Preparing For Lift & Tire Purchase

[grober02]

Well, I am preparing to buy new wheels and tires for my VX. I was planning to do this w/o a lift, but I decided to go with a lift since I need new shocks and springs anyway. I used to have a set of 22-inchers, and they really gave my suspension a beating�I�m bouncing pretty bad�

Anyway, after reading a lot of comments, I think I�m going to go with the Rancho RS900Xs and OME 912s. I found the Ranchos on http://www.independent4x.com for $85/shock and the OME 912s on www.rocky-road.com for $66.02/spring. Please let me know if there are better sites to search for pricing. Am I correct that this will give me an approximate 3� lift? Also, I think I read somewhere that the front torsion bars will need turned up about 2� or 6 turns. I am going to have the lift done by a 4x4 shop�is there any special instruction I should give them? Any basic prices for this job? Any other tips you can offer. I wasn�t sure if I should let them trim the cladding and beat the wheel wells or just do it myself (if needed).

As for wheels �n tires, I am leaning towards the Rock Crawler Series 87 16x8 (PART# PCW87-6883) found on www.4wheelparts.com for $74 w/ LT285/75R16/D BFG A/T KOs or possibly Mud Terrains. I was going to go with the American Racing Chamber w/ Teflon 16x8s, but they run about twice as much.

However, I�m curious if anyone can offer opinions on the Interco Super Swamper SSR tires. They seem to be quite cheaper than the BFGs�I really like the appearance of the Super Swampers, and the online reviews seem decent. I�m looking for the biggest tire possible with a 3� lift which seems to be 33� x 11�. Also considering the Nitto Terra Grappler LT285/75/R16s. I�ve got my cutting tools and hammers ready�!

[ZEUS]

Man, people are stepping up for the lift lately! Awesome. For the Rancho 9000's, if you can wait until June, Sam's Offroad is having a buy 3 get 1 free sale. I posted on this about a month ago and the link is in that thread. Rocky Road is the place to go for the 912's though. The amount of lift they give is about 2-1/2" which is great for a 32" tire. 33's might need more trimming than you are ready for - up to you and your wheels offset - but you might consider spring spacers with your springs or maybe the mounts Ascinder posted recently. I have done all my VX mods myself so I can't relate to pricing for other people working on it. The SSR's... I have heard good things too, but I am not sure how well they would do on the wet or even dry streets. Expect road noise, and the VX is not sound insulated as it is so I imagine you would hear them singing. Also, make sure you are not getting a bias ply - I don't think the SSR comes in bias but just verify before you buy.

[JHarris1385]

Have you given any thought to the Wrangler MTR's?

[PHO2GR4]

Just call Sam's Offroad. CHEAP stuff! Only $72.50/shock for the Ranchos, with free shipping. I paid $290 for all four, delivered to my door. I couldn't wait until June!!! ;-)

800 446-5503

Or http://www.samsrancho.com

You'll thank me later...

[Ldub]

I'm probably considered an "odd duck" for doing business this way but...

I prefer to do business with/support smaller vendors that offer specialized bits for the VX & Isuzus in general...stuff that you can't get anywhere else.

I figure if I buy springs, shocks, etc. from them for a few dollars more, maybe they'll still be in business when I need that lower link, diff drop bracket, or whatchamacallit in the future.
It's the same as supporting this site, maybe it'll be here for future reference.

I know...not the way of "the majority"...but I'm OK with that.

[grober02]

Do you think it's wise to replace the torsion bars as well? I am only asking as my suspension really did take a beating with my old 22inchers. I wasn't sure how to tell if the torsion bars need replaced...