Maddawg's Madness /starting a make-over.

[Maddawg]

The jury's still out on whether or not I will be just upgrading to 33" tires or going all out for the body lift and 35" tires.

From what I have read here in the forums, the 35" tires are a no-go without the 4.77 ring and pinion to maintain a reasonable proximity to the stock 4.35 R&P gearing with stock 29.6 dia tire. Probably finding Nessie in your swimming pool would be easier as I understand it. But I'm not ruling out the possibility.

So for openers here's what I'm beginning with: My VX already with a 3" suspension lift. General Grabber 255/55R18 tires.
http://i48.tinypic.com/nmkwo3.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/1zegx2u.jpg
I have received the Procomp wheels I will be mounting for either a 33" or 35" tire. 16x8 / 0" offset (4.5" backspace) / 108mm center. In case you're wondering, the outside edge measures 1 1/2" further outboard, the inside edge measures 1/2" further outboard than stock.

Nah, you can't have my old wheels, they're going onto my Axiom.

Now its sit on my hands and wait to hear (its been a week now) from the two outfits who are going to do the body lift. Stay tuned for further developments! :cool:

[eternal21]

Still plan on parking it in the garage when you're finished? :)

[JoFotoz]

35's and standard gearing is NOT a "No Go" IMO...



From what I have read here in the forums, the 35" tires are a no-go without the 4.77 ring and pinion to maintain a reasonable proximity to the stock 4.35 R&P gearing with stock 29.6 dia tire. Probably finding Nessie in your swimming pool would be easier as I understand it. But I'm not ruling out the possibility.
:

I've been driving on 35's for approx 3 years with the OEM diffs...including Moab twice.

Yes, there are changes to acceleration and shift points...
....and your speedo will read under.

But its perfectly do-able with a little driver modification!!

The 4.77's are difficult to find...but not impossible.
I have found two matched sets in the past 1.5 years......with help from friends here
and also a simple " 4.77's Wanted" post over at the Planet.

I blew the back one up from the original set immediately ( bad seal)....
.......hence searched for a replacement set.

I will be putting the 4.77's on with my 35's...but its more because I got a set with Aussie Lockers front and back...than a gearing issue for me.

Why not start a search now for the 4.77's....go with 35's....
....and swap out the OEM diffs when ya find the 4.77's?

Just a thought ....

And :fyi:....a body lift is not required for 35's...given some grinding and hammering.
Plus..no body lift helps keep Center of Gravity lower.


:_beer:
Jo

[Maddawg]

Still plan on parking it in the garage when you're finished? :)
Darn right, and chained to the floor, lol. Yes, I know what your asking, it will get used regardless of pretty. I sunk about 25K into my previous Baja and everyone thought "Thats it, he'll never take it off-road again", wrong! I doubt if I will get to the "swamp buggy" tires, I kinda like the rally look, but just thinking at the moment, still not sure. I like Little Beast's setup a lot.:smilewink

[Maddawg]

35's and standard gearing is NOT a "No Go" IMO...



I've been driving on 35's for approx 3 years with the OEM diffs...including Moab twice.

Yes, there are changes to acceleration and shift points...
....and your speedo will read under.

But its perfectly do-able with a little driver modification!!

The 4.77's are difficult to find...but not impossible.
I have found two matched sets in the past 1.5 years......with help from friends here
and also a simple " 4.77's Wanted" post over at the Planet.

I blew the back one up from the original set immediately ( bad seal)....
.......hence searched for a replacement set.

I will be putting the 4.77's on with my 35's...but its more because I got a set with Aussie Lockers front and back...than a gearing issue for me.

Why not start a search now for the 4.77's....go with 35's....
....and swap out the OEM diffs when ya find the 4.77's?

Just a thought ....

And :fyi:....a body lift is not required for 35's...given some grinding and hammering.
Plus..no body lift helps keep Center of Gravity lower.


:_beer:
Jo
Thanks for the tip Jo! This is really good feedback. BTW, I never heard of the Planet. I'll see if I can find it. Can you tell me what to expect price wise for the 4.77's, just a ball park number. You can PM me if you dont want to mention it here. I was measuring my tire clearance at the back and with 33's I will need to put the hated rear bump stops back on. (They've already been cut, but they were bottoming out so I took them off. With the 35's and no body lift I will have to put the Energy full size stops back on. Then the hard ride returns. Damned if I do and damned if I don't. :rolleyes:

[JoFotoz]

You have a PM....:thumbup:

[eternal21]

Darn right, and chained to the floor, lol. Yes, I know what your asking, it will get used regardless of pretty. I sunk about 25K into my previous Baja and everyone thought "Thats it, he'll never take it off-road again", wrong! I doubt if I will get to the "swamp buggy" tires, I kinda like the rally look, but just thinking at the moment, still not sure. I like Little Beast's setup a lot.:smilewink

I was meaning, will it fit through the door when you get finished.

[Maddawg]

I was meaning, will it fit through the door when you get finished.

Duh, that's a good question, not thought of that. Well, it probably will but now it will be a tighter squeeze for me, between it and the workbench.

[Ldub]

Duh, that's a good question, not thought of that. Well, it probably will but now it will be a tighter squeeze for me, between it and the workbench.

A lot of times, headroom (door clearance) becomes an issue as you go up...:yesgray:

Mine is too big.

[Maddawg]

A lot of times, headroom (door clearance) becomes an issue as you go up...:yesgray:

Mine is too big.

Thankfully I have roll up doors. Hadn't thought of up clearance, but my Avalanche with 4'' lift fits with extra room, so I think it should be alright. But the old adage, measure twice and cut once applies in all cases. :yeso: Yes, I was looking at yours this morning, nice rig Ldub! I doubt if I will be adding a roof basket or lights at the top. One thought I have is removing the backseats and adding a spare tire mount inside. Any driving lights will be on the front.

[Maddawg]

I had a nice talk with JoFotoz by phone last night and he was very well versed in pros and cons of 33'' and 35" tires and gearing also turned me on to Planet Isuzoo. Thanks very much for the help!!

[Ldub]

Thanks very much for the help!!

No worries...I'll take any opportunity to say: "mine is too big"..:laughing:

[VX KAT]

Thankfully I have roll up doors. Hadn't thought of up clearance, but my Avalanche with 4'' lift fits with extra room, so I think it should be alright. But the old adage, measure twice and cut once applies in all cases. :yeso: Yes, I was looking at yours this morning, nice rig Ldub! I doubt if I will be adding a roof basket or lights at the top. One thought I have is removing the backseats and adding a spare tire mount inside. Any driving lights will be on the front.

Here's some ideas:

1) With my rear seat removed (and long gone!), I laid mine flat (31.5"),
then used 2 ratchet straps in an "X" configuration woven in and out of the spokes and secured to each of the factory metal tie downs on the floor. IIRC my straps were rated at 7,500 lbs.

2) Rowhard did a spare tire mount in the rear, with the tire in an upright position.

3) I believe JollyRogerVX made a spare tie down like the ones you see in the bed of pickups...tire is up at a 45 degree angle.

Check out their galleries for pics and ideas.

[Etfren]

I have to agree with Jo that 35's with stock gearing is just fine. Yes its a good bit slower accelerating and the speedo is off, but that's easy to get used to. In 4-low it creeps along plenty slow for most stuff and I actually like the effectively longer gearing for normal street driving.

[Maddawg]

No worries...I'll take any opportunity to say: "mine is too big"..:laughing:

Wait, are we still talking about your car here?? :bwgy:

[Maddawg]

Here's some ideas:

1) With my rear seat removed (and long gone!), I laid mine flat (31.5"),
then used 2 ratchet straps in an "X" configuration woven in and out of the spokes and secured to each of the factory metal tie downs on the floor. IIRC my straps were rated at 7,500 lbs.

2) Rowhard did a spare tire mount in the rear, with the tire in an upright position.

3) I believe JollyRogerVX made a spare tie down like the ones you see in the bed of pickups...tire is up at a 45 degree angle.

Check out their galleries for pics and ideas.

