What happened to trail capability being cool?
#1
What happened to trail capability being cool?
Howdy folks, I just joined and mentioned this in the intro section before realizing there was a dedicated off-road section. Basically I haven't owned a pick-up in 20 years and back then folks would lift them, throw some more capable meat on them, then hit the trail slowly enhancing their trucks journey typically through sus travel increase.
I'm laying out a plan for suspension and tire upgrades, something modest like a 4" lift on 33's. I've found that during research when people mention that setup, others say 35's look best on a 4" lift however when seeing the clearance photos, it appears that none of them would actually work on a trail that wasn't pristine.
Am I just old and out of the loop, ignorant, or missing something? I would think that jacking the truck up and stuffing the absolute largest tire under-it (low-profile to boot) would be just as crippling to an off-road capable truck as slamming it to the ground.
I'm laying out a plan for suspension and tire upgrades, something modest like a 4" lift on 33's. I've found that during research when people mention that setup, others say 35's look best on a 4" lift however when seeing the clearance photos, it appears that none of them would actually work on a trail that wasn't pristine.
Am I just old and out of the loop, ignorant, or missing something? I would think that jacking the truck up and stuffing the absolute largest tire under-it (low-profile to boot) would be just as crippling to an off-road capable truck as slamming it to the ground.
#3
Senior Member
If you use the correct offset on the wheel you should be able to stuff 35s on a 4" lift.
On a two inch level you can stuff 33s with ease and 35s on a stock will will fit and rub a little.
On a two inch level you can stuff 33s with ease and 35s on a stock will will fit and rub a little.
#4
Senior Member
Depends on what one wants. For many (and I mean MANY) people's trucks, the only dirt they'll ever see will come from the lint left on their hood from a rainstorm. They are usually the ones that want to LOOK the part by lifting their truck(s).
Someone not long ago surmised in an article that only about 10-15% of "off road capable" vehicles will actually see off road action. Weird, huh? For me, my truck better be ready for a surprise trail romp any time I see a dirt road or trail calling out to me.
I only have a 2" lift in front, 1" (Deaver springs) in the rear, and have 34" tires. I can totally cross up and there is -0- rubbing anywhere. But that is a function of a "proper" set up instead of just simply lifting the snot out of the suspension.
Someone not long ago surmised in an article that only about 10-15% of "off road capable" vehicles will actually see off road action. Weird, huh? For me, my truck better be ready for a surprise trail romp any time I see a dirt road or trail calling out to me.
I only have a 2" lift in front, 1" (Deaver springs) in the rear, and have 34" tires. I can totally cross up and there is -0- rubbing anywhere. But that is a function of a "proper" set up instead of just simply lifting the snot out of the suspension.
The following 5 users liked this post by STingray1300:
bambbrose (03-29-2018),
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WestsydeGuy (05-13-2016)
#5
Thanks for the responses guys. Stingray it's great to hear that your seeing good travel on a 2" coil lift with 34's. I think I might go that route instead of the 4"! Some of these trucks I'm seeing are so jammed up with tire that a stock subaru outback would dust them across a gorge. It would be a rough ride for sure but at least the outback wouldn't eat its' own face off doing it.
I guess to each his own heavily applies, it's shocking after having been out of the loop for so many years.
Thanks again!
I guess to each his own heavily applies, it's shocking after having been out of the loop for so many years.
Thanks again!
#6
Senior Member
The issue, I have with 4 to 6" lifts, you are only gaining ground clearance, not extra suspension travel. It is not like a solid axle spring or 4 link swap like it used to be, you are just lowering the short travel A-Arm mounting points, by 4-6".
My planned setup is very similar to Stingray's, it keeps the truck at a decent height for CoG purposes, and is very usable and capable off road.
My ideal setup would be a full on 4 link swap, or mid to long travel A-Arm setup, but both are costly, and one option puts you almost too wide for some trails.
Sadly I don't offroad much, but when I do, I want it to be capable.
My planned setup is very similar to Stingray's, it keeps the truck at a decent height for CoG purposes, and is very usable and capable off road.
My ideal setup would be a full on 4 link swap, or mid to long travel A-Arm setup, but both are costly, and one option puts you almost too wide for some trails.
Sadly I don't offroad much, but when I do, I want it to be capable.
#7
Senior Member
I need to move out that way, looks like fun.
Depends on what one wants. For many (and I mean MANY) people's trucks, the only dirt they'll ever see will come from the lint left on their hood from a rainstorm. They are usually the ones that want to LOOK the part by lifting their truck(s).
Someone not long ago surmised in an article that only about 10-15% of "off road capable" vehicles will actually see off road action. Weird, huh? For me, my truck better be ready for a surprise trail romp any time I see a dirt road or trail calling out to me.
I only have a 2" lift in front, 1" (Deaver springs) in the rear, and have 34" tires. I can totally cross up and there is -0- rubbing anywhere. But that is a function of a "proper" set up instead of just simply lifting the snot out of the suspension.
Someone not long ago surmised in an article that only about 10-15% of "off road capable" vehicles will actually see off road action. Weird, huh? For me, my truck better be ready for a surprise trail romp any time I see a dirt road or trail calling out to me.
I only have a 2" lift in front, 1" (Deaver springs) in the rear, and have 34" tires. I can totally cross up and there is -0- rubbing anywhere. But that is a function of a "proper" set up instead of just simply lifting the snot out of the suspension.
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#8
Stingray did Deaver stop offering rears for our trucks? I visited their site and it looks like the latest they go is 2003 on the non-raptor f150. Here is a link to their offerings: http://www.deaverspring.com/products/ford-leaf-springs/
I checked out the BOSS kit, it seems very reasonably priced and the reviews appear to be great. Good stuff.
I checked out the BOSS kit, it seems very reasonably priced and the reviews appear to be great. Good stuff.
#9
Senior Member
Rovers are too expensive for some to take in the dirt.
Is this counting SUVs and CUVs? Id say even less than 10%
The following users liked this post:
STingray1300 (05-14-2016)
#10
Senior Member
Stingray did Deaver stop offering rears for our trucks? I visited their site and it looks like the latest they go is 2003 on the non-raptor f150. Here is a link to their offerings: http://www.deaverspring.com/products/ford-leaf-springs/
I checked out the BOSS kit, it seems very reasonably priced and the reviews appear to be great. Good stuff.
I checked out the BOSS kit, it seems very reasonably priced and the reviews appear to be great. Good stuff.