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Symbol for Degree of Necessity * - splurge a little ! ** - if you can afford it *** - nice to have or do **** - should have or do ***** - must have or do ! - good to upgrade at replacement !! - should be upgraded at replacement |
Code for Vehicle Rating 1 - essentially bone stock: trails up to 2 2 - + larger than stock tires, tow hooks front and rear: trails up to 2.5 3 - + aggressive tires 31 inches and larger; one axle with traction-aid device: trails up to 3.5 4 - + Locking differential on one axle: trails up to 4 5 - + aggresive tires 32 inches and larger & both axles with locking differentials: trails up to 4+ |
| Shock Absorbers | - usually OEM
shocks are only marginal - get offroad (cellular, twin tube, monotube,
etc.) shocks at first opportunity (expect to pay $120+ for offroad shocks)
Your selection of shocks can be greatly expanded by installing bayonet-eliminators in the front. Now you can run standard eye-to-eye shocks. |
| Shock Boots | if you run boots on shocks - make sure there are drain holes & that the holes will allow water & mud to completely drain out |
| Leaf Springs | spray silicon
lubricant between leaf-springs - smoother, quieter operation & helps
prevent rust ( downside- makes repainting them difficult) If your springs are reverse-arched, add a helper (overload) spring or find someone that has a good set of springs that have been replaced when installing a lift kit. |
| Ball Joints, Tie Rod Ends & U-Joints | suggest using only
brand-name components: i.e. SPICER, MOOG, EATON, DANA, etc. - they cost more than
auto-store replacements and don't have 'lifetime guarantees' but you won't
have to replace them nearly as often replace rubber tie-rod boots with urethane boots - do not tear as easily, have a positive seal to better keep out water/dirt, especially on extreme articulation suspensions |
| anti-sway bars | - replace rubber bushings with
urethane bushings increase diameter of sway bar on lifted vehicles install swaybar disconnects to improve suspension articulation |
| Bumpstops | bumpstops have to modified when any lift device is installed - or else you'll start experiencing shock failures. |
| power steering cooler | if vehicle is equipped with 35 inch or larger tires |