Lost in IFS lift land

[AK Dragon]

I am not new to lifts. I am new to lifts and IFS. I know how lifts on solid axles work and am comfortable with it. I am leery of lifting an IFS due to possible excessive CV wear/breakage. Less time in the shop = very happy owner.

The Facts
1. I am not a hard core off-roader that wants to beat the wee out of his daily driver.
2. It will find its way out onto unimproved roads that require good clearance (this IS Alaska mind you)
3. I will replace the bumpers with Fab Fours Bumpers front w/ winch and rear with tire carrier (I don't trust even the factory tire on that rear door) adding 365# to the FJ (180 fnt, 185 rear)

Requirements.
1. Must be bolt on. No welding or cutting involved.
2. Must level the FJ out
3. Not going to make my wallet scream 'in horror'
4. The FJ's ride is smooth and/or better than stock
5. Doesn't create excessive body roll
6. Doesn't place strain on the stock suspension/drive train parts


Here is the $100,000 question.
I have been looking at the 3" Rough Country Lift kit, though am having second thoughts about it. It is a spacer kit. I have read here that a few of you have issues with spacer kits. I have also looked at full replacements and see that some require replacement of other suspension parts or cost godly amounts. Any recommendations?

Any help guys (and gals) would be appreciated.

[DominicG]

If you don't want to break the bank with a lift, the best lift IMO would be the Old Man Emu setup. A tick over $600 for probably the longest lasting suspension you can get.

And it will also hold the weight of the Fab Fours Tank Armor. (extremely exspensive front and rear also)



Also, i have a spacer up front. It's quite annoying and i feel less capable with any obstacle. I have the rear old man emu setup and plan on the same up front when i get my new bumper in.

[DominicG]

And another thing, Dont worry about the spare hanging on the door unless your running an aired up 37" tire. It has held and will hold your spare fine. I've never heard of a problem with the mount.

[Fjamming]

DominicG previously said:

If you don't want to break the bank with a lift, the best lift IMO would be the Old Man Emu setup. A tick over $600 for probably the longest lasting suspension you can get.

And it will also hold the weight of the Fab Fours Tank Armor. (extremely exspensive front and rear also)

X2. Make sure you get the "heavy"

The Fabfours rear bumper would be great in taking the load off the rear hatch. Big tires with heavy rims or accessory bags hanging off the rear hatch will add significant strain to the door.


I think you're much better off with OME then spacers.

[AK Dragon]

DominicG previously said:

And another thing, Dont worry about the spare hanging on the door unless your running an aired up 37" tire. It has held and will hold your spare fine. I've never heard of a problem with the mount.

I am looking down the road. The factory tire may have no issues now or having the storage on the inside but, when the Alaskan roads jolt, jostle, and bounce around your gear/tire it's gonna have an effect on that door. That is why I am going after the Fab Four's bumper. Not to mention an insurance policy against those minor fender benders in parking lots while you are away.

Thanks for the advice. Time to save those pennies

[TiFJ]

OME is awesome. Not too expensive but it gets the job done. Mine rides better than it did from the factory.

[jeshua]

For you OME Heavys would work well. since you would be adding lots of bumper weight. If you want to step it up from there go to a performance suspension system such as SAW, WE, FOX, King or DR's/new company name. out of these SAW has the heaviest coil but King will do what ever you want as for the other I am not sure what they will do as far as using diffrent springs. I am sure once DR gets going again they will be cool with it as well.

[Radflo Shocks]

Radflo makes a 2.0 shock for the FJ that would work well with what you plan on using it for.We are doing something similar for the RC 6" lift. If you need any more info, let me know.

Glenn