As someone who works in the off road industry and on behalf of everyone I work with. Thank you for helping all of the forum geeks and KZbin mechanics understand why they have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to suspension
@BobNob122 күн бұрын
this guy has no idea what he is talking about
@DundG21 күн бұрын
@@BobNob1You have no idea what you're talking about
@ajscm674818 күн бұрын
He uses incredibly small sample sizes that don’t control for all variables and presents it as science. I wouldn’t consider any info he presents as fact.
@nsh198015 күн бұрын
Alright boys BREAK IT UP!! We all don’t know what we’re talking about.
@kevinVersus4 ай бұрын
The 3rd gen 4runner I bought had the worst set up. -Maxed out suspension lift -no rear sway bar -front sway bar Drove like dogshit. After watching Tinkerers swaybar videos I made the corrections and it made the BIGGEST difference. This is the best channel for this kind of stuff. Amazing, thank you
@ananamusly4 ай бұрын
Can you share what you did to change the setup? Sorry I haven't watched whatever videos you're referring to
@kevinVersus4 ай бұрын
@@ananamusly removed strut spacers from front coilovers, put in a rear sway bar and removed the front sway bar. I also found out the front lift coils didn’t have the proper weight rating to handle arb bumper+winch so will be ordering proper coils eventually
@thomascarpenter55364 ай бұрын
@@kevinVersus adding back in the rear sway bar on my Xterra for some measurements has been on my list since he released that video. Awesome, technical content.
@kevinVersus4 ай бұрын
@@thomascarpenter5536 do it up. I have a 1st gen pathfinder and I run no sway bars. It’s lifted on 33’s but I have the clearance for full flex (required cutting)
@smileyguyz4 ай бұрын
@@thomascarpenter5536 Definitely worth trying. My stock 2nd gen Frontier seems to get all of it's articulation from the rear end currently. Removing the front swaybar and leaving the rear would probably perform very similarly to how the same setup performs on Toyotas, and a few anecdotes I've heard from other Frontier owners confirms that.
@TheFraziers4 ай бұрын
I've noticed this trend for a little while now. Rigs with 1.5" lift or less, only 32-33" tires, and lower total vehicle weight seem to walk over obstacles more easily than the incredibly overbuilt vehicles. Just my anecdotal observation.
@spacecruisers4 ай бұрын
Yep, I did 1.5” lift on my sequoia and have run 32” and 33” tires. Been a great setup for me for the last 5 years. That combined with a skinner tire and as minimal offset as needed to keep it from rubbing the frame.
@TobyCostaRica4 ай бұрын
I’m only going to go as big as I can fit in the spare tire area. Makes no sense to have to get a hitch carrier to hassle with every time I open the rear lift gate
@Toastert4co4 ай бұрын
Couldn't agree more. I originally had the front end of my 2nd gen set at 3" lift w/ 33s, but had maybe 20% down travel and poor handling, always topping down when articulating. I lowered it down over an inch and it is far more capable on high/low speeds, but still has plenty of clearance for most trails I hit.
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
@TobyCostaRica I had a dirtcom carrier on my GX460 for a minute and i sold it within 3 months. It sucked on a daily driver. I’m just glad my LX570 will fit a 315/70 underneath.
@CoolKillkennyCat4 ай бұрын
Till you drive down a track that was chewed out by 35-40" and you just belly out all day...
@chrispewkreme3 ай бұрын
Getting a GX engineer on your channel is the ultimate flex! You know he is proud of his product and stands behind it. Toyota is lucky to have this man. Can’t say I’ll buy a GX. But your videos have me sold on Toyota as my next vehicle.
@WeatherMan4044 ай бұрын
lexus should be paying you for advertisement lol cause your selling the 550 really well
@dimensioncrosser58624 ай бұрын
I have a different taste, his video made me want a wrangler even more😅
@EvergreenOffroad3 ай бұрын
As a 5th gen 4Runner owner I agree. I would buy the new GX instead of the 6th gen 4Runner
@TCPUDPATM3 ай бұрын
@@dimensioncrosser5862Ew lol
@DeePunter3 ай бұрын
@@dimensioncrosser5862u should see his wrangler vs fj video u did buy the wrangler immediately
@treboy2 ай бұрын
Ya but who’s really gonna take that Lexus 550 off road that’s gonna be a pavement princess ….they’ll just get 4 runners and the gx470 Toyota FJ , or some off road midsize pick ups … only people who will try it is people who have money to Just blow cause they bored
@SeasonAscent4 ай бұрын
"Weird flex, but okay" you're a comedic genius 😂
@starrisk2 ай бұрын
Talking with live examples and data... Compared to others with subjective feelings and non repeatable 'experiments'... This channel is the best.
@commbubba19904 ай бұрын
Every bro on tacomaworld needs to watch this
@ascentoffroad4 ай бұрын
Here 🙋♂️😂
@Gazziza294 ай бұрын
There's gonna be a lot of butt hurt then lol
@jonlosito20044 ай бұрын
Especially TacomaBeast
@Gazziza294 ай бұрын
@@jonlosito2004 he’s the biggest bro douche of them all
@WASTED__POTENTIAL3 ай бұрын
I kinda miss TW. One of the best places on the web for a good debate.
@AmirDeleon4 ай бұрын
Man you're amazing. You're on of the only car creator that actually knows cars. Thanks for the great knowledge man!
@brianpeck6974 ай бұрын
Definitely the only one out using NUMBERS to back up his opinions/claims. Love the content!
@aarongerman78574 ай бұрын
I concur. Only one talking about these rigs the right way. For real world use.
@beri2324 ай бұрын
@@brianpeck697 chinkers are great when it comes to numbers!
@manoloorz4 ай бұрын
@@brianpeck697 not just numbers but the entire scientific method, he has theory, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion and iterations, the videos are about as complete as they can be.
@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD4 ай бұрын
*"Not lifted" since day 1 in our Lexus GX460. Explaining the reasoning to the masses has been an exercise in futility. The low COG combined with articulation simply keeps things planted. The lifted counterpart already thinks it's in a ditch and starts to get tippy rather than conforming and building confidence. Lastly, all Toyota engineers know what a "lift kit" is and how the ultimate goal of a balanced suspension geometry is the actual aim. Sadly stock suspension geometry is never really put to the test by many buyers because "lift kit" has been pre-programmed in their mind as some sort of offroading prerequisite... or more accurately: they do it for looks*
@firesome114 ай бұрын
Yup I noticed how the Aussie channel overcame the struggle in the American trails
@TXJ2324 ай бұрын
I think most people are installing lift kits simply for the looks rather than functionality.
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
I'm all for not running lifts, especially huge ones. I ran my GX460 for 3 years with the stock suspension, skids and 285/70's and it was fine. But usually lifts consist of better shocks and springs than stock and improve many aspects of the vehicle besides just lifting it. Obviously, Lexus didn't tune the GX460 suspension tuning with pure offroad performance in mind. At the end of the day its used as a grocery getter by 99.9% of first owners and its a compromise of on road comfort and handling with a little offroad sprinkled in. Additionally, most aftermarket shocks for a GX460 are extended travel, meaning you can gain about 1" of additional droop travel. As long as you do not go for a huge amount of lift while doing this, the truck will be improved in most respects. I went to Bilstein 6112's with the heavy rate springs and kept it as low as possible. Eibach medium rate load leveling springs in the rear with Bilstein 5160's. The truck rode better in all conditions than the factory setup. Since I used the GX to tow, the heavier rate springs were a big improvement there, but still very compliant offroad.
@gulu-cat4 ай бұрын
Sadly you are restricting yourself to trails that only requires about 10 inch of ground clearance, which is common in CA where desert trails are usually not that demanding. There are tons of places in other states where stock height GX will immediately get destroyed.
@TheFamilyCruiser2504 ай бұрын
After taking my LC250 out on the trail, it got me thinking that I may not need a lift. It handled everything with ease and comfort. Made it out unscathed. FYI: I did gain 1" of ground clearance running "33s"(32.8in).
@PajEvo_Aus4 ай бұрын
This is by far the most informative channel on 4wd suspension. You're making me want to flex test my Pajero Evolution as I have 40mm lift and fixed swaybars... interesting to see how much flex I've lost!
@ekinteko3 ай бұрын
I wanna see that. New Pajero SWB owner. My target is for corrugated roads, sand, and minor travels. All with easy maintenance and low price. Not interested in spending heaps for rock-crawling or river crossing, that is more a job for modified Nissan Patrol, Toyota Prado, and Lexus LX models.