Thanks Kat! I was thinking of option 2, but I like the cost of option 1. Removing the rear seat might get rid of that "canary" that lives somewhere back there, lol.

[Maddawg]

I have to agree with Jo that 35's with stock gearing is just fine. Yes its a good bit slower accelerating and the speedo is off, but that's easy to get used to. In 4-low it creeps along plenty slow for most stuff and I actually like the effectively longer gearing for normal street driving.

Yeah, I was wondering how it would affect 4-low. Thats a good thing! :)

[Ldub]

Wait, are we still talking about your car here?? :bwgy:

might be...:_confused

[Triathlete]

No worries...I'll take any opportunity to say: "mine is too big"..:laughing:

Yes, you do have a rather large head on your shoulders! :D

[VXorado]

Plus..no body lift helps keep Center of Gravity lower.
Jo

My bud Jo... I always hear this and ask:

When considering the same amount of lift needed- we'll say 4-5" for 35" tires. A suspension lift raises the frame, engine, transmission, transfer case, gas tank, body where a body lift just raises the body and leaves everything else lower. With that said, how does a body lift increase the center of gravity more than a suspension lift? It should be less, right?

[tom4bren]

My bud Jo... I always hear this and ask:

When considering the same amount of lift needed- we'll say 4-5" for 35" tires. A suspension lift raises the frame, engine, transmission, transfer case, gas tank, body where a body lift just raises the body and leaves everything else lower. With that said, how does a body lift increase the center of gravity more than a suspension lift? It should be less, right?

True ... but ... he's talking the difference between adding the body lift on top of the 3" suspension lift already in place, and just doing more trimming the clear the big meat.

[Maddawg]

I think I may have located a 4.77 front from a Trooper, are there any specific questions I should ask about it, besides condition and price. Like does 12 bolt enter into the equation for a front diff?

[VXorado]

I think I may have located a 4.77 front from a Trooper, are there any specific questions I should ask about it, besides condition and price. Like does 12 bolt enter into the equation for a front diff?

The front (10 bolt) gears can be easier to find because they where used in late 90's Rodeos. Rodeos use a Dana 44 rear axle, so people will pull the front gears and sell them without matching gears to fit the 12 bolt rear axle. You would be better off finding a pair because finding a 12 bolt individually might be difficult. Of course, it never hurts to have spare gears for the front axle.

[VXorado]

True ... but ... he's talking the difference between adding the body lift on top of the 3" suspension lift already in place, and just doing more trimming the clear the big meat.

That makes sense. I have 5" lift for the 35s, has anyone fit 35s with 2-3" suspension and extra cutting?

[Triathlete]

That makes sense. I have 5" lift for the 35s, has anyone fit 35s with 2-3" suspension and extra cutting?

I believe Etfrans (ex bigmeats) fits that description. It has major wheel well trimming to clear.

[JoFotoz]

Yup Tom, exactly that...



True ... but ... he's talking the difference between adding the body lift on top of the 3" suspension lift already in place, and just doing more trimming the clear the big meat.


I run Calmini coils with a 1 inch spacer for a lift of about 3.5 inches......on 35 inch Nitto Mud Grapplers

Yes...I had to do some surgery to the back of the front wheel wells for clearance...

...and some cladding trimming at the front.

I'd rather cut out, cut off wheel well bits that are NROV ( not required on voyage!)..
...than lift the body any higher.

jo

[JoFotoz]

WOW...that was quick...:thumbup:


I think I may have located a 4.77 front from a Trooper, are there any specific questions I should ask about it, besides condition and price. Like does 12 bolt enter into the equation for a front diff?


The front diff housing on the VX is a 10 bolt ...the rear is a 12 bolt.

Obviously you'll still need to source a rear 12 bolt 4.77... to match gearing.

Make sure the ring has 43 teeth, pinion 9 ...43/9 = 4.77777777
Look for even wear on the teeth, this shows it was set up properly.

It may well be hard to find a single 12 bolt 4.77 rear...but even so,
you should grab this front one if its in good shape and a reasonable price.

You can then souce a front/rear pair of 4.77's...
...and you'll have a spare ( as already stated) for the front, which is very nice to have....
....and the one more prone to getting blown up.

