moroza

I don't like my 81 for a DD; it's slow, sucks gas (these could be fixed with an engine swap), noisy, bouncy, and cramped (these couldn't). But I won't get rid of it unless I need the money, because sentimental attachment. So I'm thinking to eventually take it in a more specialized direction, and have the DD 4x4 role filled by something else. This direction would be specifically for unplowed snowy roads. Call it a Tundra Buggy if you will. Any other off-road bonus would be just that: a bonus, nothing to work for. The only upgrade I'm focussed on is tire size, and anything that would cascade from that to make it work (gearing, clearance, front axleshafts). Specifically, I want to keep lift to a minimum.

My understanding is that I can fit a narrower 32 or 33 with no modifications whatsoever. After that, axleshafts get weak and the wheels start to rub.

Ok, suppose I upgrade the shafts and hub gears, now where do they rub? Can I fit, say, 35s if I buy Slacker's high-clearance fenders? 37s? What's the next bottleneck?

Stock push-pull steering is weak with a lift because of drag link angles. Is that all? Or am I going to run into problems trying to steer, say, 37s even with no lift?

Ok, suppose I upgrade to crossover steering, and the minimal 2"-3" lift (say, OME springs) that requires. Now how big can I go, and what's the bottleneck after that?

(While waiting for feedback, I'm going to go stare at my Halftrack Conversion drawing board)

Old83@pincher

31 are max for anything stock. 32 will fit but don't bottom out the suspension turning or you'll crash the front edge of the fender. 33 need at least 2" of lift, 3 is better. 35,s at least 5" of lift. No way your running 37's without lift. You can (or used to) be able to get any offset drag link. You can get or make caster shims to tip the axles to reduce drive shaft angles. Now last fall I seen a guy on the FTR in Alberta that made his 1st gen into a bush buggy, briefly yakked with him, he said for what its worth that he just kept cutting fender away till he could run the tire (looked like 38's) and it appeared he had about 3-4 inches of lift. It wasn't pretty by any stretch!


Just follow Dick Cepeks words of wisdom when the 48 mud country's came out...don't call us for advise, just keep raising, bending and cutting till you can run 'em!

Justin Cooper

I do believe I have drop dragline if u go this route.
Shameless plug.

moroza

So frame rubbing isn't the issue, just body clearance? Easier to work with, I guess.

Would limiting upward suspension travel help much?