Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

89s + top spacer + 3" Body lift = 35s

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by fishsticks » Fri Sep 07, 2012 12:28 pm

I pulled my Rough Country spacers out. I've been driving this way for a couple weeks now, over some rough terrain as well. The tires only rub in the same spots they did as before (on the frame at full lock).

Image

89 springs + 1/2" top spacer (like Mark's) + stock shock mounts. I have the full range of suspension travel as was originally designed, so I don't foresee having top-out issues or busting the stock mounts.

I need to pull the spacers out of the rear to get rid of the rake.
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by navigator » Fri Sep 07, 2012 1:04 pm

this is good info Donny. How much lift do you think the 89's give you? I'm guessing close to 2 inches.
It sounds like you could run 89's + the top spacer and Z71s and be close to level. For someone adding a bumper/armor they wouldn't have much sag.
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by fishsticks » Fri Sep 07, 2012 1:19 pm

I started with 84s stock, so going by JD's chart I have less than 1.5" of front suspension lift. Ground to fender is 42" IIRC.

The idea here is better MPG and better overall CV angle... My Toyota's handling on and off road improved a lot when I removed lift. We'll see if that logic carries over to TBs as well.
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by HARDTRAILZ » Fri Sep 07, 2012 1:20 pm

No hitting the firewall? Thats my big issue.
I hate to advocate weird chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone...but
they've always worked for me.
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by fishsticks » Fri Sep 07, 2012 1:24 pm

HARDTRAILZ wrote:No hitting the firewall? Thats my big issue.



I have an inch or so patch on the corner of the firewall that I do rub on occasionally. I haven't hit it since lowering, but I haven't bounced the truck very hard either.

If it becomes a problem I will tub those areas. I have a plasma cutter now, and no fear of using it. :twisted:
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by HARDTRAILZ » Fri Sep 07, 2012 1:31 pm

That was my idea...well cut and flip the cut pieces so it dimples in not out.
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by Trail X » Fri Sep 07, 2012 3:04 pm

Looks good Donny. What is your outside tire edge offset from stock? Your setup is pretty wide, right? I still think that if the tires are brought in a little more, 35s could be possible without a body lift. Well, wait... that would lead to more rubbing on the frame - that's where you said you get rubbing right? I'll need to check my clearance there, as I'm very clear everywhere else.
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by Jblazin82 » Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:23 am

I'm glad the 89s work out and are getting some use.
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by JCrayton99 » Mon Sep 10, 2012 7:03 pm

So minimum lift and large tires. Sounds good. Kinda like what Im working on with 33s and no body lift. If I can figure out a way to do it with springs Ill switch to that. Unless my other idea happens first...
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by v7guy » Tue Sep 11, 2012 5:53 am

What's the measurement to the top of the fender opening?
Do you have a measurement to the frame just behind the tire?

Haven't driven my truck in two months, but maybe this is an avenue I should pursue.
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by fishsticks » Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:05 am

v7guy wrote:What's the measurement to the top of the fender opening?
Do you have a measurement to the frame just behind the tire?

Haven't driven my truck in two months, but maybe this is an avenue I should pursue.



41" and 13" respectively.
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by v7guy » Wed Sep 12, 2012 12:43 am

Thank you sir
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by fishsticks » Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:19 pm

A little update on this. I got out on Wednesday to break things in a bit. Trying to flex out the suspension only yields rub in the usual scenario - when turned a bit there rubbing the firewall on the inside wheel. A small firewall tub will fix that. It seems no worse than when I had the RC lift on.

I then did the closest thing to "prerunning" that I'll probably ever get to: About 40-50mph down various logging trails. Through holes, over whoopsies and even got some air in front a couple times. Apparently TBs can drift a little bit in the right conditions. :shock: Tires never rubbed throughout that test.

I also rediscovered the fun of IFS, as my Yota would probably have bounced/slid right off the same course, but the TB was sure footed the whole way. I'd have pushed it harder if not for the occasional blind corner. The truck feels way different with no spacers and stock upper mounts, and I prefer it.

So yeah, Fishy recommends skipping the spacers altogether and going with springs or coilovers.
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by JPA85 » Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:33 pm

So are you still running the RC spacers in the back with the Z71s? Or have you pulled those out as well?
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by fishsticks » Fri Nov 30, 2012 7:06 pm

JPA85 wrote:So are you still running the RC spacers in the back with the Z71s? Or have you pulled those out as well?


I still have the RC spacers in the rear. They are small (like 3/4"). I'd be level without them but prefer a small rake.
11 Silverado LTZ - 6.2L/6l80, 2/3 drop, self tuned
85 Hilux - 3RZ, dual cases, caged, 40s, chromo everything
02 TrailBlazer LTZ - 35s, lockers, balls - Gone but not forgotten - Build
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