Or....you may get lucky and find a lone 12 bolt 4.77 rear to go with it.

:_steering

Jo

PS...
Worst case scenario is you end up with a lone front 4.77....

...that one of these days someone here will REALLY NEED!

(edited to correct 10 bolt front..12 bolt rear..My bad! :o )

[VXorado]

I believe Etfrans (ex bigmeats) fits that description. It has major wheel well trimming to clear.

Yeah, I think he used a sawzall to trim all of the wheel well.


Yup Tom, exactly that...

I run Calmini coils with a 1 inch spacer for a lift of about 3.5 inches......on 35 inch Nitto Mud Grapplers

Yes...I had to do some surgery to the back of the front wheel wells for clearance...

...and some cladding trimming at the front.

I'd rather cut out, cut off wheel well bits that are NROV ( not required on voyage!)..
...than lift the body any higher.

jo


That's good to know. I thought 4" lift was minimum but 3.5" must be fine for offroading if that's your lift.



The front diff housing on the VX is a 12 bolt ...the rear is a 10 bolt.


Jo... :slap:

The front is the 10 bolt IFS.

[JoFotoz]

DOHHH...


Jo... :slap:

The front is the 10 bolt IFS.

...you are of course 100% correct.

And I am ( of course)...a twit!

I fixed it in the post.

:thumbup: Jon!

jo

[VXorado]

no worries Jo, I've got your back. :)

[JoFotoz]

Dumb thing is....
no worries Jo, I've got your back. :)


...I actually went out to the garage to double check.

BUT...counted the bolts on the front OEM one I'd blow a while ago.....


....thinking it was the 4.77 rear I blew last May on the way to Moab...DOHH

It was a hard day yesterday......:_beer: :dan_ban: :_beer:

Thats my excuse...'n I'm sticking with it ...:whiteflag:

Jo

[VXorado]

It was a hard day yesterday......:_beer: :dan_ban: :_beer:

Thats my excuse...'n I'm sticking with it ...:whiteflag:

Jo

That's a good excuse. I saw on FB you had a football/pool party. I don't know about rooting for the chargers (go broncos)... but I wish I could have been there for the pool party. :thumbup:

[Maddawg]

Hey! Remember me? LOL! Lotsa good stuff going on in here, now I don't dare turn my back and there's two more pages. Good going guys, there were some questions I was going to ask but you already have and answered. Yiiippppe! :clap:

I have narrowed down my tire selection to one of the three: BFG MT, Geolander MT or Toyo Open Country MT. I thought AT would be my choice but seeing the MT on a friends jeep....... gotta have it. So the size I'm going for is LT285/75R16 (33"). Waiting now for final pricing on the Toyo's.

[Maddawg]

And the winner is: TAADAAAA!!http://i46.tinypic.com/23rmhc4.jpg

[VXorado]

Nice, I ran the Toyos on my Tundra. It's a good tire especially if you plan on driving pavement most of the time. Smooth and quiet for an MT. :yesb:

[Cris]

Don't touch it man! what are you thinkin? these puv are collectable, thats one of the cleanest I've seen. Why OH why would you want to loose gas milage and distroy something as nice as that? I just don't understand WHY!

[tom4bren]

Don't touch it man! what are you thinkin? these puv are collectable, thats one of the cleanest I've seen. Why OH why would you want to loose gas milage and distroy something as nice as that? I just don't understand WHY!

Beauty is in the eye of the keyholder!!!

IMHO, the VX is made for lift .... & offset.:)

[VXorado]

IMHO, the VX is made for lift .... & offset.:)

I agree... well some offset. ;) :p

I think the VX is awesome and rare but at least right now, not collectible. Unless it has an O2 stamped on it.

...but it really depends on your idea of collectible. :_confused

[Maddawg]

Don't touch it man! what are you thinkin? these puv are collectable, thats one of the cleanest I've seen. Why OH why would you want to loose gas milage and distroy something as nice as that? I just don't understand WHY!
I'm not doing anything that can't be undone. If you have watched the Barrett Jackson auctions, you might notice that the customized cars go for more than the stock cars. But if you would like to give me $20 grand for my baby I will stop. :)

[Ldub]

Don't touch it man! what are you thinkin? these puv are collectable, thats one of the cleanest I've seen. Why OH why would you want to loose gas milage and distroy something as nice as that? I just don't understand WHY!

