Looking for LIFT KIT suggestion for our D2

[ALWVSN]

I finally have a bit of downtime and after The Annual and Trail - I was hitting everywhere so I am now looking for a lift kit.

 

So far I only found a TerraFirma - I was wondering if you guys have any suggestion - I don't want it super high, if anything 2" all I want.

 

https://www.roverparts.com/Parts/TFD2SUSPKITHD

 

We almost never off road but we want to be capable to get thru trails and camping spots if needed.

We have 4 people and a RTT.

 

I was wondering if you guys have any suggestion and maybe a shop locally in San Jose that can install it.

(if I get a bit of downtime from work, I will install it myself)

 

Thanks

Al

[Mr.BlueSky]

Al,

 

I am not too familiar with D2s so I am sure others will chime in. 

 

You could give Gwyn Lewis a call, if he does D2 (I am sure he does) he will know exactly what you need.

 

Bandykins just installed a 2" lift kit plus other goodies from Gwyn and it went smoothly and the quality of parts was great.

 

https://gwynlewis4x4.co.uk/product-category/suspension/shocks-springs/page/2/

 

Other sources that might be good to cross-shop:

 

Bearmach

RTE

and Roverware.us is local to the bay.

[Elherbinator]

For a 2” Lift, you really only need shocks and springs to be replaced, so it’s pretty easy to do. If you start going much bigger then you start needing things like castor corrected arms, extended brake lines, and lines, driveshafts, etc. So check out the above mentioned companies. Also examine your front and rear driveshafts when lifting. The front driveshaft tends to fail over time and the rear rotoflex joint also gets old and started to crack and fall apart. Both should be fine size wise with a 2” lift, but it can add extra stress on them with the new angles.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DHappel]

The real question is how much tire do you want to run?  

 

A lift in and of itself does little to give more clearance.  It's main job is to give room for taller tires.  The tires are what gets your differentials and axles higher off the ground.  So let's start with what size tires you have now and what size you think you'd like to run, then you can decide what size lift you would need.

 

I'm not sure what you have now, but a 2" kit should give you room to run 31-32" tires which will certainly help on the trail.  This is a bit bigger than stock while still being very streetalbe and though you will be able to feel a bit of a change in acceleration you won't need to re-gear.  

 

As Eric noted, a 2" kit would basically be springs and shocks.  There are several options to choose from such as OME and TerraFirma.  BTW, Lucky8 has that Terrafirma kit rather cheaper than AB  https://www.lucky8llc.com/collections/lift-kits-2/products/2-discovery-ii-lift-kit

 

You'll also want to consider if you have or plan to add any other items to the truck in the future such as steel bumpers, rock sliders, a winch, etc.  Do you run with the truck heavily loaded for long trips with a fridge and tons of gear, or do you usually run relatively light, for day trips?  Those sort of things will help you decided how strong the springs should be.  A truck that has steel bumpers at both ends and all the gear will need stronger springs to reach the same level of lift as a stock truck with lighter springs.  You'll see companies like OME (old man emu-basically ARB's suspension brand) will offer different springs for differently loaded trucks.  

 

It's best to consider this in a holistic manner - what is the end goal for the truck, and what will get me there?  That will help you keep from duplicating efforts.  For example, if you buy stock +2 front springs then next year add a bumper and winch you'll end up doing springs again.

 

From what you've mentioned above, I'm going to make some speculative suggestions.  

 

It sounds like you don't plan to run trails often but would like a little more clearance while still retaining nice street manners.  You probably plan to leave the truck mostly stock other than a bit of lift and tires.   

 

The TerraFirma kit linked above should do that fine paired with a moderate AT tire like the Cooper AT3 or for something a bit more aggressive perhaps the BFG KO2 or Cooper ST/Maxx.  We won't get into actual tire choice here too much as that's a whole seperate topic of discussion!  But I'd look at something in the 31-32" size.  Again, let me know what size tire you have now - I believe you have aftermarket wheels so I'm not even sure what diameter they are.

 

As Eric mentioned, even stock there are 2 big wear areas you should look at and address now in the driveline - the rear flex joint at the differential and the front driveshaft.  (you should check these even if staying stock).  The flex joint can simply be visually inspected, but the front driveshaft is harder to check.  It's a non-serviceable item from the factory and the proximity of the catalytic converter to the U-joints tends to cook the grease out of them over time leading to potentially catastrophic failure.  If you don't know the age of the unit, consider replacing it with a serviceable driveshaft that you can grease yourself.  

