Body Lift question

[KTMpat]

After much conversation with fellas at OffRoad Warehouse, I've decided no suspension lift as I want a SOFT ride. Even the Skyjacker 1 1/2" softride lift is firmer than stock. I do like my present ride, and having purchased polyurethane RA bushings and steering stab (did not install this week as I had hoped) I expect satisfaction upon completion.

My question is I still want a 2" body lift, unless someone talks me out of it, and HOW STRONG will the rear bumber be with lift bracket? I intend to carry 4 bikes on the bumper hitch and occasionally tow a tent trailer.

thanks, Pat

 

[kvo]

Pat -

If you're going to put a body lift on and use the extension brackets for the bumper, you DO NOT want to use that bumper to carry anything, much less carry 4 bikes. You're looking at about 150 lbs on that bumper and over bumps, potholes, etc. you stand a very good chance of losing all the bikes.

If you're going for the soft ride, a suspension lift can still give you a soft ride provided that you tune it accordingly. First, shocks - Rancho RS 9000, these can be tuned from extremely soft to very firm; second, lower the tire pressure down to about 26-28psi. When I set my RS 9000 to the softest setting (#1), it rides like a big old Cadillac. I ran my truck for a while at 26 psi with the RS 9000 set at #2 and I did not even feel the potholes or bumps on the roads. The only drawback is that at these soft settings, you don't want to corner too fast. It tends to roll like a boat!

The suspension lift will give you more articulation and more strucutral support overall but it does cost a lot more.

 

[KTMpat]

Does the rear bumper have to be raised?

I had a 4x4 mini truck that I installed a body lift on and I left the rear bumper in stock position. It had about a 1" gap between bumper and body.

Has anyone left the rear bumper at stock height, or can it be? I can fab a flap or something to fill the gap for asthetics. Thanks.

 

[GJarrett]

Sure you can leave it stock height

I left mine at stock height, but I only did a 1" body lift. The stock body molding flap covers it up and you can barely tell there's a gap:

In my "Whoops" picture you get a pretty good look at my rear. If you're going 2" it will probably look a little funnier and you would definately need to fab some more "filler" molding but I don't see why it won't work if you are concerned about maintaining the ability to carry weight on your bumper. I'm in full agreement with Khoa that if you move the bumper you'd be making a serious mistake to still use it as a load-bearing point.

[Edited by GJarrett on 06-06-2000 at 05:05 PM]

 

[KTMpat]

Thanks kvo and GJarrett. I agree, I m not messing with the rear... after all, the rear bumper is probably the Navajo's strongest part, as another member posted - lol.

 

[Chad Nixdorf]

delete

 

[GJarrett]

I agree Chad. It's fine on my 1" lift, but it would have to look pretty silly on a 3" lift. I'm just not sure if in between at 2" would look closer to ok like mine or bad like yours. Pat had concerns about still using the bumper so for him I would think he needs to keep the bumper and work on filling in the gap.

Gerald

 

[KTMpat]

GJarrett, On your one inch, did you still have to lower the fan shroud or make any steering mod like the 2 and 3 inch kits require? Is one inch worth the effort (all the female explorers yell "of course!") My 30" tires fit no problem, and 31s might, but one inch would ensure it. Thanks. ...also, does the Warrior shackle on yours keep the same ride, or maybe soften it a little because of more movement? Physics suggests it should help soften. Anyway, I'd appreciate feedback on that too. (Great resource here, let me tell ya)

 

[GJarrett]

One inch required no changes or drop brackets. But my fan is so close to the bottom of the shroud now that you can barely slip a piece of paper between them. However, even when I severly flex the vehicle while hard fourwheeling, it still doesn't touch. There is no steering mod to make on a new model. It is a telescoping column. After I lifted it I could clearly see where the column telescoped out one inch to compensate.

Gerald
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