Sez the guy with this under his hood...:rotate:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/PICT0027.jpg

The point I'm making is: it's all subjective, and I quote...

"the world don't mooooove, to the beat of just one drum...what might be right for you, might not be right for suuuuh-m"...:laughing:

[Maddawg]

Today the tires got mounted on the wheels. Tomorrow they get fitted to the car (just leaning against the existing wheel for now.) Oooooh, I'm so excited, I won't sleep at all tonight.
http://i45.tinypic.com/72q0xl.jpg

[VX KAT]

HOLY BEHEEZERS DAWG_ Gnarley Dude!! :thumbup:

[pbkid]

sorry for the late post here, and even more sorry for the TJ to maddawg, but...

how come no one ever looks at swapping their front IFS to something with more readily available gears and lockers?? (i know Alan-bigmeatvx, swapped his front IFS for a dana 44 IFS, and therefore opened up more options for parts?)

Wouldnt it be relatively easy to drop a IFS out of a vehicle with the same amount of splines on the CV axles? If the CV axles plug in, you make brackets to mount it, and you make an adapter to get the driveshaft to work?
I guess i've been getting more into swapping stuff off other vehicles rather than keeping stuff that breaks and keep on fixing it. Maybe thats the thoughts of an SAS on my own vehicle speaking, i dunno.

[JoFotoz]

Yup...

Thats gonna look OK......:p

OK..as in Freak'n awesome.

Nice ...and all ready for Moab next year :clap:

You, me & frankd....road trip!

Jo

[Triathlete]

I don't believe Alan ever actually completed the swap. He looked into it and was collecting parts but I believe that was as far as it got. He was also planning on changing out the spinddles and going to use larger (bigger spline count) shafts.
If you're going to do all that you might as well do a SAS unless you love ifs that much. :)

[Maddawg]

SAS? Solid axle suspension? Don't laugh please.

[VX KAT]

SAS? Solid axle suspension? Don't laugh please.

I think it's Solid Axle SWAP.....I've read that on here somewhere.

[Bulldoggie]

Sez the guy with this under his hood...:rotate:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/PICT0027.jpg

The point I'm making is: it's all subjective, and I quote...

"the world don't mooooove, to the beat of just one drum...what might be right for you, might not be right for suuuuh-m"...:laughing:

I must have missed where you took off the Alpine Blower?

[Maddawg]

Yup...

Thats gonna look OK......:p

OK..as in Freak'n awesome.

Nice ...and all ready for Moab next year :clap:

You, me & frankd....road trip!

Jo

Where do the guys usually stay when in Moab? Just motel it or take RV's?

[pbkid]

I don't believe Alan ever actually completed the swap. He looked into it and was collecting parts but I believe that was as far as it got. He was also planning on changing out the spinddles and going to use larger (bigger spline count) shafts.
If you're going to do all that you might as well do a SAS unless you love ifs that much. :)


SAS? Solid axle suspension? Don't laugh please.

Maddawg- yes, solid axle swap. No one here will laugh at asking questions like that. SAS is a pretty advanced term, especially if your not into rock crawling much. Welll, i take that back, we will probably laugh a little, but its all in good fun, we all treat each other like brothers and sisters here, so we like to bicker and make fun :)

Billy- last i heard he completed it, but now im curious. And i also assume to just swap the diff would be a lot cheaper. You'd have quite a task convincing me that it cost $5-8 k just for a diff and some brackets?

[Maddawg]

My Jeep friend suggested going to a Jeep solid front axle. My thinking at that point was "hell why don't I just buy a Jeep" (blasphemy!).

[Ldub]

I must have missed where you took off the Alpine Blower?

No...that's a pic from the gallery of the member I was quoting...:smilewink

[Maddawg]

Anybody here know what this piece of structure is?
http://i50.tinypic.com/pxftj.jpg

[VXorado]

Anybody here know what this piece of structure is?


