Lift and tires

Hello Community,

I just purchased a 2021 OFR with KDSS suspension and looking to add some wheels and height to my ride.I would say that 90% it will be a daily driver and the rest for weekend adventures.

I need help choosing some AT tires as well as a lift. Also another question is do we get the lift first and then tires, or all together at the same time?

Thanks

 

I wish I knew what you were saying lol. It's a different language for me

 

I have the same model as you (2021 Off Road Prem). Looking to do similar mods as well. I’m a newb to the 4WD gig but learning as I go.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

I'm no expert but if it was me I'd try to do lift and tires at the same time, then drive around a bit for things to settle, then get an alignment before noticeable tire wear.

Or: lift then drive around, then new tires and an alignment.

EDIT: An advantage of getting the lift and tires and then driving around a bit is that you'd be able to sort out potential issues with either the lift or wheel balancing before spending money on the alignment. I wouldn't want to do the alignment until I'm sure everything else is in order. For another example, if a tire is defective and needs to be replaced.

Regarding choice of AT tire, IMHO the best source of advice is independent testing and the extensive user reviews (often based on millions of miles) that you see on sites like TireRack. People on forums like this are super helpful, but there's also a tendency for folks to like whatever it is they chose, even if in reality there's a better option.

 

Yeah I Think im going to go with tires first, then work on suspension later as the budget allows.

But I am super excited to add all these parts, but my wallet not so much.

 

Lots of options...

Do you want a heavier but stronger tire? Tow more and take more hits off-roading, but weighs considerably more (hurts MPG) and is rougher on the road? If so, opt for a "Load Range C" tire (i.e. LT285/70... C"). Otherwise, stick with a "Passenger Rated" P tire (i.e. "P265/70..."

My favorite "big" tire is the BFG K02 in 285/70/17 load C.. not too heavy, good size.

How much do you want to spend on suspension (not including installation)?

 

I don’t really have a budget but not trying to break the bank. Willing to pay for it to last

 

Well, for about $450 you can buy new struts for the front which are height-adjustable (via notches) combined with new, matching shocks for the rear, and you can get an inch lift out of those in the front safely and reliably, and it will perform fine (like stock). This will leave the truck a little more "level" sitting than it is now. You don't need a lift for the rear for tires, so unless you're adding over a couple hundred pounds of weight to the truck, that is what I personally consider the cheapest lift option. There are tons of guys that run spacers, but that's not my thing. The topic is debatable, but for any semi-serious off-roading... why risk it?

The next step up would be maybe slightly better performing, but your truck will ride harsher as all aftermarket springs are stiffer than stock. That would be new struts (height-adjustable or not) and shocks, combined with new springs front and rear. This can give you more height, but be careful of the rear getting too high if you have no added weight. IMO this is the most reliable and durable option, however spending more and moving to the next "category" can net better "performing" results, if you're doing any seriously hard-core activities such as bombing down desert roads at fast speeds.

The next step would be an "infinitely" adjustable coil-over assembly (adjustable spring height by spinning) in the front, which can range from $700 all the way to $3000+. Pick your quality.. but they're all upgrades from stock supposedly. Combine that front setup with a new shock and spring in the rear (~$400) for your desired ride height. Go for external reservoirs if you plan on really high speed, long drives off-road.. or if you want to look cool. Beware that a lot of the higher-end setups also require rebuilding a little more often than "lesser" shocks require replacing.

 

I think a "body mount chop" or BMC or "cab chop" is required most of the time for a 285. I think there are guys with 285 that didn't do it or need it, though.. so it depends on your actual truck. If you don't want to potentially deal with that, stay with a 275 or smaller.

If you do want a 285 or larger, you'll certainly need to lift the truck first as it would be a nightmare trying to drive on a 285 at stock height. A 275 isn't bad, and a lift isn't even required for it.

IMO you need to decide on tires and lift together as a package.. and I would install the lift first, because why not? Mild lift (or no lift) for 275's, bigger lift and more mods (UCA's, BMC) for 285's. Both setups look good, one is just "bigger."