BDS 2" Lift?

ObiHann · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:54 am

OK, so I've asked tons of questions about lifts here, I've even got a bit heated at times (sorry guys). Either way, there is a local off road/jeep shop that deals with BDS. There argument was the warrenty on BDS, and the quality. They have used them on tons of vehicles, and they have a relationship with BDS that if something breaks, they will fix it and replace it than BDS will cover the cost. From what I understand, it is a full spring lift that requires new shocks in the rear as well. Now, this is only 2" front, 1.5" rear but from what I have researched, it somehow levels the Jeep so it is more like 2" total. I need to get a quote on parts and possibly installation, so I don't want to talk about what else I can get for $x, I just want to find out if anyone here has anything good or bad about the company, or there kj lift. Now, assuming I get this, do you think I could fit (with some trimming of fenders and pinch weld) 245/75/17 BFG Mud Terrain KM2's (any experience with these tires?). I believe I would either need some spider trax spacers, or new rims with almost no back spacing, so any recommendation on those rims? I've made the decision (and have wifes approval) that no matter what we do do the Jeep, it has to be lifted and have mud tires on it before the next jamborie, which this year was in aug. So this gives me tons of time. So, have it at, what do you think?

KJ04 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:42 am

ObiHann wrote:

OK, so I've asked tons of questions about lifts here, I've even got a bit heated at times (sorry guys). Either way, there is a local off road/jeep shop that deals with BDS. There argument was the warrenty on BDS, and the quality. They have used them on tons of vehicles, and they have a relationship with BDS that if something breaks, they will fix it and replace it than BDS will cover the cost. From what I understand, it is a full spring lift that requires new shocks in the rear as well. Now, this is only 2" front, 1.5" rear but from what I have researched, it somehow levels the Jeep so it is more like 2" total. I need to get a quote on parts and possibly installation, so I don't want to talk about what else I can get for $x, I just want to find out if anyone here has anything good or bad about the company, or there kj lift. Now, assuming I get this, do you think I could fit (with some trimming of fenders and pinch weld) 245/75/17 BFG Mud Terrain KM2's (any experience with these tires?). I believe I would either need some spider trax spacers, or new rims with almost no back spacing, so any recommendation on those rims? I've made the decision (and have wifes approval) that no matter what we do do the Jeep, it has to be lifted and have mud tires on it before the next jamborie, which this year was in aug. So this gives me tons of time. So, have it at, what do you think?

$474.61 + shipping, and that doesn't include front shocks. Add about $170.00 for Ranchos and you're up to $644.61 before shipping.
We all know what else you could get for that price, but I won't mention it. :lol:

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:50 am

modular has/had the BDS I think and also at least one guy over on Jeepkj as well , thats about all I know about them. Seems to be a good company as far as other lifts but for the KJ ?

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:57 am

The main question I would have about the BDS would be the front spring rate
Stock is ~ 300lbs/in - as are OME light duty
OME heavy's are 400 lbs/in

so if you're on the light end of that range it'll initially ride better - but don't try a bumper or winch -
and make sure you have bumpstops -
it's easier to hit a bump that compresses the suspension - which will kill the springs if they coilbind (metal to metal)

your tires by the way calculate to 31.46 inches tall - that's big - almost as tall as the folks running 235/85/16's (31.8 )
so be prepared for a lot of fender trimming.
tread pattern looks good for mud - don't know about snow.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 9:08 am

ATXKJ wrote:

The main question I would have about the BDS would be the front spring rate
Stock is ~ 300lbs/in - as are OME light duty
OME heavy's are 400 lbs/in

so is you're on the light end of that range it'll initially ride better - but don't try a bumper or winch -
and make sure you have bumpstops -
it's easier to hit a bump that compresses the suspension - which will kill the springs if they coilbind (metal to metal)

your tires by the way calculate to 31.46 inches tall - that's big - almost as tall as the folks running 235/85/16's (31.8 )
so be prepared for a lot of fender trimming.
tread pattern looks good for mud - don't know about snow.

X's two with the spring rates, but didn't want to get that argument going again
and hes right about the tires, they would suck in snow and ice just in case you get any of that where you live

ObiHann · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:40 am

Well (thankfully) I'm not needing a tire for snow/ice (anymore). I am running a set of regular ice tires, michelin x-ice I believe. So these tires will be my summer/spring/fall highway/city/offroad tires. I know that for a daily driver, they very agressive, and won't be the best tire for on the road, but I'm hoping with better tires, I have more incentive to go off road

I'm not trying to start a argument but based on the few sites I've seen that show me the math to calculate tires, 245/75/16 are 30.4" or somehwere around that, not 31.5"

245 millimeters = 9.64"
9.64 + .75 = 7.23"
7.23" * 2 = 14.46"
14.46" + 16" = 30.46"

ObiHann · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:27 am

I'm wondering if I can avoid any major trimming of the pinch weld by getting some rims with say, 1" less of backspacing, American Racing makes some mojave rims that have about 4.5" backspacing, if I added some spidertrax spacers (1.25" I believe) I now have a extra 2.25" of inner clearance. After some fender trimming could this give me enough clearance to avoid the pinch weld?

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:11 pm

ObiHann wrote:

I'm wondering if I can avoid any major trimming of the pinch weld by getting some rims with say, 1" less of backspacing, American Racing makes some mojave rims that have about 4.5" backspacing, if I added some spidertrax spacers (1.25" I believe) I now have a extra 2.25" of inner clearance. After some fender trimming could this give me enough clearance to avoid the pinch weld?

no will not avoid the pinch weld , will if anything make it worse, just pound it over and be done,
as far as the tires go are you going 16 or 17? in the first post it states 17 inch?? Not sure why you would buy wheels and then add spacers?
But I will back away from this one as I see where it is going

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:44 pm

Personally I'm saving up for the Frankenlift

ObiHann · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:32 pm

I'm using 16" not 17", my bad I guess. Hey, I posted this half awake, give me credit

I would add rims and spacers because I don't know what I am doing and thought it would work. Seriously though, I'm lost. Last time I talked to the shop here I can get the bds lift installed for pretty cheap, much less than the franky. I need to call them back and get a exact quote, and if it isn't a great bargin, than I will get the franky, but that still seems a bit too much for my need and my pocket so we will see. Either way, so I don't need spacers at all? I thought they helped give clearance from rubbing?

sidewayskj · **Posted:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 12:12 am

hey I got the bds lift as well and being in canada it is easy to get and don't have to pay shipping so it turns out to be a good deal and do the rancho struts while your at it with it all apart. I got the coil kit and added rancho front struts and it does level the jeep out and for the spring rate I looked into it and bds says it is 410lbs in the front so the rate is hd forsure. The jeep will ride totally different all those jarring bumps are not so bad anymore from the travel but my springs in my 02 were sagged out pretty good when I did the lift. Also pick up some front bump stops(terraflex) cause on really hard hits it will bottom. If I lived in the usa lift would be easy ome but on another note with the bds it is a little lower than the other guys and it takes it easy on your driveline a little and you don't need to go get al's arms (I might take a beating for saying this). Those were my reasons for buying it. Hope it helps you a little and modular is the one who told me what to get so I just went with it no regrets flexs nice and rides nice.

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 12:51 am

tommudd wrote:

But I will back away from this one as I see where it is going

OK Tom. I will pick up on the wheel thing here. You, TJKJ02, and a few others helped explain all of this to me before when I was in his shoes, so now it is my turn to pass the knowledge. Please correct or add to my explanation...

Here is the scoop on the wheels. The stock rims have a 5.5" BS. When you change to a smaller BS, the wheels stick out more. Initially, everyone thinks this should give you more wheel clearance, but that is where the mistake is made. In the rear (the easy one to visualize) , when the wheels stick out farther, the tires when flexed rub on the flares rather than being under the fender well. In the front, it is a little more complicated. The wheels stick out father, so in effect, the radius of pivot of the wheel about the steering joint increases. This actually causes a larger swing back and forth as you turn the wheel from side to side. That is why the wheels rub with smaller backspacing. I am actually running a smaller than stock diameter tire (235/75R15) with 4" BS after the Daystar lift and still had rub on the front fender and lower portion of my bumper on my 07 model. 4.5 BS would have had less rubbing. 5.5 would have had none.

Clear as mud now? (no pun intended Tom)

So how big of a tire can you fit? I will let others answer that one. I don't have much experience with that yet. But I can tell you my next set will be 31x10.50's and I don't expect to have any rubbing after the Pinch Pounding, fender and bumper trimming that I have already done.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 12:56 am

long_tall_texan wrote:

tommudd wrote:

But I will back away from this one as I see where it is going

OK Tom. I will pick up on the wheel thing here. You, TJKJ02, and a few others helped explain all of this to me before when I was in his shoes, so now it is my turn to pass the knowledge. Please correct or add to my explanation...

Here is the scoop on the wheels. The stock rims have a 5.5" BS. When you change to a smaller BS, the wheels stick out more. Initially, everyone thinks this should give you more wheel clearance, but that is where the mistake is made. In the rear (the easy one to visualize) , when the wheels stick out farther, the tires when flexed rub on the flares rather than being under the fender well. In the front, it is a little more complicated. The wheels stick out father, so in effect, the radius of pivot of the wheel about the steering joint increases. This actually causes a larger swing back and forth as you turn the wheel from side to side. That is why the wheels rub with smaller backspacing. I am actually running a smaller than stock diameter tire (235/75R15) with 4" BS after the Daystar lift and still had rub on the front fender and lower portion of my bumper on my 07 model. 4.5 BS would have had less rubbing. 5.5 would have had none.

Clear as mud now? (no pun intended Tom)

So how big of a tire can you fit? I will let others answer that one. I don't have much experience with that yet. But I can tell you my next set will be 31x10.50's and I don't expect to have any rubbing after the Pinch Pounding, fender and bumper trimming that I have already done.

You learned good

.

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 1:25 am

tjkj2002 wrote:

You learned good

.

Was taught by the best! :wink:

Repete · **Posted:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 1:06 pm

ObiHann wrote:

that no matter what we do do the Jeep, it has to be lifted and have mud tires on it before the next jamborie, which this year was in aug. So this gives me tons of time.

Two things:
- you may not have that much time. If you're talking the NS Jeep Jamboree, it is typically in June. I'm the co-chair for organizing the Jamboree this year, and I expect to see you there (j/k)

- Please have this all figured out in the next few months, so that I can copy what you learned.

I just bought a JK (see member intro's) and I can just learn from all your questions LOL. I'm not sure I'll use it at the Jeep Jam since I have other off road Jeeps, but my wife might.
- I know very well the local shop you're dealing with. They do know their stuff, and I know they've been supportive of BDS, and BDS has reciprocated. That alone can be an advantage if there ever is a problem.

ObiHann · **Posted:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 1:21 pm

Repete wrote:

ObiHann wrote:

that no matter what we do do the Jeep, it has to be lifted and have mud tires on it before the next jamborie, which this year was in aug. So this gives me tons of time.

Two things:
- you may not have that much time. If you're talking the NS Jeep Jamboree, it is typically in June. I'm the co-chair for organizing the Jamboree this year, and I expect to see you there (j/k)

- Please have this all figured out in the next few months, so that I can copy what you learned.

I just bought a JK (see member intro's) and I can just learn from all your questions LOL. I'm not sure I'll use it at the Jeep Jam since I have other off road Jeeps, but my wife might.
- I know very well the local shop you're dealing with. They do know their stuff, and I know they've been supportive of BDS, and BDS has reciprocated. That alone can be an advantage if there ever is a problem.

Well you are the man I must talk to

So, do you go to that shop, or is there another I don't know about? And don't worry, I plan on being ready for June if that is when the Jamboree is! Do we have a website up or anything for it yet? Given your knowledge of BDS, the Jamboree, and you know owning a KJ, do you think a 2-2.5" lift, and 245/75/16 mud terrain km2's will give me enough to play at jamboree? do you think I should do the bds or give in to the crowds and spend the extra cash?

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 11:02 pm

long_tall_texan wrote:

tommudd wrote:

But I will back away from this one as I see where it is going

OK Tom. I will pick up on the wheel thing here. You, TJKJ02, and a few others helped explain all of this to me before when I was in his shoes, so now it is my turn to pass the knowledge. Please correct or add to my explanation...

Here is the scoop on the wheels. The stock rims have a 5.5" BS. When you change to a smaller BS, the wheels stick out more. Initially, everyone thinks this should give you more wheel clearance, but that is where the mistake is made. In the rear (the easy one to visualize) , when the wheels stick out farther, the tires when flexed rub on the flares rather than being under the fender well. In the front, it is a little more complicated. The wheels stick out father, so in effect, the radius of pivot of the wheel about the steering joint increases. This actually causes a larger swing back and forth as you turn the wheel from side to side. That is why the wheels rub with smaller backspacing. I am actually running a smaller than stock diameter tire (235/75R15) with 4" BS after the Daystar lift and still had rub on the front fender and lower portion of my bumper on my 07 model. 4.5 BS would have had less rubbing. 5.5 would have had none.

Clear as mud now? (no pun intended Tom)

So how big of a tire can you fit? I will let others answer that one. I don't have much experience with that yet. But I can tell you my next set will be 31x10.50's and I don't expect to have any rubbing after the Pinch Pounding, fender and bumper trimming that I have already done.

you did good...grasshopper, now for your final test :wink:

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 11:25 pm

tommudd wrote:

you did good...grasshopper, now for your final test :wink:

Let me guess... Moab in my 4x2??? :shock:

InCommando · **Posted:** Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:23 am

[quote="tommudd

you did good...grasshopper, now for your final test :wink:

[/quote]

Did you tear up a bit when you read that?

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:58 am

InCommando wrote:

[quote="tommudd

you did good...grasshopper, now for your final test :wink:

Did you tear up a bit when you read that?[/quote]

It's hard letting them go out on their own for the first time,
some learn well ,
some just keep asking more and more questions that sound the same

BDS 2" Lift?

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