That's the cross member which goes directly under the front diff.

Here's Tom4brens:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/CIMG1005.JPG

[VXorado]

Billy- last i heard he completed it, but now im curious. And i also assume to just swap the diff would be a lot cheaper. You'd have quite a task convincing me that it cost $5-8 k just for a diff and some brackets?

I'm pretty sure Eftren had the 10 bolt front in Moab. I was poking around a bit on his VX looking at the SFIFS.

I forgot about that topic... what was the point? stronger half shafts?

[Maddawg]

That's the cross member which goes directly under the front diff.

Here's Tom4brens:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/CIMG1005.JPG

What's its purpose??

[VXorado]

What's its purpose??

It's just a support that helps strengthen the frame. I didn't have one on in Moab and found it also does a good job protecting the oil pan. :_confused

[tom4bren]

What's its purpose??

Frame stiffener???

Zeus ran without his for 2+ years with no ill effects.

BTW, keep in mind that mine looks different than most. It's aftermarket by CalMini. The replacement one that came with the Kilby skid plates looked very similar.

[Maddawg]

Ok, thanks! I thought maybe it might have something to do with the diff drop.

[tom4bren]

It does. It's in the way & needs to be lowered.

[VX KAT]

Where do the guys usually stay when in Moab? Just motel it or take RV's?

Most of us stay at "The Red Rock Lodge"....an older motel that has two rows of rooms, with a parking lot in between.
The rooms are clean, and they give us a 10% discount. Run about $59-$69 giver or take.

There's a wide sidewalk in front of the rooms and we've somehow adopted it as our own and call it "The Stoop". Most of us gather on the stoop in the evening to cavort and have fun and do some wrenching. Alcohol may be involved.....:goof:
Some have called us the "Moab mafia".... :thumbup: laugho:

www.red-rocklodge.com
Red Rock Lodge
51 North 100 West
Moab, Utah 84532
435-259-5431
For Reservations
Toll Free: 877-253-5431


http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/DSC_7750.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/DSC_7247.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/DSC_7974-1.jpg

[Maddawg]

Yep a motley crew as would be expected, lol. Just kidding all, you should see the Baja bunch I used to run with. BUT, I managed to get all four tires on the VX this morning. :p Now to see if I can rent a Sawzall for a day.:bwgy:

[pbkid]

I'm pretty sure Eftren had the 10 bolt front in Moab. I was poking around a bit on his VX looking at the SFIFS.

I forgot about that topic... what was the point? stronger half shafts?

The purpose was availability of parts, gears, lockers, and stronger half shafts. Cheaper too i imagine.

[Maddawg]

http://i48.tinypic.com/1juglv.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/2aj9c86.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/wlzqdy.jpg

[evillecutter]

looks great - the way our fenders flare it almost looks like the tires are just a continuation of the sexy vx curves

[Scott Larson]

That's one fine lookin' Ironman if ever there was one, NICE JOB!! :thumbup: :_steering

[Maddawg]

Thanks guys!!

[VXorado]

Looks great Maddawg. :thumbup:

Good choice on the rims and tires. It reminds me of my Ironman a few years back. :yesy:

[Maddawg]

Trimming front edge of clad: Determine the area of contact and lay some masking tape at the outer edge and the inside edge to define the clearance cut. This is the right hand side
http://i47.tinypic.com/2z7fzfm.jpg
I used a jigsaw which creates some heat and leaves a bit of slag behind the blade. Hey, donworryaboudit! It comes off with fingers or razor blade. So its best to not take too much off at first, can always come back and remove more if needed.
http://i50.tinypic.com/23vm2s1.jpg
Good! Now go do the other side.

[Maddawg]

Looks great Maddawg. :thumbup:

Good choice on the rims and tires. It reminds me of my Ironman a few years back. :yesy:

Thanks, the rims are Procomp 8101. For lack of a name I refer to them as Tarantulas, lol. :bgwo:

[Ldub]

Yep a motley crew as would be expected, lol. Just kidding all,

Aw hell, Motley would be an upgrade for some of us...:laughing:

Tires & wheels look'n great M-D...:thumbup:

[Maddawg]

Aw hell, Motley would be an upgrade for some of us...:laughing:

Tires & wheels look'n great M-D...:thumbup:

Tanx!! Rented a Sawzall and opening up the back splash guard area to see whats underneath for structure. Oh wow, nice and clean under there. Aww, am I gonna cut all that nice structure? :yeso:

[pbkid]

Lookin good mad dawg! Fyi, brand new razor blade seems to be the best way to cut cladding, or airsaw, i wouldnt go sawzall

[Maddawg]

Lookin good mad dawg! Fyi, brand new razor blade seems to be the best way to cut cladding, or airsaw, i wouldnt go sawzall

Too late man, its a done deal. I can't see a way to avoid cutting the rear fender clad with the Sawzall because the clad is tucked up right against the sheet metal. The only way to avoid would be to remove the fender clad completely. :( BUT...if you're referring to the front piece, yes that is easy with a small hand saw.

[Maddawg]

Ok, I'm done with the left side. I pretty much followed Kate's guide and I do have clearance, but its nothing to rave about. I'm pretty sure I'm going to experience some rubbing with suspension articulation.
This pic shows the screws removed from the splash guard and the next pic shows the screws themselves.
http://i46.tinypic.com/rsbuqg.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/126a4nd.jpg
Now the splash guard can be pulled away and bent upward. I used a bungee to my door mirror to retain it.
http://i47.tinypic.com/67sg9v.jpg
Now the structure is revealed below.
http://i47.tinypic.com/dmqibt.jpg
And for comparison this is the clad and sheet metal removed.
http://i50.tinypic.com/2i9nm9y.jpg
Save this anchor/clip nut.
http://i46.tinypic.com/2mchki8.jpg
The next two pics show the edge that needs to be hammered back.
http://i45.tinypic.com/2dvkdn6.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/aynkmc.jpg
I used a small handsaw to cut away this piece because there was nothing behind it now.
http://i45.tinypic.com/2s6oxet.jpg
Because I'm such a neatnik I radiused the lower corner. The hole above it is where the saved anchor/clip nut will be reused (in the sheet metal behind).
http://i50.tinypic.com/qnl0ea.jpg
Now tuck the splash guard back behind the clad and reinstall the screws. Done.
http://i50.tinypic.com/jktw14.jpg
Well, not quite. I didn't like how close this section of the splash guard looked to my tire so I sawed it off.
http://i49.tinypic.com/2col7pt.jpg
Well, I hope this is informative and good luck with installation of your humongus tires in the future. If I missed anything let me know.

[JoFotoz]

Great write up/pictorial :thumbup:

Yup..you'll probably find yourself doing additional trimming over
the next several weeks as you flex everything more.......I know I did !

Jo

[Maddawg]

Great write up/pictorial :thumbup:

Yup..you'll probably find yourself doing additional trimming over
the next several weeks as you flex everything more.......I know I did !

Jo

Thanks Jo! That took about an hour and a half for the rear of the front well. Did you have any problems with your rear tires?

[JoFotoz]

No cladding trim needed.....


Did you have any problems with your rear tires?

...but entire axle rotates forward as you lift.

My tires are very close to the front of the rear arches...with plenty of space to the rear.

Adjustable Lower Links fix this...Ryan (LittleBeast) has 'em......
.....they are on my shopping list.

jo

[pbkid]

Very nice! Keep up the good work!

[ramathorn]

I went with some "close to a 33 inch tire" on my stock 18s, and you make me regret it! Looking good my friend! Also I might be a tad bit jealous of the ironman edition...!

[Maddawg]

Thanks all, I appreciate the nice comments!

[Maddawg]

No cladding trim needed.....



...but entire axle rotates forward as you lift.

My tires are very close to the front of the rear arches...with plenty of space to the rear.

Adjustable Lower Links fix this...Ryan (LittleBeast) has 'em......
.....they are on my shopping list.

jo
I dont have any bump stops in the rear Jo, do you??