@dwaynE20993 ай бұрын
I am on my fifth IFS ute (truck) now and this one I've left bog stock in the suspension both ends. Although it helps being a Ranger Raptor, I had a previous gen RR prior to this one with a 2" lift both ends and cannot believe how much better the new standard one performs over the "improved" one (and the other three lifted vehicles I had prior)... I agree with your point about the specific type of offroading you do being important to understand before modifying, or leaving standard, your 4x4. In my case, standard height causes no problems as never work it on rocky trails where clearance is critical. This is one of the best produced videos I have seen on this topic!!!! Well done to you and the crew that helped put it together
@austinarmagost20014 ай бұрын
Just tried this with some wood blocks and Rhino ramps on my stock '21 Chevy Colorado ZR2 (sway bar connected). I still was making good contact with the ground (front and rear) so I did not get full flex but I measured 4.5 in the front and 14.75 in the rear. This channel certainly has done a good job of showing some very valuable 4x4 suspension information. Keep them coming.
@austinarmagost20013 ай бұрын
Update: I built some taller ramps and disconnected the sway bar. Front Flex: 6.5 in. Rear Flex: 15.25 in. Total: 21.75 in. I was at the end of my ramps still so there might even be a little more flex yet.
@petemiller51922 күн бұрын
Good video! Articulation flex is one thing, however approach, departure, and breakover angles are another. Maybe you should differentiate more between the two. Also, you're using vehicles with IFS, which are not as good off road compared to solid axles. I have a 2 door JK with 2 1/2" lift, 35's, and disconnect sway bar links, and the articulation is far higher than stock. Cheers from Canada.
@mojrimibnharb45843 ай бұрын
NB: This applies only to IFS, not a solid axle. My XJ has 33" tires on a 4" lift and I cut back the wheel wells to make more room. Now I have lots of extra travel, up and down, both front and rear. IFS is great on road but I'll stick to solids off road for both travel and strength.
@monocogenit12 ай бұрын
@@mojrimibnharb4584 for more activities???!! And for strength?? Dana 35s?? lol
@mojrimibnharb45842 ай бұрын
@@monocogenit1 Is there a question somewhere in there?
@rotorhead50004 ай бұрын
Suspension droop is the un-sexy unsung hero in the offroad world. Jack the thing up, so you can put bigger tires on so it looks cool is unfortunately what way to many people are after vs actually performing well off road. Thanks for helping all of us data geeks get our numbers fix tinker!
@monocogenit12 ай бұрын
@@rotorhead5000 yup, and the big fat tires with 20” rims. Yuk
@rotorhead50002 ай бұрын
@@monocogenit1 Ugh, I know it
@gorkyd7912Ай бұрын
Bigger tires go over larger objects. Performs better off road because it doesn't smash into bushes, logs, rocks. What's the point of flexy suspension when you physically run into things with your skid plate and bumper?
@Rager9327 күн бұрын
Thank you!!!! EXACTLY MY THOUGHTS, I have 8" front 10" rear lift with super flex springs cut out fenders and 37" tires, I STUFF the tires in the wheel wells on full flex and can crawl over things with the bigger tires.
@kidsteach9383 ай бұрын
I put 4x4 on my Corvette and it's now unstoppable...my friend's Unimog could not keep up!
@rockkstah25502 ай бұрын
I have a 2024 Nissan Pro 4X so glad I did NOT rush into lifting and am constantly researching. So glad I found your channel. There is a reason why NISMO only has 1.5 inch of lift kit for the PRO 4 X and nothing more. It’s all about proper articulation and clearance. For the most part many of us who go on dirt will be on it once a month along side those who own a stock Subaru.
@monocogenit12 ай бұрын
@@rockkstah2550 well…and cost and prob CV factory warranty, and possibly vehicle stability liability. I have a 23’ pro4x. I’d never use the Nismo lift. It’s spacers and blocks. No no no. Z1 off-road is a good source.
@memsu062 ай бұрын
Look at the Titan swap. I bet Nissan Titan front suspension components would bolt right up. Giving you a wider stance and way more travel.
