98 Disco I lift questions!

[achrisman]

Hey guys new member, very excited about this forum!

Searched and couldn't find an answer to my questions exactly - just bought a 98 Disco I and am looking to set it up for a good compromise of daily driver / competent off-road, looking towards an expedition setup in the long run. The suspension is original and it's not worn well, so it makes sense to me to start with a small lift if it needs replacing anyway - read through all the posts I could on this forum and now I'm confusing myself. Think I've settled on an OME 2" lift and 265/75 R16 tires, looking to end up with something like this guy's rig (without the leveling problem) http://www.landroversonly.com/forums/f40/just-lifted-my-04-discovery-2-a-50204/

and it sounds like 2751 Front / 2762 Rear Springs and Nitrocharger shocks will get me there (from http://www.expeditionexchange.com/ome/indexsprings.php). Or this kit: http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/9393HD.cfm

Was going to add these as well:
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=18673&cat=288&page=1
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=18671&cat=288&page=1

First, does that setup sound like it would work? And tires fit without cutting the rear wheel well? I've read tons of conflicting stuff here and other forums about a 2" lift being fine, vs 2" requiring a U-joint driveshaft upgrade, amongst other things I don't really want to get into... I'm looking at this more from a standpoint that if I have to replace suspension anyway, I'd rather not put OEM back on there and if I'm replacing it, might as well get into it for a bit of a lift, but don't want to go all the way down the rabbit hole right out the gate. Can I get away with a 2" lift without needing to replace a bunch of related suspension / steering stuff? I'd like to start chipping away at this thing as a project, but need it to remain a fairly reliable daily driver in the meantime, and don't have the budget to go at it whole-hog right away.

Later planning to add a front bumper, but like the setup here: http://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111440-1999-Discovery-SD-Chawton-White-13-000 as opposed to a big brush-bar.

Anyone have thoughts for a total new-guy on this?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Fivespddisco]

The OME kit is a choice. You may want to look at the the Terrafirma kits here.

http://www.lucky8llc.com/Products.aspx?ProductID=2393

With both kits you may need minor trimming to fit the tires.

 

[Ray_G]

By and large 2" will give you no trouble regarding suspension geometry. You mention needing to swap out the rear (possibly) for a u joint-have you checked your rear drive shaft to see if you're running the rotoflex? I ask b/c, quite frankly I can't remember the specific years, but the u to u is not uncommon.

Your tire size may be problematic for rubbing-any reason for 265/75 vice the more common D1 application of 235/85 or even 245/75's?

As Justin points out, OME is one option that is a longstanding solution. You may want to hit him up at L8 for the TF which may be a bit easier on the budget and get you what you need based off your application.
r-
Ray

 

[Antichrist]

You could compromise and go with about 1 1/2" suspension and 2" body lift. That's worked very well for my '95 Disco running 750R16 (or LT235/85R16) tires.
Definitely no steering or suspension geometry issues.
The downside is the bumpers no longer meet the body, so that may or may not matter, though if you're getting an RTE bumper they'll build it to suit the body lift. Or at least they used to do that.

 

[Rovertrader]

A 2" will be fine except the 265/75 or 235/85 will require the 'Camel cut' which is just a bit behind the rear tire. I suggest the 245/75 if you want to prevent trimming, plus they are cheaper with a wide selection of choices. The other popular size is 7.50/16...
The other option is as Tom suggest above with the susp/body lift combo

 

[evilfij]

Save your money and just put the stock rear springs in the front and run OME Medium duty in the back. If your shocks are still good no reason to change them.

235 85 R16 are better than 265 75 R16 as you lose less turning radius but both work and both will rub a little in the rear on full compression. Keep the stock wheels. They have the best bead retention short of beadlocks.

 

[Steve Polychronopolous]

OME HD and 235/85 on my DD, no fender cuts. Occasional rub at speeds when hitting a ramp/train track/speed bump. Very rare, but it does happen. A flexflo extended bump stop or TF bump stop spacer would eliminate that, but I haven't bothered. Usually only happens when driving semi-************** style with a carload of people.

 

[fishEH]

Here's my $.02.
- Both 265/75/16 and 235/85/16 will fit on a 2" lift. 265 will rub the radius arms more at full lock.
- To determine if a "camel cut" on the rear of the front wheel arches is necessary do this: put a ramp at the driver front tire and passenger rear tire, then drive up. This will flex your suspension surprisingly well and will show you the potential rubbing areas.
- Running stock shocks on a lifted truck is dumb. A) The shocks are probably worn and not doing their job. B) The stock shocks are short and will limit your travel.
- '98 shouldn't have a RotoFlex
- With a 2" lift most of your suspension geometry should remain OK and not need replacing.
- http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=18673&cat=288&page=1 These are going to add lift(not a bunch but still some). Every bit of lift you go above 2" pushes you closer to that point where you'll need a bunch of other mods. If you MUST get those, consider getting them from a Rover Parts guy like Paul Grant or Marty Powell(DrillBit)
- I wouldn't go with OME Nitro shocks. When I had them the downtravel was terrible mainly due to a lot of wasted uptravel. I heard that OME came out with a L version("L" was added to the end of the part number) that were longer shocks but I can't find them.
- Call Justin @ Lucky8, he'll get you set up.

 

[Antichrist]

Good point on the radius arm rubbing. I installed RTE wheel spacers in the front to reduce/prevent it.

 

[MtnX]

267/75/16 on the OME springs ('97 DI), and required the Camel Cut, as well as adjusting the steering bump stops.

Overall pretty satisfied with the OME

 

[Cleand]

I would go with the OME if you are planning on adding a bumper. I have seen it a few times now with the TF kit the front sags after a while. If you dont want to do any cutting 245/75 tires.

 

[achrisman]

Guys thank you so much this is super helpful. I'll be emailing Justin soon to get this sorted! Also found this calculator to be incredibly helpful decoding/comparing tire sizes: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php?tires=235-70r16-245-75r16

Thanks!

 

[achrisman]

Just revisited this thread and my last post didn't show up! Sorry - This is great thanks for all the info I'm for sure going to be getting a hold of Justin. Been scoping a bunch of others' tires and trying to decide if I can sack up for the camel cut, or how much parking garage clearance I'm willing to give up (I live in San Francisco).

Thanks again