Lifting Options

[4x4junkie]

No it's another $1k or so for the radius arm kit. The rest of the kit (Class I kit) is sound, but there are reports that the stock (short) radius arms eat up bushings. Not everyone has the issue though.

 

[steven]

91 with James duff, add a leaf, 31x10.5, Does ride little stiff with Duff shocks but I don't wheel it.

 

[gaz]

@iamcams
You have listed some nice options. As others have suggested, the "one and done" move has merit, while I'm not the cheapest fellow if you aren't going to be a dedicated hard corps wheeler than i say:

SIMPLE BOLT-ON 101:
• D35/8.8
• 4'" drop bracket kit
• 6" drop pitman arm
• Skyjacker Softride 4" coils
• set of wrecking yard Explorer leaf packs
• weld up two sets of shackles into a double set
• keep the stock rear blocks
• dual front James Duff 70/30 shocks/single rear
• poly bushings all around
• change the tire size when and if you see fit

I expect you could perform the entire package very close to or less than $1,000, with the patience of a frugal wallet. Drive that setup and decide what if anything requires improvement.

 

[Nancy95]

@iamcams
You have listed some nice options. As others have suggested, the "one and done" move has merit, while I'm not the cheapest fellow if you aren't going to be a dedicated hard corps wheeler than i say:

SIMPLE BOLT-ON 101:
• D35/8.8
• 4'" drop bracket kit
• 6" drop pitman arm
• Skyjacker Softride 4" coils
• set of wrecking yard Explorer leaf packs
• weld up two sets of shackles into a double set
• keep the stock rear blocks
• dual front James Duff 70/30 shocks/single rear
• poly bushings all around
• change the tire size when and if you see fit

I expect you could perform the entire package very close to or less than $1,000, with the patience of a frugal wallet. Drive that setup and decide what if anything requires improvement.

I love this approach—it’s simple and cost-effective, and you’re right about not needing to break the bank if you’re not going hardcore. I used a similar setup on my truck a while back, and it really worked well without costing a fortune. One thing I’d recommend is using a scissor lift when you’re installing everything. I borrowed one from a friend, and it made life so much easier. The stability it provided made the whole job safer, especially when I was working on the suspension and shocks. With the right tools and some patience, you can really get this done without spending too much.