Hi all,

I have a stock Sami and want to run a tire that is not taller than 31.5" tall.  I need to add a lift, but I want to do the minimum to clear the tires under flex.  I'm either looking at a SPOA or a SPUA with longer springs.  I'm very curious about the YJ conversions too.

Here are additional parameters that have to be met:

This will be a daily driver and as such has to have some onroad manners.  Not harsh and not tippy/flexy when the pavement is all broken up.  I don't want to go around the corner and find one side unloaded  so much that it is uncomfortable to drive.
I will need to support the additional weight of aftermarket bumpers and roll cage that will be added.  The Sami will be mainly driven alone, but when in Moab or other places that have trails, it will need to support the additional weight of 3 more people.

I need a lift that will work with Shrockworks aftermarket bumpers. 

I have read a great deal about Missinglinks and other similar devices.  Should I stay away from them with this endeavor?

I looked at Rockyroad and they claim that Deaver springs are the best riding in SPUA applications.  Do they ride that nice or articulate decently?

Thanks,

Rob

The issue with SPUA with 6" of lift is you need a very tall spring, so you are going to have a rougher ride.  If your looking for the best bang for your buck with the Samurai and want to run 31-33" tires the SPOA is your best bet.  I like the Stage 2 lift from Sky Manufacturing as it comes with part of the cross-over steering:

http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/new/detaproduct.php?id=92

The basic kit from Low Range is similar, just without the steering.  You will need either a z-bar or something else to help keep your steering in line and reduce bump steer:

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.php/suzuki/samurai/suspension-kits/basic-weld-on-spring-over-axle-kit.html

Missing links work well, but I would avoid them for a daily driver just due to the folding and unfolding action.  Makes it a little more interesting when you hit a big bump.  The YJ springs are a better ride and great flex, but quite a bit more in cost.

If your only looking for 30" tires I have heard nothing but good things regarding the OME lift springs for a daily driver type vehicle.

Thank you for the reply.

I'm not looking for the easiest or least expensive way, I want a great quality suspension that is well thought out with all the peieces I need: pads, lines, steering and shocks...

I will take a look at both links.  I really appreciate the feedback.  I would most likely not run 33s until the frst set of 31-32s were quite trashed and neded to be replaced.  I did forget to mention I plan on getting the 6" Bushwacker fender flares.  I want to push the wheel and tire package out.  Does that help with getting a smaller lift and bigger tires?

Thanks,

Rob

Hi all,

So, my son and I have been going back and forth about tire size after the lift.  I am really torn.  I really want to run one of the three following sizes: 31x10.5./15, 32x11.5/15 or 33x12.5/15.  The advice I have gotten which I am taking very serious, is to not run 33s for a daily driver and toy for Moab.  The main reason being that a Sami on 33" tires could be a bit tippy for some of the trails and have undesireable traits when used as a daily driver. 

Right now my Sami sits on 215.65/15 tires which equates to about 26" tall.  Moving up to a 31" tall tire seems to be the best solution and can be accomplished with one of the smaller lifts.  I would be increasing the minimum ground clearance by at least 2.5" at the pumpkins with such a lift.  I belive that a SPUA lift like this one from Rocky Road could accomplish getting enough lift to make the thing work:  http://www.rocky-road.com/4-incher-samurai-lift-kit.html

Call me crazy, but I really want to run a wider wheel like a 15x10 to stretch the tire out and to get that really deep dish effect.  I have landed on the following wheel:  http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=1645185P&wheelMake=Ultra&wheelModel=Type+164&wheelFinish=Polished&showRear=no&autoMake=Jeep&autoModel=CJ5%2FCJ7&autoYear=1985&autoModClar=&filterFinish=All&filterSize=All&filterBrand=All&filterSpecial=false&filterNew=All&filterWeight=All&sort=Price  They are cheap and look good, almost a retro look in my opinion.

To runa 15x10" wheel, I can't use a 31" tire.  I will have to add an inch of height and width by selecting a 32x11.5/15 tire.  There are a good amount of options there, and prices aren't too crazy.  But I'm afraid that a 32" tire will nessicitate a larger lift.  Now I feel like I might be getting into the tippy range with the sami sitting a lot taller due to teh comination of a 6" taller tire and a larger lift too.  I'm stuck...

Got any ideas or opinions on this guys/gals?

Rob

Not really, pushing the tires out actually means you need a taller lift, relocate your tires or trim your fenders.  The problem with going wider through wheel spacers or offset rims is that you are increasing the throw of your tires when they turn.  The further out the more movement when you turn, so they hit the back of the fenders more.  You can fix this by trimming/hammering your fenders out of the way or re-locating the axle slightly forward.   The same goes for the rear, if you trim our fenders up then you don't need to lift as much.

I wouldn't even run a 12.5" tire with a 15x10" wheel, unless you have some sort of bead lock your just asking to pull the tire off the rim whenever you air down.  Unless you go with a taller wheel I would go with an 8" and just get more offset.  That is my opinion though, a lot of people run 10" without an issue.

If you are going really wide then the extra couple of inches you go up shouldn't be a problem.  As for 'tipping over' it really depends on what you do.  With around 6" of lift I was able to run on side hills without an issue.  It wasn't the funnest in the world, but I didn't tip over.  Just had to drive slowly.  The only time it was 'iffy' was in Rimrock which is known for sidehills.  If you like the wide and low you might want to look at swapping in some Toyota axles.