 

Aside from the lift and tires, I'd also strongly recommend a pair of dif guards.  They are inexpensive and won't affect the on-road driving of the truck but will give some peace of mind by protecting the low-hanging differentials from accidentally hitting a rock off-road.   There are lots of options here - in fact RoverWare actually donated a set in the raffle. I prefer the weld-on version for it's strength.  http://www.roverware.us/differential-guard/

 

The next thing I would consider would be rock sliders.  They are steel pieces that protect the bottom of the doors/body from hitting things when off road.  Again, they won't have any effect on the road manners of the truck but can come in very handy as this is a vulnerable area.  They are a bit more expensive though.  Companies like Tactical 4x4, RTE, and Terrafirma among others offer sliders for the D2.  I would recommend getting a version with nerf bars.  https://www.lucky8llc.com/collections/armor-2/t-discovery-ii+ac1-accessories+ac2-armor+ac3-sliders

 

I can't help with any shop recommendations as I don't spend much time in the south bay and tend to such things myself anyway.  Some members (myself included) will occasionally host wrenching days were we get together and help each other with things like this however I'm personally pretty backed up with projects both for home and work right now and don't expect I'll be opening the shop for a club day any time soon. 

Edited October 12, 2019 by DHappel

[ALWVSN]

Thanks Don - Currently running 255/70-16 (Ko2's). Metal bumpers, RTT, Misc gears in the back like tools etc.

 

My truck has about 300-400lbs extra when camping. It seems like I will just go with the heavy duty load springs since I will be adding winch, sliders and a few small parts. 

 

Yeah, no off roading for us but after going thru the corral hollow, I needed a bit more clearance if we need to next time since my tires were hitting the fenders.

 

Thanks again.

[Elherbinator]

If rubbing is the only issue with those tires then you may just need some extended bump stops. Cheap and easy solution if you aren’t looking for clearance on your body

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ALWVSN]

Thanks. I just want to do it right and do it once.

 

My budget on the high side but seems like kits are affordable but I dont want to make a mistake buying something cheaper just because.

Based on my research, I would need a HD Lift Kit but some folks said it was rough and I want to make sure its comfortable for my kids and the wife. Note that we are more pavement people to get to places and try to avoid long dirt trails to get to a camping spot.

 

Here's what I have on my truck so far.

Mostly stock

RTT (170lbs)

ARB front Bumper - 60lbs

Rear steel bumper

255/70-16 KO2's

Method Wheel - 16x8

Misc Tools - My tool box. VIAIR etc...

Recovery gears

and lots of camping gears - mostly clothes and sleeping bags.

 

I still have to install a few things in the future

ARB Winch

Front Runner Roof Rack

(Misc cool gears on top)

and random guards under the car.

 

Does anyone have the same set up and lift you are using?

 

I am planning on going with 2" LIFT - OME Med Springs, with TF HD Shocks because they seem to be longer travel than OME and also buying airbag helper just to help with the weight and it seems like this will be a smoother ride versus just straight TF HD KIT.

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index...BoCm_sQAvD_BwE

 

Thanks

[Elherbinator]

The ride will be relatively rough. The OME springs are basically the same as stock, just thicker. So they will look like the same height as stock out of the box, they will just compress less under weight. The result is a taller truck under weight, but also a more rigid ride. A progressive rate spring will give you a softer ride, but I’m not sure what options you have at just a couple inches of lift. Terrafirma springs that come with a 2” lift are softer feeling than the OME. I have run the OME lift and Terrafirma on 2 different D2’s, so this is first hand experience. I did not like the OME springs. Very little travel and a harsh ride. The Terrafirma stuff is generally lower quality stuff. Not a brand I would consider for serious off-road stuff, but I think it would suit your needs better if you’re mainly on pavement. It will feel close to stock. You will need longer bump stops regardless of your lift if you are rubbing with your current tire size.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Elherbinator]

Btw, if you’re going to buy your shocks and springs separate, don’t bother with Terrafirma shocks. They are junk. Take the time to measure your distance from eyelet to eyelet on your shock mounts at full bump with your new stops and order some decent shocks from Accutune or something. Buying shocks based on what seems like more travel is not the way to do it. Shock compression and extended lengths are listed, so there is no reason to guess. Figure out your compressed length and buy a shock the is like 1/2” or so less compressed. That will usually ensure max travel for your shock. If you’re concerned about performance of your shocks, look to remote reservoir or IFP (internal floating piston) shocks. Those will perform a lot better than your standard shock. IFP shocks are common nowadays and are as easy to fit as normal shocks. You will probably want to get your measurements and just call a place like Accutune and have them figure out the proper shock to buy. Those guys are good

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ALWVSN]

Called Accutune, they pretty much can only offer what they got on the website and can't tune the shocks. I asked if they're for HD and couldn't get an answer other than "that's all we got on the site".

