Additional work needed with small lift

by **bpdski** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:11 pm

Hi, I am thinking about adding a small lift and larger tires to my TB. My TB is a 2003 4X4 with G80 and skid plates. I have about 150K miles on it and am the original owner and for a long time I didn't think there was much you could do but then I discovered this forum and started reading. What prompted me to look is that I need new tires so I thought I'd investigate if it was possible to put larger ones on there.

After reading a number of threads, I think I'll try to grind my ball joints down a bit and put 265/75-16s on as others have done.

I am also interested in installing a small lift to get another inch or two of clearance. I don't want to do anything too aggressive or expensive so I think I'll stick with spring spaces like suspensionmaxx sells. Since my TB has 150K miles on it, I should probably replace the struts while I'm doing this. If someone wouldn't mind helping me, I have a few questions.

1. What is a good but inexpensive strut to put on the TB?
2. Are there any other parts I need to or should replace when adding a lift like this?
3. Should I install higher spaces in front as others do to level? Perhaps the 1.75" front and 1" rear that suspensionmaxx sells? I don't think I want to go as big as 2.5" or 3" like the kits liftmeister sells.

Thanks!

- Brian

by **fishsticks** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:59 pm

You're in big trouble...

by **bgwolfpack** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 1:36 pm

bpdski wrote:

After reading a number of threads, I think I'll try to grind my ball joints down a bit and put 265/75-16s on as others have done.

Read?! On here? Really!???

by **JorDaneeKey** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 1:44 pm

As a test, I think someone should grind down the ball in their ball-and-socket hip joint to see how that works first. After all, health insurance should cover the cost for a hip replacement.

by **NC_IslandRunner** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 1:56 pm

1. 1.5" wheel spacers from MarkMC

2. 3" suspension lift from MarkMC

3. Up to 33" tire are will now fit(some fender well trimming may apply)

4. Go to TheLiftMeister.com!

5. Forget you ever heard of suspensionmaxx

by **bpdski** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 2:06 pm

Maybe I described it wrong. This is what I was referring to.

http://forums.offroadtb.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2065

by **NC_IslandRunner** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 2:25 pm

Still wouldn't grind them, shockwarehouse.com you can get some bilstein HD struts for a good price.

by **JorDaneeKey** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 2:34 pm

bpdski wrote:Maybe I described it wrong. This is what I was referring to.

http://forums.offroadtb.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2065

Flip the Upper Control Arms, but don't grind them. To fit 31.5s as you are looking to, a suspension lift and a spacer/adapter will work.

Course, something I should research just to know is if there are rims with enough offset to compensate for the UCAs without getting spacers, but I digress.

by **Conner299** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 2:40 pm

bpdski wrote:After reading a number of threads, I think I'll try to grind my ball joints down a bit and put 265/75-16s on as others have done.
- Brian

I have been curious about this as well... But with all my READING, and USING THE SEARCH BAR, I havent been able to find ANY photos. Let us know how this turns out for you. :facepalm:

by **The Roadie** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:07 pm

Man, 20 seconds with Google image search found me this one. :finger:

by **navigator** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:11 pm

the link the OP posted previously has pictures of Beamer's rig with them.
my 30" tires were close to hitting the UBJ, I don't see how a tire over 31" fit safely.

by **Conner299** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:28 pm

The Roadie wrote:Man, 20 seconds with Google image search found me this one.

No $hit!!! I stand corrected... My apologies. I just dont see how this could be considered worth doing though.

by **mikekey** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:36 pm

I suppose it'd be worth it if you where that concerned with bumping it.

by **djthumper** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:39 pm

OK, I am going out on a limb here... You joined today and have read a few threads that you think is the direction that you want to head in your lift. You haven't read the most important threads about the lifts in general. And this was your first post to help with your lift? Not even an intro to meet any of the guys or gals... Here is some required reading viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3060... I am really not trying to be harsh but man you dove in head first into unknown waters...

by **bpdski** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:48 pm

Wow, didn't realize this forum was so harsh, looks like I came to the wrong place. I have been doing some reading when I have time and thought I had an idea of how to start small. Sounds like I had the wrong idea and this was the wrong place to ask. Sorry to bother everyone.

by **boog2006** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:54 pm

Don't run off crying...hang out, read, learn the culture and you'll be fine.

by **Conner299** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:02 pm

mikekey wrote:I suppose it'd be worth it if you where that concerned with bumping it.

Theroretically, though, don't you make that area weaker, by grinding it down? I would rather have spacers, and possibly have my wheel bearings fail a little early, than lose my upper steering knuckle.

by **Gordinho80** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:42 pm

My UCA broke without any grinding, but it broke on the inside... I don't really see an issue with grinding down the outside lip a hair. Would I do it? NO. I'd go with a better lift and spacers.

bpdski wrote:Wow, didn't realize this forum was so harsh

Brian, this is everyone going easy on you! You came to an Off-Road forum. Not a place for mall cruisers. If you want to lift to tackle the speed bumps at the mall, check out GMTNation.com. If you want to take your rig off-road, you'll need thicker skin as things only get worse, with members and with the $ coming out of your wallet!

by **blacksheep** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:56 pm

Take it from another new guy, their just trying to stop you from making a mistake that you'll regret even if it feels like their beating you with a socket wrench to do it. Once you read more posts you'll see that these guys have answered the same questions over and over to the point of annoyance. The lift your describing is the same one I just installed in mine. Topic: spring only (mostly) lift. Sounds like the combo of springs and shocks I'm using is one that hasn't been tried so you may want to give me a month of running it to see if any problems arise, learn from my pocket book.

by **The Roadie** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:57 pm

Gordinho80 wrote:... If you want to take your rig off-road, you'll need thicker skin as things only get worse, with members and with the $ coming out of your wallet!

And the testosterone-fueled built-up rigs hazing and heckling you on the trails, waiting and hoping you'll break so they can take pics and mock us in THEIR forums.

I've heard there's an alternate offroading forum that welcomes noobs and has a feel-good, no-hazing policy, called pirate4x4.com. You may enjoy the different culture over there. :cheers:

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