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might be dumb...but any douwnsides to lifting?
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9948
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Author:  ice_man_7c [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:01 pm ]
Post subject:  might be dumb...but any douwnsides to lifting?

are there any downsides to lifting my KJ, i am trying to decide on getting a frankenlift or not. I just ordered a set of 225/75/16 bfg mud terrains and i think i still have time to cancel the order, or just return them... and go with 245/75/16. I am really wanting the lift mostly for looks to get rid of the soccer mom apperance, but i've heard a few bad things, like cv angles, and ripping the boots.


also how hard is the frankinlift to install vs the rough scountry lift i did on my XJ?

Author:  Marlon_JBT [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:04 pm ]
Post subject: 

Well of course, the higher rollover risk, and cargo load height becomes higher.

Author:  2006KJSPORT4x4 [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:31 pm ]
Post subject: 

you could fit those 245s probably without a lift...there are some guys on here that have done that...there will probably be some trimming of some plastic needed though but it could be done...just a thought

Author:  Se7enLC [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:34 pm ]
Post subject: 

There are many downsides to lifting. None of them are very major, but it is important to be familiar with and accept them all:

Lifting a vehicle takes it out of factory specs, so parts will wear faster (example, ball joints + CVs are operating at an angle that they were not designed for). How much faster is anyones guess, but a well-designed and installed lift kit should minimize that difference.

Larger tires means increased strain on the driveshafts and transmission. Not much different, but it is a difference.

speedometer will not be correct if the tire size is different. For a couple inches in diameter, it could work out to 5mph at highway speed or so.

There are some laws regarding bumper and headlight heights that you could potentially be in violation of if you lift a vehicle. A lift on a KJ of 3" or so is most likely within the laws.

warranty may not cover parts that fail as a result of the lift. On paper, the dealership needs to prove that the lift is the cause of the failure, but realistically, dealerships often just deny a warranty claim and leave you with the responsibility of proving that the lift did not cause it.

Cost of lift does not add to the value of the vehicle as far as insurance and resale value are concerned. A rule of thumb is that you will not get any of that investment back unless you part it out.

Some insurance companies will not cover modified vehicles. That may mean they won't give you a policy, or it may mean that they will not cover damages to your vehicle.

Some banks will not be happy if you modify a vehicle that they hold the lein on.

Higher rollover rate due to the raised center of gravity and increased travel of suspension (possibly higher body roll)

A taller vehicle will be harder to fit into garages, under bridges, etc. A KJ with a 3" lift can be over 7 feet if you have a roofrack, basket, antenna or anything else. Some parking garages can be 6'5" or less.


So as you can see, no major downsides, but a lot of little things to consider.

Author:  ice_man_7c [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:38 pm ]
Post subject: 

but to get rid of the soccer mom apperance and have a constant ear to ear grin, is it worth it?

Author:  waddy whiteguts [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:31 pm ]
Post subject: 

ice_man_7c wrote:
but to get rid of the soccer mom apperance and have a constant ear to ear grin, is it worth it?


A bag o weed would be cheaper :lol:

Author:  AdirondacKJ [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:10 pm ]
Post subject: 

And what of gas mileage?

Author:  Se7enLC [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:27 pm ]
Post subject: 

AdirondacKJ wrote:
And what of gas mileage?


Bigger tires = higher rolling resistance = worse gas mileage. Plus the aggressive tread will add to that resistance. If you use the vehicles computer to estimate gas mileage, it will be estimating low, since the speedometer is not corrected.

supposedly the additional height itself causes more air resistance and a reduction in gas mileage, but I have just a lift (same tires) and didn't notice any change in gas mileage.

Author:  4wdParakeet [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 5:19 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
A bag o weed would be cheaper



That's good I don't care who you are. And now on topic, when I lifted mine I also trimmed my front facia so alot of my suspension is exposed and causes alot more drag. So between that and the lift and MT/R's I did loose some mpg. With that being said I never have bought a vehicle for gas milage. I love the sound the MT/R's make, I can deal with the clunks and clanks that randomly come from the chasis being covered with all kinds of mud, and next to a stock KJ it just towers over it. To me the money for the lift/tires is all worth it. I have had the lift on for 10k or so and nothing has broken.**knocking on wood** Do it if your anything like the regulars on here you will never regret it.


Parakeet

Author:  KJ Willy [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 5:59 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
And what of gas mileage?


Rusty's 2.5" lift and firestone Dest AT I lost about 1.5 miles per gallon.

Author:  JJsTJ [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 6:43 pm ]
Post subject: 

ice_man_7c wrote:
but to get rid of the soccer mom apperance and have a constant ear to ear grin, is it worth it?


HECK YES! (Really could care less about soccer mom appearance, but for better off road capability & that Ear to ear grin, YES!) :D

Author:  Tokyojoe [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:11 pm ]
Post subject: 

If you do not plan to really off-road your KJ, then save your money and go with a Daystar Spacer lift. A lot cheaper, which will make getting those 245/75's easier and give more pocket money for other mods.

*Note: Not saying the Daystar is not really off-road capable. Just not as good or hardcore as a Frankie.

Author:  ice_man_7c [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 2:21 am ]
Post subject: 

well i think i am pretty much set on the Frankenlift route... a daystar lift would be nice, but i have plans for an ARB bumper by fall.
I've had lifted vehical in the past (mostly XJ's) and liked my results, gas milage isn't too much of a concern... if i wanted that to be higher i would have bought a Scion.

My next real question is were do i order, and about how much should the Frankenlift set me back...?

Author:  white04kj [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:14 am ]
Post subject: 

ice_man_7c wrote:
i would have bought a Scion.


Ewww

The Frankenlift is available from All J Products. http://www.boulderbars.com

I got mine shipped for about $850, with the Rancho struts. If you want OME struts, add $100 bucks. If you have any questions at all, call All J's and ask for Heather or Quinn, they'll be happy to clear anything up.

Author:  desertkj [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 5:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

I'm also looking into the Frankenlifts by the end of summer before I have to go back to school. Would it be wise to put Al's Upper A-Arms on as soon as it gets lifted or is that more of a luxury than a necessity? I would like to make the CV angle as small of a concern as possible (as would most people I'm sure).
*Edit: Plus, are the OMEs worth the extra $100?

Author:  SethX9 [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 6:21 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
any douwnsides to lifting?


You'll have to suffer the jealousy of all those short Libbys you roll pass! 8)

Author:  desertkj [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 6:44 pm ]
Post subject: 

You're not kidding. I saw a lifted silver one driving to work on Friday and it made me realize how low mine is. To eveyone who has their Frankenlift already, I envy you all.

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