If you think stability is more important then flex you might want to look at a SPUA lift, since you have stiffer springs they don't unload when tripping over.  They also don't flex near as much so if your going to be on rocks you will want a pair of lockers front and rear.  This will let you 'turtle' over obstacles where you constantly have a tire in the air.  My new tracker, the White Rabbit, wheels like this due to the IFS front end.  You just need to pick slightly different paths.

Thank you for your input and advice.

I want to build something that will do most of the trails around Moab and yet I can hand the keys to my 16 year old daughter and feel that she won't roll it on the street.  Stability is important to me, but so is articulation when its called for.  Lockers are part of the plan before Easter Jeep Saffari 2013.  My relatives in Moab have asked for years if we were coming to attend.  Next year it's my goal to be there with this Sami built up.

Would a YJ spring lift run under the axle articulate the same or better than say a normal SPOA lift?  I'm not even sure if that is an option but it might work for the size of tire I would like to run.  My minimum size is 31" and the Max I would even consider is 33".  I feel like I'm totally in catch 22 right now with the lift and tire issues...

I love the way this Sami looks: 

It's actually a little larger than I want to go with the tire and lift, but I would be happy with it I'm sure.  Idealy, 1" less on tire height and 1" less on the lift and it would be just about right for me.  My Sami is black too.

That is a SPOA with YJ springs and a missing link.

One issue with 33" tires is you are getting close to the breaking point.  I ran fine with my SJ-410 and 33's, but it really depends on your driving style. 

SJ-410 with RUF (Rear Spring Up Front), 33x12.5" tires, SPOA with an additional main leaf to keep the springs at a slightly positive arch, front fender trimming:



Same SJ-410 with stock SPOA and rear fender cut out and some front fender hammer work done:



Samurai with Toyota width axles and 33x12.5" TSL's and YJ springs and Missing Link kit:

OK, I'm going to swear off the 33" tires right now.  I will not go that big as I really don't want to break things.  I do plan on 26 spline axles in the front as well as Chromoly in the rear when the ARBs are added, but still I don't want to break anything else in the driveline, frame, suspension, mounts, links... you get the idea.

OK, since I can finally narrow it down to 31-32s I'm getting closer on that.  I'm still stuck on wheels, but I can figure that out as I go.  Both size tires will work with an 8" wide wheel, I just have to decide weather I want to deal with the risk of running a tire off a rim when down at 8-10 psi.  I've never seen someone lose a bead offroad in all my years offroading.  I know it happens, but I always wondered if it happens more in wet condtions. 

My springs are in rough shape and need to be replaced.  I'm committed to new springs at a minimum along with other goodies for the lift: lines, spacers, shocks... 

I just can't seem to find that sweet spot for height, ride, articulation and stability.  I know the different lifts have different attributes and some are better than others for 1 or two of the aspects but not all.  Where is the jack of all trades for my application?

Rob

Hi (my first post in here)
I running the OME suspension with 30" tires and it works great, no problemas and a lot more confortable than the stock leaf springs and shocks. I also use 275 60 15 tires for dunes and the stability that this kit got is very realy nice.
But if you want to use any tire bigger than 30" you will need another kind of lift.

With the 30" Km2


With the 275 Cooper cobras

Hi (my first post in here)
I running the OME suspension with 30" tires and it works great, no problemas and a lot more confortable than the stock leaf springs and shocks. I also use 275 60 15 tires for dunes and the stability that this kit got is very realy nice.
But if you want to use any tire bigger than 30" you will need another kind of lift.

With the 30" Km2


With the 275 Cooper cobras

Are those the med. or heavy OME springs and are you running fronts and rears or rears all around?

Quote from: erichs on September 05, 2012, 03:49:05 PM

Hi (my first post in here)
I running the OME suspension with 30" tires and it works great, no problemas and a lot more confortable than the stock leaf springs and shocks. I also use 275 60 15 tires for dunes and the stability that this kit got is very realy nice.
But if you want to use any tire bigger than 30" you will need another kind of lift.

With the 30" Km2


With the 275 Cooper cobras

Are those the med. or heavy OME springs and are you running fronts and rears or rears all around?

Meds front and rear with stock bumpers.
Med rear shocks and HD in the front.

Meds front and rear with stock bumpers.
Med rear shocks and HD in the front.

Looks good and looks like more than the 1.5" lift they claim. So, the OP could use a trail tough RUF kit and longer rear shackles with all rear OME's and maybe fit 31's.

Hi all,

erichs, you have a really nice and clean looking Tintop.  I really wanted a Tintop but availability in my area is slim and for a toy, I figured that a soft top was more the way to go.

I finally picked out the tire size I will be running.  I decided that a 32" tire is what I want to run.  I'm sure 31s would have been fine, but I know if I don't go just a little more right now, I will be wanting to upgrade as soon as the project is done.

So, I figured to clear that much tire, I will need about 5" of lift in addition to fender trimming, seam massaging and replacing the bumpers.  I see that one of the YJ lifts moves the axles forward about an inch and makes more room for larger tires.  I also get the flex and ride I want.  I plan on getting the OME YJ springs and running them SPUA.  Anyone know of anyone running that configuration?

Thanks for all of your help guys!

Rob

Once nice thing about the YJ lift is once it's installed you can always just get a set of OME 2.5" YJ lift springs. 

Once nice thing about the YJ lift is once it's installed you can always just get a set of OME 2.5" YJ lift springs. 

Yep, I'm already doing that.  Jeepeater SPUA adds about 2.5" with stock YJ springs.  I'm planning the OME YJ springs for somewhere between 5-5.5" of lift. 

Rob