Suspension happy medium
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: PA
^ a subframe would be a good idea and wouldn't cost to much. figure a week or so in the garage to come up with a decent design which once the first one is made and fit is good you could start knocking them out quickly with the right tools. Wish I had a water jet and a big brake. Athen you need to figure out the steering system which should be as easy as bent linkages or a mixture of drop pitman arms adjustable drag links and raises steering arms. Maybe adapt a crossover steering setup if the lift allows one? Hmmm wheels are turning in my head now.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
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So here is what I was thinking (keep in mind I don't have much of a clue); variable rate springs, taller tires, good shocks would result in 1" or 1.5" of additional clearance with better than stock handling in the rougher stuff. I do have to replace shock and spring, as well as tires, so why not make a "smart" choice.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
So here is what I was thinking (keep in mind I don't have much of a clue); variable rate springs, taller tires, good shocks would result in 1" or 1.5" of additional clearance with better than stock handling in the rougher stuff. I do have to replace shock and spring, as well as tires, so why not make a "smart" choice.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
If you keep your tire choice narrower than 10 inches, the camber affect be less evident. But really, what good is an inch? Good enough to wear out tires?
What kind of off roading are you doing? Just trail running out here? I'm stock on 31s and it works GREAT!
What kind of off roading are you doing? Just trail running out here? I'm stock on 31s and it works GREAT!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
^ a subframe would be a good idea and wouldn't cost to much. figure a week or so in the garage to come up with a decent design which once the first one is made and fit is good you could start knocking them out quickly with the right tools. Wish I had a water jet and a big brake. Athen you need to figure out the steering system which should be as easy as bent linkages or a mixture of drop pitman arms adjustable drag links and raises steering arms. Maybe adapt a crossover steering setup if the lift allows one? Hmmm wheels are turning in my head now.
Since 80-96 2WDs were the same in concept as these Bumps it shouldn't be very difficult to adapt the 2WD lift kits offered by the likes of Superlift, Rancho, Skyjacker, or Rough Country - or using the system components as a basis to fabricate from.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
In the end, the main question remains for individual decision..."Is it worth it?"
Given the time/effort with adapting a 2WD 80-96 lift or fabricating such a system, the Autofab components could be the "easiest" way to go... it just takes extra coin.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
But with dentside beams you have ball joints to correct the camber problem, so longer springs would be the easiest way in that case, right?
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
The 2wd lifts I cited above reposition the I-beam and RA mounting points + a dropped pitman arm.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
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From: PA
to lower there truck.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
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I'm really glad that I got you guys thinking about this. I'm narrowing it down to 31" all terrain and new components. The desert is mostly flat out here and I think it would be better to have a limited slip/locker diff than 3" of lift. For now anyway. HIO ideas about an 80 or newer truck did have me thinking since I have one handy, but I would be worried about the weight of the 390. I mean I'm not a fabricator but maybe cut the front clip and graft it on and box the frame should be within the ability of my MIG welder.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
I'm really glad that I got you guys thinking about this. I'm narrowing it down to 31" all terrain and new components. The desert is mostly flat out here and I think it would be better to have a limited slip/locker diff than 3" of lift. For now anyway. HIO ideas about an 80 or newer truck did have me thinking since I have one handy, but I would be worried about the weight of the 390. I mean I'm not a fabricator but maybe cut the front clip and graft it on and box the frame should be within the ability of my MIG welder.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
I'm really glad that I got you guys thinking about this. I'm narrowing it down to 31" all terrain and new components. The desert is mostly flat out here and I think it would be better to have a limited slip/locker diff than 3" of lift. For now anyway. HIO ideas about an 80 or newer truck did have me thinking since I have one handy, but I would be worried about the weight of the 390. I mean I'm not a fabricator but maybe cut the front clip and graft it on and box the frame should be within the ability of my MIG welder.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
Also keep in mind that larger tires push the limits on the old drum brakes. I don't know how bad 33s would be compared to 31s, but 31 still does ok I think.
Just another factor to keep in mind...
Just another factor to keep in mind...