[lutz]

common valving for d2's

 

Fox 2.0 

Front 85/90

Rear 95/100

 

 

Bilstein 7100

 

front 360/80

Rear 400/100

[ALWVSN]

Here's what I gathered so far which is twice the $$ for the TF HD 2" LIFT KIT.

$686 Fox IFP Shocks

$379 OME 1.5" MED Front and HD Rear Springs

$150 for Front and Rear Spacers

This is all comes out to $1200 versus the $600 for the TF HD KIT...

 

I feel like base on my research I'm gonna end up having to redo my suspension in a year or two if I go the cheaper way...

 

UGH! The headache 

[ALWVSN]

Pulled the trigger, it was a bit more than the TF HD but I think base on my research, I will be more happy with these - I will keep you guys updated on this set up while traveling to BAJA next month.

 

Also ordered diff guards and a driveshaft.

 

 

[ALWVSN]

After doing much research, I got myself a 2†lift.

 

Fox Shocks with ARB HD springs all around. I added a 1†spacer on the back and opted out on the front because I had a feeling that the front might be higher with all the weight on the back...

I know they’re twice more than TF kit but I just read way too many issues that people are having with it...

That was a tough install job. Doable but very tough.

 

One thing I can say that the ride is night and day difference.. can corner better and just able to handle the weight I have on the truck. I don’t know what the difference between medium and HD springs but these feels a bit soft. I thought it was gonna be a rough heavy duty but it isn’t.

[lutz]

looking good . Time to get some 265/75- 16s on her

[ALWVSN]

I may have spent extra $700 on the Fox Shocks and OME springs... but I have been super happy with them with all my trips so far. 

 

Where do you guys recommend to buy the shafts? 

 

After the suspension, I haven't really spent much on anything else because we will be replacing our truck soon... The D2 is just horrible going up hill, did a Death Valley trip recently and the truck was struggling on 395 up hill.

 

 

 

 

[Elherbinator]

I may have spent extra $700 on the Fox Shocks and OME springs... but I have been super happy with them with all my trips so far.

 

Where do you guys recommend to buy the shafts?

 

After the suspension, I haven't really spent much on anything else because we will be replacing our truck soon... The D2 is just horrible going up hill, did a Death Valley trip recently and the truck was struggling on 395 up hill.

 

IMG_9509.jpg

The 4.0l doesn’t have a ton of power, but your issue with going up hills may be as simple as a regear. If you’re running stock gears with larger tires and a bunch of extra weight then you will struggle up hills even with the 4.6l. Maybe consider going to 4.11’s or something similar.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ALWVSN]

The 4.0l doesn’t have a ton of power, but your issue with going up hills may be as simple as a regear. If you’re running stock gears with larger tires and a bunch of extra weight then you will struggle up hills even with the 4.6l. Maybe consider going to 4.11’s or something similar.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Where can I find these re-gears and who can install them?

 

When it comes to Engine and Gears- I leave that to everyone else  

[Elherbinator]

Where can I find these re-gears and who can install them?

 

When it comes to Engine and Gears- I leave that to everyone else

The gears would be referring to the axle gears, specifically the ring and pinion gears in the differentials. By going from stock (3.56:1 I think) to 4.11:1, it will increase the torque at the wheels. Really common and necessary upgrade with any Offroad vehicle when adding larger tires and weight. Most Offroad shops can handle it or you can find some specialty shops like Rear End Specialists in Santa Clara. Most shops can order you the new Ring and Pinion gears as well as the bearings and seals needed. Otherwise GBR in Utah is a good supplier. They can also ship you differentials that are prebuilt. Ashcroft also sells them directly and probably most of the major parts companies will carry them. I am certain that regearing will help resolve your issue or at least improve it quite a bit. While you are in there it is also a good time to consider other axle upgrades to save on future labor. So if adding a locker or HD shafts are in the plans it would be a good time to do it since that stuff will be getting taken out anyways. Upgrading the axles is probably the most important thing you can modify on an Offroad vehicle. Building up an axle isn’t cheap, but you will get some very tangible improvements in both traction and power

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk