The Great White Buffalo
- Thread starter Fergie
- Start date
Fergie
Expedition Leader
They were good, but even better was the grilled carne asada and pan de hombre on saturday night.
Uh, man bread?
Fergie
Expedition Leader
Fergie
Expedition Leader
So, I'm at a crossroads of sorts with how to proceed on the GWB.
I'm pondering these options:
1. OME lift kit
2. #1 with the addition of an AirLift airbag kit for the rear
3. Stock suspension as it is now with the addition of the AL kit
4. OME shocks and AL kit
5. Bumper and winch(with a small leveling kit in the front(trim packers)), AL kit in rear.
So here is my brief, and quasi-emotion driven thoughts on each option.
1. The kit would make the GWB look "cool", and of course, give me that critical extra few inches of clearance for my various and too infrequent off-highway adventures. In the most recent snow storm, I got stuck in my driveway from being high-centered on the snow. Maybe the extra 2" would have prevented this?
2. Pretty much the same sentiments as option one, save for the additional aribags. These would be for ride control when towing, or when loaded down with gear. Will the heavy springs, and the airbags be redundant?
3. I like the ride as it is now, but it already sits low in the rear, with a lean to the left, typical of LCs of this era(from what I've read). The springs and shocks only have 30,000 miles on them, so they are practically new, compared to the rest of the 18 year old vehicle. The bags would allow me to level out the ride, and carry a load/tow with better control and safety.
4. I'm not sure if the addition of OME shocks to stock springs would make a huge difference in the ride quality, enough to justify buying the shocks that is.
5. The utility available with a winch is endless to me. Not only can I retrieve myself from my own driveway, but from other people's driveways as well. This option, while more costly, seems the most practical. With the airbags in the rear, and a winch up front, this seems to be the best option.
Cost ranking on these from cheapest to most expensive(considering all new components): 3, 4, 1, 2, 5.
I'd like to hear you thoughts and opinions and reasonings.
Thanks,
Gavin
I'm pondering these options:
1. OME lift kit
2. #1 with the addition of an AirLift airbag kit for the rear
3. Stock suspension as it is now with the addition of the AL kit
4. OME shocks and AL kit
5. Bumper and winch(with a small leveling kit in the front(trim packers)), AL kit in rear.
So here is my brief, and quasi-emotion driven thoughts on each option.
1. The kit would make the GWB look "cool", and of course, give me that critical extra few inches of clearance for my various and too infrequent off-highway adventures. In the most recent snow storm, I got stuck in my driveway from being high-centered on the snow. Maybe the extra 2" would have prevented this?
2. Pretty much the same sentiments as option one, save for the additional aribags. These would be for ride control when towing, or when loaded down with gear. Will the heavy springs, and the airbags be redundant?
3. I like the ride as it is now, but it already sits low in the rear, with a lean to the left, typical of LCs of this era(from what I've read). The springs and shocks only have 30,000 miles on them, so they are practically new, compared to the rest of the 18 year old vehicle. The bags would allow me to level out the ride, and carry a load/tow with better control and safety.
4. I'm not sure if the addition of OME shocks to stock springs would make a huge difference in the ride quality, enough to justify buying the shocks that is.
5. The utility available with a winch is endless to me. Not only can I retrieve myself from my own driveway, but from other people's driveways as well. This option, while more costly, seems the most practical. With the airbags in the rear, and a winch up front, this seems to be the best option.
Cost ranking on these from cheapest to most expensive(considering all new components): 3, 4, 1, 2, 5.
I'd like to hear you thoughts and opinions and reasonings.
Thanks,
Gavin
JJackson
Explorer
If the getting suck in the snow was caused by snow under the axle, then the lift would not help without the addition of larger diameter tires. Most time I have been stuck is because the axles no longer have good traction and are "floating". On the other hand if you found that the truck was getting stuck because of snow under the skids, or transmission/transfer case then yes the lift would help.
Fergie
Expedition Leader
I had dug out under the axles, and under the body by the time Dave pulled me out...I was just plain old stuck.
You could see an impression of the skids, the spare tire....everything.
Hltoppr
El Gringo Spectacular!
OME 850/863 (heavy) springs with N73/N74 (IIRC) (heavy) shocks and be done with it. Wait on the caster correction bushings until you see if you really need 'em (I never did).
The main issue the 80 has is angles stock. With the tires you have and the lift, I never had any issues, other than occasionally hitting the rear trailer hitch on steps....
Kit is pretty inexpensive too, especially considering the improvement in ride. Even unladen, mine rode great. With my standard everyday gear in the back it was just fine, and never sagged with a full load for Mexico.
I personally don't like air bags....to me its just one non-stock item that will eventually leak....
-H-
The main issue the 80 has is angles stock. With the tires you have and the lift, I never had any issues, other than occasionally hitting the rear trailer hitch on steps....
Kit is pretty inexpensive too, especially considering the improvement in ride. Even unladen, mine rode great. With my standard everyday gear in the back it was just fine, and never sagged with a full load for Mexico.
I personally don't like air bags....to me its just one non-stock item that will eventually leak....
-H-
Fergie
Expedition Leader
Several times...four to be exact. Our place is out in the county and doesnt get plowed until everything else is done.
The windrows are 6' tall at the entrance t othe driveway and there is no room to manuever.