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View Full Version : New guy here with some lift questions.



chargedsix
12-16-2006, 03:58 PM
Hey guys, I just picked up a 1990 Range Rover Classic. I am looking to outfit it for the trail. I am looking into a suspension lift, body lift, Larger offroad tires, roof rack, a snorkel, ARB bumper, ect ect.. My First question is what lift you guys recomend. I read somewhere that a 2 inch lift is all that is recomended. Is this true? I wanted to go higher than this, so I was thinking of doing the 2 inch suspension lift with a 2.5 inch body lift. What are your thoughts on this?? What size tires do you recomend with this size lift? I would also like to see pics of some setups you guys are running. So post up a pic of your rover... Thanks alot guys for any input, Im excited to begin the build.
Dustin
Fernandina Beach FL

JeffB
12-17-2006, 10:01 AM
There are alot of lift combinations available. I have been using http://www.rovertym.com/ for several years and been very happy with them. I've gone through a few different set-ups. Started with 2" springs, then added 2"body lift, then changed to 3" springs.

JSalyer
12-18-2006, 09:23 AM
Dustin,
Like JeffB, I have tried several combinations on several Rovers and I've come full circle back to the old school original:

HD OME 2" lift, swaybar disconnects, Drop kit in rear, and 265/75-16 Mud Terrain tires. Why? Because it works!!

I have wheeled in some awesome places around the world, competed in Land Rover Trek, several trials courses, completed all of my
LR certifications off road, been off road in the military for over 20 years and I have settled on this combo due to its all around capabilities, affordability, reliability etc. I came to this decision after training under and picking the brains of guys like Bob Burns, Tom Collins, Mark MacDonald (US Camel Trophy team members and trainers)and a whole host of other guys who could leave 99% of us in the dirt(literally) in a totally stock vehicle, and this is the combo that alot of them settle on.

Now I'm not knocking taking a Rover to the extreme(as I have done) and dont want to start an argument over what product is best etc. I'm just saying you need to ride with a few guys who have various lifts etc. and see what you like and more importantly, honestly decide what you want out of the vehicle.

My warning though:
IF THIS YOUR DAILY DRIVER, BE VERY CAREFUL HOW MUCH YOU MODIFY IT!! YOU WILL HATE DRIVING A FULLY MODIFIED ROVER ON THE ROAD!!

Even at my peak in offroading(3 times a month for a full week end) a few years ago, my total time offroad was still less than 10% of my total driving in the vehicle. So once you realize this, you start to see my point. Plus
so many guys put on this big lift and tires, with no protection, winch, mechanical repairs etc.

HAVING A CAPABLE OFF ROADER IS A COMPLETE PACKAGE!!!
LIFT, TIRES, FLEXIBILITY, PROTECTION, RELIABILITY, RECOVERABILITY, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE!!!!

So here is a hypothetical situation, and my recommendation to a person who has a Rover and wants to put money into it and knows(after going as a passenger on a few events) he or she wants to invest in a proper set up and kit that will ensure success!!

1. Have candidate Land Rover inspected by a competent Rover mechanic, and address all the things that need repairing first!!
-in other words, having a car with no brakes, head gasket leaks, no gear oil in the diff(due to a leak), slipping tranny is a big nogo!!

2. Go now and put together a proper recovery kit!! This does not entail going to Walmart and buying a 10 dollar strap. Buy a proper recovery kit:
2-4 3" or 4" x 20' or 30' recovery straps
2-4 D rings
Tree Protector Strap
Gloves/safety glasses
Depth Gage for water obstacles(I use a fiberglass drover stick(6')
Proper First Aid kit
Tool kit/shovel/pick
Choke chains
Saw/Lopers
Hi-lift jack and acc.-know how to use!!(Bill Burkes recovery video)
5 Gallon Water jug
Survival kit for region/weather you will be in
CB Radio/Cell phone
AAA Gold!!!!!! nothing better than paying only $99.00 to get car 250 miles back home!!
See any of the many articles online concerning proper offroad kit, you will find lists of a proper kit(this is just me sitting here trying to remember)
-All of the above goes in a heavy duty box(metal or hd plastic) and gets secured down with HD straps in the rear of the car(you should see what a 35lb tool box does after a car rolls off road--it WILL Kill you!!

3. Now join a club and get some training from competent people on off roading/recover/winch use/tread lightly.
If the person training you looks like he's out of "Deliverance", is drinking a beer while offering advice and holding a six pack in the other hand, or says "f%$ck it, go for it!!" alot, than you are hanging around the wrong off road crowd.
Buy Bill Burkes videos on Recovery/winch use etc and watch and learn. Better yet save some money and attend one of his courses. Also attend a LR dealer event, some are really good, some are soso, but you'll get some experience and meet Rover people.

4. Once you have gotten the vehicle up to par, decide what lift/tires/flex you want. Lets say you go with my recommendation:
-OME HD lift with shocks: $600 with you installing
-Rear drop kit: $150 you install
-Some MT or AT tire of your choice: $500-750(I no longer buy AT tires-too much of a compromise,and are useless if any rain/wet conditions-plus the newer generation of MTs are much quieter, and wear incredibly well.
265/75-16 will fit on RR Classic with the 2" lift, you may need to adjust your steering limiting bolts out a little in case of some rubbing on frame. Disco 1s will need small amount of rear fender trimming(you wont really see if done correctly and touched up with paint)
-Sway bar disconnects(go drive one with out bars and some lift--it sucks on the highway) if you have sway bars. If not prepare for flopsy mopsy!!(my 87 RR had none, my sons 91 has a front only, my wifes Disco has both)
OK, now you've got some clearance and tires, you've taken a big step!!

5. Now we need to protect all that soft underbelly!! In order of precedence:
-Diff and pinion guards
-Steering guard/tie rod protection(try steering with a tie rod folded in half)
-Fuel tank guard
-Transfer box/tranny guard
-Sill/Rocker panel guards(ie rock sliders)
-Steel Bumpers

6. Now you're tired of other folks winching you out:
-Proper winch mount or bumper
-winch rated for 2x you GVWR(some will say this is overkill)ie about 10K lbs
-Proper winch accessories kit
-Maintain your winch and use it properly, respect it as something that can kill you or other people!!

7. A quick note on roof racks-dont overload!!, most racks, much less the roof itself, are only meant to store about 200lbs max-all the crap up there raises your center of gravity exponentially. Remember to figure weight of rack into roof load!!

8. Snorkel- all US spec Coil Rovers are V-8s, so the snorkel is for show only(some will say cold air induction/dust), dont worry I have one too, it looks cool!!

9. Taller lifts-- Here is the deal, easier to buy 2" and decide to build more later (and sell your used 2" components)than to build $5000 in suspension and then figure out it sucks most of the time on the road and try to go back.

10. Always continue to improve your training, use common sense, if you have that funny feeling in the back of your noggin, dont do it!! Dont let people pressure you into doing what doesnt seem right or is out of your ability/comfort zone. Its easier to turn around and go back than have to abandon your vehicle and walk out!!

11. Dont be afraid to ask questions!!!!!!!!!! Buy beg or borrow any of the Bill Burke videos, Camel videos, and get familiar with one of the best resources written, Tom Sheppards "Vehicle Dependent Expedition Guide".

And finally, myself and many of the professional LR guys would rather you turn up with no modifications, proper kit and an open mind than a Rover with 10" lift and a chip on your shoulder!![/B]