Lift/Tires Question

[osufans]

OK, please forgive me ahead of time...I'm sure much of this has already been asked and answered, but even going thru the FAQ, as well as searching thru some recent threads, I didn't see complete answers to my questions.

I decided I'd like to stuff 265/75R16's under my Libby. From what I've found, it appears I need a minimum 2.5" lift over stock.

I like the new Wranger Dura-Tracs...or if not them anyways, something along those lines.

Anyhow, two things:

1) - I saw a post about 1.5" wheel spacers...personally, if I'm putting tires that meaty on, I'd like them to show a bit. Not sure if these would even be necessary, but was wondering if they would alleviate any rubbing issues.

2) - What comprises the "optimal" lift? I see threads about OME springs, spacers, clevis lift, etc...what has been tried and true, so to speak? I'm thinking of piecing a lift together with obviously new springs, then I'll need shocks and bumpstops...and would I still need to use a top or bottom spacer? Also, the JBA UCA's are a bit pricey...has anyone used the MOOG ones available from Carquest (not sure if they even make them for the Libby - I used these on my 2000 Ford Ranger 4x4 - http://www.carquest.com/common/downloads/partsTechChassisps_25515.pdf )?

Thanks for any info! Right now I'm just in the "planning" stage, so no real ETA yet. Just trying to get a grasp on what needs done. If there's a kit that is mostly complete, and would end up be cost effective, I could start with that and piece on what I need.

Thanks!

 

[tommudd]

To run 265-75s you'll need more than 2.5 inches of lift, too many people get tied up in these numbers. A 2.5 inch lift would basically put you at 21.5 inches from middle of the wheel to bottom of the flare enough for 245-75-16s .
You'll also need to regear if you want the power and fuel mileage some what decent if going to 265-75s
Moog UCAs are only stock type arms JBAs are made to put the ball joint at a better angle so its not on a bind plus it will be easier to align. You can run it lifted with stock arms though
Personally I would not run spacers but...several will argue that point.
If you want to go for 265-75s then OME 927s clevis lift and top spacer plate will be needed and OME 948s two extra top isolators in rear

and yes this has been discussed 100,000 times before

 

[osufans]

ok, so 245/75's are doable, i suppose....would they still fit with the 1.5" wheel spacer, assuming i've also done the lift first? that would still give the appearance of a wider stance, w/o the tire width.

and yes this has been discussed 100,000 times before

yeah, but it seems each question has a slightly different flavor to it...so each of us still feels the need to ask for an answer to our specific flavor...hehe

 

[offroadohio]

I have 2.5" of lift on my 07, and I am running 265-75-16's. I trimmed the pinch weld and some of the plastic up front.
I was running 245-75-16's before and still rubbed the sway bar at full lock like I do now.
I put 245-75-16's on a stock diesel Liberty last week at work with NO rubbing anywhere.
my coworkers wife has 245-75-16's on stock with a little trimming of the plastic inner fender ( no metal) all stock, tires dont rub the sway bar.

I rubbed my 245's on stuff worst with a lift than the stock ones are without. If I had it to do over agian id never put 245's on with the lift Id saved my cash and put the 265's on from the beginning. Or not lifted it and put the 245's on.

I really dont think there is a standard answer for this question, heck I was rubbing stock tires at full lock before I put the lfit on, I really think its a liberty to liberty thing

 

[tommudd]

Must not go over speed bumps or curbs, I know of a couple lifted with 245-75s and they rub when flexed.
Me I want some room in there so I can flex some.
I agree there is some variance in KJs but not that much
Now in tire size yes, you may have two different 245-75 and 1/2 to 3/4 inch difference depending, then throw in wheel width

I would never run 245-75s on stock suspension

 

[offroadohio]

My 245's were the exact hieght of the 245's on the diesel lib (same tire)
I have plenty of room for up and down travel on the 265's its already been flexed out and tested. My rear will kiss the fender flare at full tuck. only thing I rub at full tuck up front is the sway bar. Tire actualy pulls away from the upper control arm. I lifted the the right front off the ground in my test spot and turned the wheels like that too at full droop I rub the upper control arm and nothing else. I'll have spacers tommorrow and that should cure the problem. I too am not a big fan of spacers but for $100 for four 1.25" spacers/adapters I couldnt justify buying wheels. My new concern is that spacing the rear may cuase more rubbing at tuck on the flare.. we will see what happens.

Im not sayign id put 245's on and not cut, id take out what I ahve already so i could flex it. That diesel lib probably cant turn and hit a pothole at the same time, but it is clearing for road usage.

 

[tommudd]

That diesel lib probably cant turn and hit a pothole at the same time, but it is clearing for road usage.

Two things offroadohio

you have a Frankenlift so its more than 2.5 inches of lift

next why would a salesman sell and then a tire junkie mount tires that you admit could not drop into a pothole and turn at the same time! Thats being really dumb and not caring about a customer, what happens when they do and the fender comes off?

Yes I spent quite a few years in the tire business as well from mounting to Owner/ manager

 

[offroadohio]

Im sorry Tom where you here when I measured the differance from before and after?
Dont believe so. I was saggin pretty good and still only got 2.5" when I lifted it. It was sagging enough that when I hit bumps my stock size tires would rub on the front bumper. That was 20,000 miles ago, I'm sure the front has settled some by now. Not to mention that fact that Frankenlift advertises thier lifts as 2.5" lifts.

