I lifted my 98 expi 4x4 with 3 inch torsion keys and 3 inch rear spacers. I'm planning on running bf goodrich all terrains but I want wider rims. I think I'm going with 16's because they're a little less costly. I don't need anything too fancy maybe polished aluminum. Does anyone have pics and suggestions for rims and tire sizes?

 

Sorry for hijacking your thread...but can you explain me that: "3 inch torsion keys"?

What is that?

 

On the rear end of the torsion bar, where it is mounted in the crossmember, there is a torsion bar key. It is really a bellcrank, splined onto the torsion bar and it is a lever that is adjusted with a set screw. You can adjust the preload on the torsion bars and alter the hieght of the front suspension.

The stock keys run out of adjustment before you can get too much lift. These aftermarket keys are offset so the user can raise the vehicle further.

The pitfalls are, it is easy to raise the suspension to the end of the shocks travel. This is a bit dangerous as the tires can lose contact with the road if the shocks have fully extended, and it ruins any off road ride/articulation. The second problem is the angle of the CV joints in the front axles. Exagerating the angle runs them in a position where they are not as strong. They are prone to rapid wear and failure when run like this. Fitting larger tires (more leverage) and running tight CV angles is a recipie for problems if you try to use it in 4wd.

You can fit 33" tall tires on stock rims with no more than a 1 inch rear spacer. Any more than that and you could do a body lift or better yet a front subframe relocation type lift that maintains the stock CV angles. These trucks will never be more than marginal performers off road so I would avoid big lifts and big tires. It compromises the trucks usefulness and durability for little gain IMO.