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?

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.

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?

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 .

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.

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

[quote="tommudd

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