Suspension dilemma

[MuddyRangeRover]

I've done as much reasearch as I possibly can, but need your experience based opinions please.


1) I have a set of tires, 32/11.5/15 MTR's in near new condition. I want to run them on my Rover. Clearly I need a lift, that a side, I have sourced a GREAT deal on steelies. They are 15X7, available in +6mm (meaning they stick out further than stock), and -6mm(meaning they are further in, or about the same as stock). Now, if I am correct, that means, of I were to either use the stock(or near stock) offset, tires should fit nicely in the wheel wells(providing 2" susp/ and 2"BL). Am I correct, or do I need to have the +6mm rims to make it fit/sit better?
I am hoping to do some test fitting tomorrow and see what I can come up with.

2) I am looking at lift springs. I have come accross the 3 main ones. OME which seems to be more 1.5-1.75" of lift, although I am not sure which of their springs is rated for that(since they havem medium and heavy). I've also come to Rovertym, who has the 2" Coils with different ratings, and scorpion. Out of the three, I want to get the ones that are closestto the softness of the stock RRC ones, for articulation purposes.
The RTM ones come in: RR2 189 lb/in linear front -RR3 285-325 lb/in progressive rear. Isn't that MUCH stiffer than the stock ones? WOuld the truck still articulates as well? What springs are best?

My needs are these. must be 2"-2.5" of lift, and must retain like stock softness and thus, articulation.

What would be my best choices.
I do fairly heavy off roading on a regular basis, and never have a lot of load with me(just bare essentials).

OR should I purchase 2" spacers from RTM, and add them to my current coils, in hopes of both lift, and stock like articulation.

Please advice a lost soul.

In the mean time, I think I will be purchasing those AR steel rims.

thanks in advance.

[Funrover]

First off.......... Nice rig...

Second.... I run 32 X10.5 on my RRC with a 2" OME lift.... No problems..... But when I had a set of AR steelies 15 x 8 ......the off set rims, but forgot how much.... and with a 31 x 11.5 I had to trim the rear fender well nothing crazy.. Just a little....................... But for stance it is great..... at full turn the fronts will rub your radius arms.... nothing bad though!!!

Also..... Go with RTE(Rovertym) springs for a lift... Great price and you will not be dissappointed.......I love my OME springs and the ride is great..HOWEVER...... I have worn them out in about 4 years.. That being said I wheel often and pull trailers often... so take it with a grain of salt....

Go to my site..... It shows a few of the trail rides I do and my trimming!!!!
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/735661

[p76rangie]

You can't have both. If you are using springs to fit bigger tyres, you have to have stiff springs to limit the travel upwards. If you have soft springs to maintain your articulation, you cannot fit tyres much bigger than standard. Again if you are fitting larger tyres with a spring lift, you should drop your bump stops to stop the wheels going up high enough to hit the body.

Ian

[MuddyRangeRover]

Both replies are great advice.
Funrover: I went to your link, and there is a blue rover there with MTR's which look like 32"s. Seems like he didn't trim at all.

I might go with RTM full flex 2", and like p76rangie suggested, longer bump stops. Good advice. keep it coming.

can anyone explain the offset to me (+6, -6mm)

[Funrover]

Originally Posted by luvs2getmuddy

Both replies are great advice.
Funrover: I went to your link, and there is a blue rover there with MTR's which look like 32"s. Seems like he didn't trim at all.

That is Owen..... He started with 33 x12.5...... 2" OME lift and 2"RTE body lift, he did rub, bent up his door pretty bad actually!!!!!! He now has a 3" RTE lift,2"RTE body lift, extended bump stops and runs 37 x 12.5!!!!!

[MuddyRangeRover]

Hmmm.. OK, so that would mean, if I were to do the 3"RTM kit(even the 2"superflex), WITH 2" BL, and my 32/11.5 with offset rims, I should be fine. I can also order the scorpion bumpstops(which I think are longer).
BTW, these are the rims I want to order( I will paint them black).

Steel Alloy, Chrome Plated

4-3/8" Back Spacing (-6 mm offset) factory spec.

[MuddyRangeRover]

Some test fits, the rims are from my jeep. Just wanted to see how the tire will roughly sit.





Looks like 15" rim would clear everything(calipers and such).

With the new rims, they will probably stick 3/4 of inch out past fender.

[-MOSES-]

Originally Posted by luvs2getmuddy

Hmmm.. OK, so that would mean, if I were to do the 3"RTM kit(even the 2"superflex), WITH 2" BL, and my 32/11.5 with offset rims, I should be fine. I can also order the scorpion bumpstops(which I think are longer).
BTW, these are the rims I want to order( I will paint them black).

Steel Alloy, Chrome Plated

4-3/8" Back Spacing (-6 mm offset) factory spec.

3 inch lift, shocks, Possibe castor corrected swivel balls, very minimal trimming !, Gulf Coast Rovers wheels and 32's and your set !

I'm runnin 32's on stock wheels, 2" OME HD springs, minimal trim, and stock bumpstops. I have full stuff and great articulation . My only drawback to this setup is my turning radius.
The only real difference in the setup your looking for is basicaly the offset wheels which increases your turning radius but you need at least 1 more inch of lift to clear the tires/wheel wells

[MuddyRangeRover]

Right, so if I were to do the 3"RTM lift + 2BL I will be fine and dandy.
I don't know much about the swivel balls and castor. Hopefully I won't have to change anything there as it sounds expensive.
BTW, how wide are your 32's?

[-MOSES-]

I know alot of people who run the 3" springs with no problems but its one of those things you don't really know till after the lift in my opinion..

[MuddyRangeRover]

Well I figure if I get the full kit, I should be fine in terms of arms and such. THe RTM stuff looks to be real nice and strong;

[p76rangie]

When you work it out, you can run 30 inch tyres easily on a standard vehicle. For every inch increase in tyre diameter it is only a 1/2 inch increase in the radius. That is the top of the tyre becomes 1/2 inch closer to the car. Therefore a 2inch body lift will allow you to fit 34 inch tyres without any spring lifts. What a spring or body lift does not do is increase the distance between the front and rear of your tyre to the body. This is where body triming is usually required.

Ian

[MuddyRangeRover]

Good to know.

NOW, onto the next question.

Supposedly I got the 3" RTM Full kit. Will that effect my driveshaft really badly? In cherokees you can do about 4" before you are begging for a Slip Yoke Eliminator.
How are Rovers? They don't have Yoke's, they pretty much look like what the Slip Yoke Eliminator put on Cherokees and Jeeps. Does that mean I can safely do a 3"(wich is probably more like a 3,5") without major vibrations etc?

[sevenrover]

I have a 3" lift and my driveshafts operate pretty smoothly. But sometimes if you are at neutral throttle, on the freeway you will get a little vibration. But don't worry, my brother had a 5" lift for several weeks before he bought his rovertym radius arms. He has a stock driveline, and it operated quite nicely. They are pretty durable. You shouldn't have a problem.