I argued to the customer that they wouldnt fit based on what I read on here and lost, and based on the fact that my 245's rubbed the sway bar a little. I showed them my Liberty, they still insisted, we put them on and they fit with no rubbing on the test drive.
It may or may not rub if they hit a speed bump during a hard turn, I warned them it may, and I think it most likely will, well find out when they come in for thier rotation. If it does it will be a kiss on the front bumper and nothing else. I always bump people to a 245-70-16 as the biggest they can fit without a lift, and then sometimes those still rub a little in places.

 

[tommudd]

Yes Frankenlifts are advertised as 2.5 inches of lift but anyone who has installed a few knows that you get more than that from stock height . NOW you may of only gotten that from where you were since your stock suspension was trashed. But the fact remains you have a Frankenlift, if you tell some one I got 2.5 inches then they see another lift advertised as the same it may in reallity give more or less than the 2.5 advertised rate. I would safely say I have done more and helped do more lifts than most and know what different lifts and mixtures will get you.
I was trying to give the OP a good idea of what to expect if they used a certain spring etc.

 

[osufans]

haha...so now i'm more confused....so lets say i want to do a lift...what do i need to piece together a complete lift?

i'm leaning towards the OME springs up front, and from what i've gathered, it appears they make ones for the rear too, is that right? so then with the increased height, i need new shocks...that's pretty self-explanatory, i've seen a few PN's listed on here.

what bumpstops do i need? i'm guessing i'll need front and rear ones for that as well.

what else will i need to complete the swap? i've got an '04, so it doesn't appear i need to extend brake lines or anything.

can the "clevis lift" still be used to gain some additional clearance (thought i saw someone else with that in addition to their lift.)

what about bushings and such? since i'll have that much torn apart, probably wouldn't be a bad idea to switch over to some poly bushings, especially since i'm over 60K on stock ones anyways.

finally, what does this do to the CV-shafts? as moderate as this lift will be, does anything need changed there?

thanks again....just trying to track down PN's, and get a general feel for cost and planning.

 

[offroadohio]

Yes Frankenlifts are advertised as 2.5 inches of lift but anyone who has installed a few knows that you get more than that from stock height . NOW you may of only gotten that from where you were since your stock suspension was trashed. But the fact remains you have a Frankenlift, if you tell some one I got 2.5 inches then they see another lift advertised as the same it may in reallity give more or less than the 2.5 advertised rate. I would safely say I have done more and helped do more lifts than most and know what different lifts and mixtures will get you.
I was trying to give the OP a good idea of what to expect if they used a certain spring etc.

That makes NO sense at all. If I was already sagging and a frankenlift is MORE than 2.5, I should have gotten MORE than 2.5

Going from lower than stock to a lift that is supposed to be 2.5" it SHOULD have measured even more than 2.5"

 

[tommudd]

So what are you sitting now from middle of the wheel to bottom of the flare in front ? Most everyone with a Frankenlift is about 22.5 or so if you are not that high the springs must be shot!

 

[HoosierJeeper]

haha...so now i'm more confused....so lets say i want to do a lift...what do i need to piece together a complete lift?

i'm leaning towards the OME springs up front, and from what i've gathered, it appears they make ones for the rear too, is that right? so then with the increased height, i need new shocks...that's pretty self-explanatory, i've seen a few PN's listed on here.

what bumpstops do i need? i'm guessing i'll need front and rear ones for that as well.

what else will i need to complete the swap? i've got an '04, so it doesn't appear i need to extend brake lines or anything.

can the "clevis lift" still be used to gain some additional clearance (thought i saw someone else with that in addition to their lift.)

what about bushings and such? since i'll have that much torn apart, probably wouldn't be a bad idea to switch over to some poly bushings, especially since i'm over 60K on stock ones anyways.

finally, what does this do to the CV-shafts? as moderate as this lift will be, does anything need changed there?

thanks again....just trying to track down PN's, and get a general feel for cost and planning.

As far as CV angles, a Franken lift is at the upper limit of what they can handle without cutting them.

 

[osufans]

so i have a few more questions....i've been researching the different lifts and the parts included with them, and have some questions about the shocks that are included.

i have seen mention of the RSX17505 shock being used with OME927 coils...however this shock has the same compressed/uncompressed length as the OEM replacement (per Rancho's page - RS5764 - 13.875 extended, 9.750 compressed, RSX17505 - 13.875 extended, 9.750 compressed).

I haven't found too much info on the rear's yet, but here's my proposed lift idea. I'm trying to keep this inexpensive, but functional, as I will probably never do any serious off-roading in the next few years...and by then some of this will need replaced anyways.

So here's what I'm looking to do:

OME926 on the front w/RS5764 struts
maybe a top plate, and possibly a clevis lift
spacer lift on the rear w/RS5248 shocks (spec'd for a Durango, if they will fit)
1.5" wheel spacers, mostly for looks, if I still think I need them after I get the tires on

I've decided to keep the tires reasonable at 245's, since 265's would definitely push the limit on my lift budget.

Am I missing anything? I haven't found much info on bumpstops yet, but haven't really looked to hard either.

Thanks

 

[offroadohio]

So what are you sitting now from middle of the wheel to bottom of the flare in front ? Most everyone with a Frankenlift is about 22.5 or so if you are not that high the springs must be shot!

Was at almost 22 exact when I first put it on. its at 21 3/4 or so now

 

[osufans]

thanks Tony!!