@nicklockard29 күн бұрын
I've never off-roaded, yet I'm fascinated by your strictly rigorous engineering approach. Very well done and I learn something with everyone of your videos.
@ryan569764 ай бұрын
This is incredible. I’ve thought of lifts just moving the truck up the useable travel without actually adding more flex but never known of the science behind it. Great job explaining this, testing it, and visualizing this.
@mattg81164 ай бұрын
This is why I would love to see you review the Bronco and similar mods. The stock Bronco flexes very well (with disconnect of course) because of the decent wheel travel and specifically the down travel. Ability to fully stuff the jounce tire is also pretty good. So many common mods really kill the flex and give IFS a bad reputation.
@trailrunnah88864 ай бұрын
Agree! I haven't seen it in person, but I watched a lot of Bronco videos and they do seem to be quite impressive for IFS. I'd also be curious to see an LE3 or LR4 Land Rover with air suspension, the way they work is as one wheel goes up, the air forces the opposite wheel down, so it functions almost like a solid axle.
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
@@trailrunnah8886 LX570 AHC does the same thing. Thats why an AHC LX can flex as well as a KDSS Land Cruiser stock vs stock.
@Alan-bm3ni3 ай бұрын
My friend took me on some mountain trails in Ouray, Colorado in a stock late 70's Jeep. There were lifted jeeps and fjs everywhere. I was completely blown away by what we could go up and down. I haven't modified my truck, and probably will only replace the shocks. I don't want to lift it and see no advantage to it. 4wd and a locker will get you very far. My gf test drive a bronco, with a factory lift kit and 35" tires. An extra $13k in value. It was stupid and didn't look good. A level bronco on 31-32" tires looks so much better and I'm sure performs at 95% of what a lifted one can, without the crappy on road experience.
@Jay-me7gw3 ай бұрын
@@Alan-bm3ni Old jeeps are a lot different than modern Toyota's though. The GX460 in this video comes with pretty atrocious clearance stock. Mine was stock with 33's on it and still was smacking running boards and bumpers and the trailer hitch on mild forest service roads. A Bronco has much better approach and departure angles but the 4 door version has a pretty long wheelbase so breakover could be a concern.
@4WDisLife4 ай бұрын
men of culture, here we meet again
@keefgtp4 ай бұрын
I simply removed my front sway bar from my 1st gen Sequoia, and when combined with the basic 2 inch lift the front articulation is pretty impressive for what it is. Plenty of droop, but also stuffs the front 33s into the fender. I personally think the fat tire and low offset craze is kind of ridiculous. Your videos have helped me get my Sequoia performing pretty well.
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
The smart people with GX's run 4Runner TRD Offroad wheels with +15mm offset that the 4Runner bro's sell to replace with Methods or SCS wheels. 🤣 We don't look that cool, but its cheap and functional and was able to fit 285/70's with minimal effort.
@QuickJuggernautАй бұрын
This is my favorite auto/Toyota/Lexus/Overland channel next to “The Car Care Nut”.
@LukeEdward4 ай бұрын
The principle is what I learned about 15 years ago called a “low center of gravity” lift, or “LCG” Suspensions built for prerunners also use this principle in their builds. Huge 35 BFG Baja TA with plenty of limitation of uptravel, but huge amounts of downtravel at each wheel.
@glow44174 ай бұрын
Yeah that down travel equals better grip -- as shown in the video.
@sbcbaits9942 ай бұрын
Huge 35s is an oxymoron unless you have a Time Machine to go back to the 90s.
@thecircuitboxАй бұрын
@@sbcbaits994You are the oxymoron.
@sbcbaits994Ай бұрын
@@thecircuitbox your mom likes oxymorons.
@FearlessTrailhawk3 ай бұрын
As a wheeler of full independent suspension vehicles, yes you are correct, and for most 'overlanders' and softroaders flex is more helpful than clearance. But for me and most people/places i wheel, clearance is more important as flex doesn't help you get un-turtled from large rocks. But you don't see many people talking about this though it seems common sense...stiffer suspension means less flex.
@grgoss12 ай бұрын
Well done, as usual. When people can't understand why my raptor can often go where lifted vehicles can't, it's often the droop. I try explaining this and a large proportion of people simply look confused. Some totally get it. Lifts, body lifts... all have their place depending on people's budgets, needs (and wants). All good. Info like this video help people prioritize or plan their upgrades.
@sktona3 ай бұрын
This was a great presentation. Broke it up enough with b roll, dialog was straight to the point with no fluff. Great job!
@stray40954 ай бұрын
This is such an underrated channel. It's criminal. Love your work man, keep it up.
@chrisdakins20102 ай бұрын
This is a great video! I’ll have to watch it again to get all the info but it’s a great crash course in some stuff I didn’t even know I didn’t know!
@thomasmullinsiii77594 ай бұрын
Congrats on the ONX sponsor! I've torn my Chevy suspesnion apart so many times to understand how suspension actually works. I have twice the suspension travel on my truck thats raised 2.5 inches than my buddies 6 inch lifted truck does. Its quite interesting how it works.
@thomasmullinsiii77594 ай бұрын
My tahoe has 5.5 inches of total front end travel, which isnt much. Its less than stock. But, most torsion bar chevys only travel 3 inches up front once theyre lifted... my rear axle uses GM stuff with a custom trackbar and longer shocks, and has 16 inches of travel in the back
@Hoonicorn_dirt_mode4 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@TinkerersAdventure4 ай бұрын
Thank you for the support!
@carlossilviotube3 ай бұрын
Hey, great video. Love how technical you are. I would love to see an analysis like that for a Rivian R1S to understand better how it perform/work. I own one, but we are probably too far for a quick test.
@carstereo249322 күн бұрын
It depends on the type of terrain you re trying to overcome with your vehicle. For touring, 31s or 33s are perfect but if you re going to rock crawl with 32 or 33s, a rig on 35s or 37s is going to do it better because they have a higher approach and departure angles, more sidewall to play with and are higher off the ground in general. It would be the same if you re on a trail with deep ruts where articulation for which a rock crawler is designed for, your differential won't be caught as much as well as your rear leafs if you have those, on potential rocks. I have a 78 series Land Cruiser on 33s that I use for touring with a roof top tent and all the accessories, I use it to travel all over the country and I have a GU Patrol on 35s with portal axles for tough trails. They cannot do each others job as they are built to perform different tasks.
@DaveyJordan4 ай бұрын
All right, I’m dragging my ramps out tomorrow. I want to see my AHC numbers vs. Chris. 😁
@TinkerersAdventure4 ай бұрын
Please do! Let me know your results!!! Make a video if you could
@discorover854 ай бұрын
I need to know!
@TheChipiboy3 ай бұрын
@@TinkerersAdventurethat would be a great follow up video. Really showcasing all 3 of Toyotas main suspension system
@siebitup4 ай бұрын
When I was planning my lift on my '18 GX, I probably watched your IFS videos about this 20 times or so. I went with the same extended travel coilovers, and achieved a tiny bit more articulation over stock while gaining a few inches from the suspension/fitting 33's. It's been nothing short of amazing out on the trails I like to go on. Thanks for sharing the testing and research!
@AlexM-np1cx4 ай бұрын
Can you share the details of the overall setup
@siebitup4 ай бұрын
@@AlexM-np1cx yeah, for sure. Ironman stage 2 foam cell pro kit (2.5” front which I backed off a tiny bit, and 2” rear which I also backed off a tiny bit, as the air bag delete kit I also got from them adds 1/2”), I’mprobably sitting at around 2.15” of suspension lift after settling. DrKDSS botck, KDSS spacers, kdss switch, SCS -10mm Ray10 17” wheels, 285/70R17 Load C Toyo RT Trails, body mount chop, lots of fender liner heating and reforming. JWOffroad single tire carrier to handle the oversized spare. OEM trans cooler, Redarc trailer brake controller.
@siebitup4 ай бұрын
It’s been a wonderful rig to get out on pretty gnarly trails, yet still drives nicely on-road. The setup really helped with approach and departure angles, which from time to time it still struggles with.
@chuseinchau3 ай бұрын
Brilliant video, you knocked it out of the ball park with this one, illustrations are clear and concise and so informative.
@OtterSwims3 ай бұрын
Wow, this is such a well madez informative video! Kudos to the excellent script writing and production!
@Average12123 ай бұрын
Great video, as someone that has always had solid axle off-road rigs I would have never thought of how the IFS rigs geometry would end up functioning like this.
