Rocky Road Combo Vs. Budget?

breakerbacker · **Joined:** Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:23 pm **Posts:** 76

These are very close in cost, $214 to$ 219, what are the differences between the two? Anyone have experience with both?

I understand the combo prestresses the spring and then lifte the strut, where the other seems to just lift the strut. So what are the pros and cons for each system?

Thanks for any help.

Greg

Wilmo · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 9:13 am

I think the Combo is the better of the two. From my research the Daystar spacers work well, and their strut top plate just gives a little more lift when you are using only the 1.5inch Daystar spacer supplied in this kit.

Some guys are using the 2.5inch Daystar spacers which are way bigger than the ones in the combo kit and like them very much. 1.5inch will cause less pre-load on your standard springs and struts....which means you probably don't have to replace the strut as its not going to top out.

If you used the 2.5 inch spacer its recommended to replace the strut with a Rancho or OME.

I believe the budget kit is best avoided - do a search for other posts mentioning it on this forum to see why.

With the budget kit you don't need to dismantle the spring/strut assembly - so will be easier/less costly to install. With the combo kit you need a workshop to dismantle the stock assembly, add the spacer under the spring, then put it all back together using a strut compressor which means more time and more $.

So despite the initial cost being about the same, the budget will cost less once you figure in installation costs.

Go with the combo - I'm fitting it to my CRD next week once the parts arrive.

breakerbacker · **Joined:** Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:23 pm **Posts:** 76

Are new struts needed with the combo kit? It looks like you also have a CRD. Are you concerned about using the combo kit with the added weight? Some seem to make a big deal about it. I also do not want to lift so much as to severely shorten the life of the CV joints.

Thanks,

Greg

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 10:46 am

Aftermarket front shocks are the best bet as the factory ones seem to have a short life span on lifted & wheeled KJ's. The combo or Daystar lift system should be the best for your CRD now.

Troysterr · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 4:15 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

Aftermarket front shocks are the best bet as the factory ones seem to have a short life span on lifted & wheeled KJ's. The combo or Daystar lift system should be the best for your CRD now.

What he said...except that I've had my KJ lifted for 2 years now and wheeled it pretty hard and my struts are still good.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 8:25 pm

[quote="Troysterr
What he said...except that I've had my KJ lifted for 2 years now and wheeled it pretty hard and my struts are still good.[/quote]

You still have stock front shocks?! :shock:

Wow! THat must be some kind of record for them lasting on a wheeled KJ. Mine were gone in about 5k miles and I have also blown out one Rancho too.

Troysterr · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 9:41 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

You still have stock front shocks?! :shock:

Wow! THat must be some kind of record for them lasting on a wheeled KJ. Mine were gone in about 5k miles and I have also blown out one Rancho too.

Well, I have a theory about that...I'm wondering if spring lifts cause the struts to wear out faster because they actually increase and/or shift the range of motion. Spacers, on the other hand, actually reduce the range of motion. That's bad for articulation, of course, but maybe it's actually good for the struts.

Now, it's also possible that I just don't know what shot struts feel like, and they've been worn out for months. :roll:

Rocky Road Combo Vs. Budget?

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