Ok, I've gone over the lift posts ad nauseum. I am looking at moving to 33's and pretty much my main concern is durability. I have read:"OME 912's and a t-bar crank=cheap, blissful lifting". And others complaining that doing the same think equals weird noises, grinding, CV boot replacements WAYYY to often, etc. I want to do it right the first time, hopefully minimizing the amount of bash and slash needing to be done to the front fender wells. Right now I have plenty of questions for lifting, so here they are:
1.Ball joint flip: I understand the point of the bj flip is to decrease angle(stress) on the CV joints and make the VX easier to align once lifted, right? So what about the spacers on Independent4x.com? Do I throw these on in addition to the flip to decrease the angle further? Also do these fit the VX(they don't have it listed there), and is more thickness better? The reason I ask is that I have machine shop access, so I could come up with something thicker and less $$.
//Flipping the BJ does not decrease any stress to the CV’s this solely allows for easier alignment. I have my VX lifted and have not had any problems with a shop aligning my front end. Although I do plan to flip my bj when the weather permits (much more enjoyable for me to work on my VX when its warmer outside, not lucky enough to have a heated garage yet.) Only thing I know of to decrease stress to the CV’s is diff drop brackets.
2.Rear shocks:Some people have reported using longer rear shocks when doing lifting for more travel. Independent4x sells shock post extensions. I love the stock shocks and see no real reason to replace them ever(for the stuff I do at least). To me these extensions look somewhat flimsy. Am I going to have issues with them, and will they allow me to retain the originals no problem?
//Longer shocks are not needed. Take a look for yourself, simply unbolt the stock shock and let it travel to the pavement and see if that suits your taste. If not go with rancho9000’s.
3.Bump stop extensions: I undersand that we should get bumpstop extensions when lifting, but all I see at independent4x are low profile stops. Where are we getting these elusive extensions?
//I do not have bump-stops yet and have not had a problem yet. I do plan to acquire these soon.
4.Differential drop brackets: I have seen older posts referencing these to further decrease CV wear. These posts also said they were pretty pricey. There was mention about having some custom fabbed or even adapting the stock ones. Is there a source to buy these or could someone estimate how much they would cost for a custom job or how hard they are to make with a well outfitted shop?
//As mentioned above this is the only stress decreaser I am aware of. My cvs are at approx a 45 degree angle perpendicular to the ground.
5.CV joints/boots: I saw mention of some chrome alloy high angle shafts but no mention of if they were made for the VX or where to get them, or how much. I also saw mention of some kevlar reinforced boots that were more durable. How often do the boots and/or shafts fail after lifting on average. Also please take into account any CV saving measures taken(to decrease angle, etc) when posting replies.
//CV boots get torn only from, rocks hitting it at high speeds, off-roading and coming into contact with something sharp/hard enough to pentrate the rubber, or WEIGHTS from the wheel/rims flying off and cutting a hole in them. All of which are not that common. There are covers for them as mentioned and I think they are at inde4x.
6.How much banging on the rear of the front fender well are we talking here? I just bought this vehicle and the last thing I want to do is hit it with an ugly stick/hammer to any great degree.
// I have not had to do this yet. Probably will to clear an extra Ľ of an inch or so. This is not noticeable and there is not anything damageable down there anyways.
I do not have 33’s but am riding on 265/75/16 which is near 32. But keep in mind offset of wheels play a major role. And I do not have stock rims or offset.
7.Poly spacers: I talked with Ldub who uses 1" spacers for his wheels. I love the look of his VX, but if I had the diff drop brackets, wouldn't 2" be better for wheel well clearance/less beating with the hammer. Also, I have read that these can fall out at high levels of travel. Is there a good way to ensure that this doesn't happen?
// Not sure on this but very interested. I would like to give my vx a little wider stance if this is what I need for that.
In addition to the above mentioned mods, I am probably going to throw on the beefed up tie rods and brake line kit from independent, and maybe some rattlecan work since I'll have stuff apart anyways. Is there anything else I should put on at this point while I've got everything else going on. I would really prefer to do this all in one fell swoop. Sorry for the extremely long post, I just want to try and do this right the first time and minimize the snags right off the bat.
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