total: (180lbs) to (225lbs)

(Edited)
Front springs to level out the FJ with the bumper/winch combo on. But which ones?
(Edited)

An OME Heavy would not be out of the question but a buddy of mine has that set up with the ARB/Warn M8000 and it sags pretty bad. He's had it for a while and it looks like it settled a lot. I guess I could add some spacers to the front to compensate. However, there are other reasons I might not go with a full 3" lift. So I am just looking at suggestions regarding leveling my rig. Thanks for all the input in advance! Alan

fjcruzer123 · 01-10-2008, 08:12 PM

IMO:

Once you get a lift you will want larger tires. I still have the OEM rims and tires and studded snows that I wish filled the wells a little better, Additionally, larger tires are one of the primary reasons to get a lift, so might as well take advantage.

I would stay away from spacers if you want to offset the additional weight up front. The OME may not give you the maximum lift, but will definitely give you better ride and control than the OEM set up with spacers. They also came out with 10mm enhancers and 5mm trim packers to give it a little bump.

I run an ARB with and XD9000 and have the OME 886/896 with 5mm trim packer. I've been running that set up for over a year with no problems or complaints and I honestly don't believe it's has sagged, just doesn't look as dramatic as the first time I looked at it with the lift.

Look ahead: I started with the medium OME springs front and rear, but after a few expedition runs, had to upgrade to handle the weight, which ended up being an annoying additional expense.

CoCruiser1380 · 01-10-2008, 10:12 PM

You are absolutely right. I will probably do springs up front, but larger tires are probably not in my near future. After doing some more reading and searching I now understand that bumper/winch + spacers are not the best.

I am going with after market wheels and will stick with 265/75/16R because I am afraid if I go larger on the after market wheels, I will have to end up doing the body mount chop. I don't want to do that. Also, I want to keep my factory rack and if I lift I WILL NOT fit in many of the parking garages I use. Better milage is also a factor. Like I said before, the stock FJ can handle the wheeling I do. It is my daily driver so I want to pay off more of it before I do anything more hard core. Trust me a larger lift is in the future (Poss a 6"?!) I also don't want to spend too much right now because I want to save up for that SUPERCHARGER! Every little bit helps.

Now the question is, what springs to get for this set up. I have used OME in the past and I know they are top notch stuff. Should I get the 884 or 883 springs? I think the 885 might have too much lift for what I want, but I am not sure. More input please! Thanks.

**JAXTOY** · 01-11-2008, 02:05 PM

I have the Donahoe lift, I can recommend the ARB bumper, top quality plus it has jacking points for a hilift.

CoCruiser1380 · 01-12-2008, 04:49 AM

now are you just lifted upfront? or have a full on 3" lift?

Woah! Just checked it out and they are $$$. I am trying to keep it affordable!

fjcruzer123 · 01-12-2008, 07:06 AM

Quote:

CoCruiser1380 previously said:

now are you just lifted upfront? or have a full on 3" lift?

Woah! Just checked it out and they are $$$. I am trying to keep it affordable!

Talk to Tacozilla, he is getting rid of his DR inventory right now, limited time, lower price, etc. Shannon: 800-327-2087

SteveFJ · 01-12-2008, 07:09 AM

I've had the 883's with an ARB bumper and M8000 on mine for over a year now and couldn't be more pleased. The front is not exactly level, but the difference between front and rear is still less than 1/2" even with the added weight. Much better than the 1 1/2" difference stock. I've got 265/70/17 BFG All-Terrains and I love it. It sounds like you are looking for something very similar to what I was. This would be my recommendation. I can post up a pic later if you like.

CoCruiser1380 · 01-13-2008, 04:32 AM

Yeah, it doesn't have to be perfectly level. I would love to see some side shots of your FJ! I take you have just lifted the front with the 883? Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

SteveFJ · 01-14-2008, 12:26 AM

Yeah, just changed the front springs. I'll try to get a good side shot put up tomorrow.

bartt · 01-14-2008, 12:57 PM

Steve - thanks for posting that info.
I have the 883's and some new Bilstein shocks up front and was wondering if it was going to be enough when I add a bumper and winch.
CoCruiser - You should think about upgrading the shocks when you change out the springs. It all has to come apart anyway, may as well...