I am also considering a lift, just been waiting to pull the trigger. I have an issue up front where I get a clunk in my front end sometimes when turning & backing. I think I should get that sorted out first. Replaced worn upper control arms and did not help. I have 4WD on stock 245/65 R17s.
Anyways, I read through all, or most, of these threads a while back, and this is my understanding, if I remember correctly, I could be wrong:
- We should be able to run 265s with no lift at all. Isn't that correct?
- 265 is the largest spare that will fit under the truck, and it has to match.
- BTF spacers 2.25" front / 2" rear would give 3" lift & reduced travel but stock-like ride on the street. Also, highly recommended are extended upper control arms (and probably straps too, if you off-road)
- Smaller BTF spacers (I.e. 1") should not need UCAs
- for body lifts use Ranger kits, I think 1" or 2" is straightforward but 3" requires bumper mount fabrication
So, I would love 285s, but the spare tire storage is a deal breaker for me. Plus, I don't want to buy rims. I don't know how big of a tire can go on my stock 17s".
If 265 is the biggest I can go, then I shouldn't need any lift at all, I think. But I would still like to do BTF spacers and UCAs to gain off-road clearance. And then that's it for now, because I have almost new 245s. Then, later, when I need tires I would go to 265s. I worry a little that it might look funny, in the mean time, with the 3" lift and the 245s.
Then, strictly for looks, so less likely, maybe later some day the 1-1/2" body lift? Wheel spacers for wider, "crawler" stance?
Maybe 285s some day if I could work out the spare tire issue? Can't do roof or rear cuz I carry bikes & canoe plus tow a trailer. Front bumper? Yee haw, SoCal hillbilly! Lol
In reality, I am reluctant to do much at all because I tow a lot, and I worry about that. The truck has a lot of miles and is not a daily driver. I don't put many miles on it but I wamp it a little and I tow a pretty heavy load across several states every year.
Anyways, sorry for the ramble, throwing my 2 cents in and curious if there is any advice for me.
Thx, b