Quote:
Originally Posted by Ford_Prefect
VERY rarely do you see people actually do this.
|
Actually, most (if not close to all) wheelers depart from factory track width when they lift their vehicles as a result of buying new rims with non-factory width, non-factory backspacing, and wider tires. It frequently occurs before they even lift the vehicle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ford_Prefect
Now, MY question would be WHY would you ever want to go higher if not for tire size? The only reason to lift a vehicle, in my opinion, is to get the bigger tires. The tire size is what gives you the clearance on the trail. If you lift your jeep but do not lift your axles with bigger tires then you really do not change your clearance much at all.
|
There are actually some very common reasons: an increase in suspension travel, an increase in your approach/departure angles, and an improvement in your breakover angles. The distance between the ground and the lowest point on the axle isn't always the ultimate goal or what gets you home. I take more faith in the ability of my rigs to scale or reach down to grab hold of something than I do in being able to just drive straight into & over an obstacle, so my Ram has sufficient lift to clear 40's with no cutting and to also stuff them with no rubbing. It will differ based on the intended use of the vehicle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ford_Prefect
I personally feel, as do competition rock crawlers and rock racers, that bigger tires with as little lift as possible is the best route. Keeps your COG as low as possible, and still gives you as much axle clearance as possible.
|
The "little lift as possible" is not really the absolute philosophy they follow. Its more like "as little an increase in the height of the vehicle as possible" in pursuit of the lower COG. A "suspension lift" increases the distance between the axle centerline and your frame, effectively increasing the range of travel of your suspension. In looking at competition rigs, that's not something that is sacrificed. Its a difficult comparison to a CJ due to the different nature of the suspension systems used in competition (like those designed with an emphasis on downtravel), as well as the lack of body interference that competition rigs have. We don't have the luxury of putting everything exactly where we want it and many people prefer not to cut their steel and enjoy the articulation gains of increased lift along with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The amount of lift we are talking about here is not a lot at all. I went from stock straight to 4" with 31x11.5's on factory rims the first time. My tires were barely outside the flare at all and I didn't feel unstable or have a fear of rolling over. While its true that your chance will increase, it really needs to be put in perspective. If the OP was jumping from 2.5" to SOA, then I could see track width being a greater concern. Like I already said, see how it feels first. Then increase your track if you don't like it.
As for the comment about being illegal because you are outside the flares... It may be different in Canada, but many states have no law governing that.
>
Too Tall, Too Narrow?