Is there something worn out on your lower links to cause that movement??:(

[samneil2000]

Increasing the angle shortens the arms. The new arms are longer to compensate. (ha, that's what she said?)
Good looking rig man!

[Maddawg]

Increasing the angle shortens the arms. The new arms are longer to compensate. (ha, that's what she said?)
Good looking rig man!
Thank Sam!!
Is that because of a body lift?? I dont see any of that with my suspension lift. Or because of taller tires??:confused:

[Ldub]

Think of your rear lower links as the horizontal line in this illustration...

as they move down, as with a suspension lift...:smilewink

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSCZL1ABpGL6fS0CV75jx7PSKVzhQDEU Z_8hhkEHewEn63mi2ES

[Maddawg]

Thanks Ldub, I guess I've been lucky so far. I haven't noticed any negative issues because of my suspension lift. Maybe I'm not flogging it enough, lol. ;) (The car that is)

[JoFotoz]

Thanks Dub....

I was about to go into a long winded ramble using a see-saw as an analogy...

....you nailed it!

Jo

[VXorado]

Thanks Ldub, I guess I've been lucky so far. I haven't noticed any negative issues because of my suspension lift. Maybe I'm not flogging it enough, lol. ;) (The car that is)

Look at your rear drive shaft u-joint and you'll notice it is at an angle. There are grease zerks on the drive shaft and you'll want to keep them greased regularly now that you're lifted. The angle can cause vibration and ideally you want the pumpkin output shaft to be straight with the drive shaft.

The adjustable links Jo mentioned allow you to tilt the pumpkin upward to eliminate an angle on the u-joints.

[Maddawg]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

I took my baby out for her first walk today with her new boots. Heading down the driveway I heard and felt a vibration that I haven't before. So I immediately got out the floor jack and jacked each wheel and rocked and spun them. Nothing. Headed out again and all seemed well? My first impressions of the new wheels and tires are good. The power steering seemed lighter. The suspension felt more reasonable as I had suspected with a thicker tire cross section. The Toyo Open Country tires are quiet as a whisper. I was actually smiling while driving it. :clap: The brakes are working a little harder to slow the baby down as would be expected with the increased weight of the wheels. The trim cuts I made to the clad are very close to being perfect. I only heard a couple of rubs from up front but that was at an angled departure from a steep driveway. So in retrospect.....I love it!!! Should have done it sooner.

[Ldub]

Should have done it sooner.

Man...if only I had a dolla 4 evvy time I've read that around here...:laughing:

BTW...your user name looks VERRRRY specabul in bold grey...kudos 2 U Mr site supporter!...:thumbup:

[Maddawg]

[QUOTE=LdubBTW...your user name looks VERRRRY specabul in bold grey...kudos 2 U Mr site supporter!...:thumbup:[/QUOTE]

And thanks for giving the Boss Man a nudge. :) BTW, what's with the green light next to my tag?? Is that a good thing??

[Ldub]

BTW, what's with the green light next to my tag?? Is that a good thing??

Uhhhhh. not exactly...it let's the rest of us know the current booger level in your left nostril...:yesgray:

OK...I lied...:flower:

Means you be online...:yesgray:

Mine always red cuz I fly invisible.

(oops...you can't see me...)

Hover yer cursor over it for proofz.

[Maddawg]

Hahah, booger level, I wasn't buyin' that! Thanks again young man!

[Ldub]

Hahah, booger level, I wasn't buyin' that! Thanks again young man!

Ain't considered young by those who know me best...just young at :heart:

[Triathlete]

Ain't considered young by those who know me best...just young at :heart:

Dirt calls him old!:bwgy: :rotate: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

[Ldub]

Dirt calls him old!:bwgy: :rotate: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

Thanx Billy...I still :heart: U2...:yesgray:

[Maddawg]

I took out the rear seats a couple of weeks ago, so that I could have room for my spare tire. I used Sue's advise and picked up a couple of racheting straps and used the existing hooks to secure it. I like to have everything inside the car and besides it takes weight off the rear door hinges. It takes some time though to get tire odor out of the car, mainly the lubricant they used at the tire shop to seat the tire on the wheel bead.
http://i46.tinypic.com/r1bneb.jpg