@timjohanson5884 ай бұрын
Basically if it has KDSS leave it alone. Get some shocks for ride quality and get a portal axle lift. Leaves all the factory specs in place and will help with clearance.
@siebitup4 ай бұрын
@@timjohanson588 portals is the dream
@G5Hohn3 ай бұрын
Pretty much. And portals are only $20k…
@croaker47473 ай бұрын
My stock 200 Series has always done just fine off road. Tin Cup, Engineer Pass ect. The only thing I have added are K2’s over the OEM tires, and Bud Built Rock Sliders and Skid Plates. Granted I’m not hitting crazy truck breaking trails, but most people aren’t. You need to upgrade to meet your needs and remember that every pound you add to the rig should be well thought out.
@AndrewKumler4 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@TinkerersAdventure4 ай бұрын
Thank you for the support!
@voyager.4x44 ай бұрын
Thank you for making this video follow up to your original Toyota suspension series. I had lowered my 4Runner from a 3” to a 1” lift but my ego was starting to crave a higher lift again… putting those skid plates to work!
@jamesjobe9273 ай бұрын
As a smug stock 3rd gen Tacoma owner, I did a bunch of research and came to the same conclusions. This is the first vehicle, after many modified ones, that I’ve decided to leave completely stock and I am loving it.
@MultiStrings1233 ай бұрын
Also same, also the Tacoma has some concerning mpg so lifting it will make it even worse 😂
@MotoDUDEabidesАй бұрын
One viable I’m hoping you keep even across the board is tire pressure. A deflated tire compresses more too. We used to get substantially better RTI scores on solid axle Jeep back in the day by running 10-15psi (crawling pressure) in our 40 inch tires.
@bergeracvandamme2 ай бұрын
I thought the main reasons for lifting an off-road vehicle were to gain more ground clearance and get better approach and departure angles? Suspension travel is irrelevant if there are obstacles hitting the front or underside of your truck.
@tyb39382 ай бұрын
Our family runs 3 stock jeep rubicons. Only two things stop us: deep snow and skinny sxs trails where we dont fit. The articulation combined with front and rear lockers gets us through some crazy pucker up trails
@kurth70793 ай бұрын
These videos are gold. Truth in experimentation reveals many incorrect assumptions. Love them.
@seanmobley1173 ай бұрын
Everything in this video is why I support the use of bracket lifts on properly built rigs. Everyone out there is chasing bigger tires, so they crank their pre-load and lose down-travel. All that pre-load requires more weight to overcome it and compress that spring, so they lose up-travel as well. All that and they have a set-up that looks cool, but has 5" of total travel and 35" tires. Since a bracket lift moves the wheel travel range downwards relative to the frame and body, it increases the room for bigger tires without sacrificing up-travel or down-travel. For example, my truck has a 7" BDS bracket lift, and I reduced the pre-load on the coils to achieve 5.5" of total suspension lift over factory. I have ~12" of total wheel travel on my IFS, with half of that being down-travel. And I run 40" tires without rubbing at full compression. I use the bigger tires for increased ground clearance, which helps especially on the rear solid axle. I hope that Kai can one day make a video detailing the pros and cons of a bracket lift on IFS trucks. I feel like it's information that everyone should know even if they're not in the market for a bracket lift.
@abdullahmahmood30403 ай бұрын
So glad I initially went 2”-1.5” lift on my FJ but 34” tires. Lifted the belly up more without making the CV’s vulnerable and handles amazing
@hansyang16974 ай бұрын
This also reminds me of the Nissan world, Especially for F-alpha platform. We do "Titan swap" on front suspension for wider track width (3in wider on each side) This helps with better total travel distance both up and down. And with longer CV axles, it helps to eliminate binding when reach to full droop.
@ejesoriginal3 ай бұрын
This is a great video. Most people don't understand the physics, engineering and mechanics of this. I've never been a fan of lifts, especially really big and expensive ones. They usually cause more problems than they solve.
@Isai_CalderonАй бұрын
I've learned so much in 13 minutes.
@BassRacerx4 ай бұрын
this is a super cool video! so many people throw parts and upgrades at a truck and don't think of what the big picture will be or have any real goals for the vehicle's capabilities. It's just "upgrade this" "upgrade that". some parts you "upgrade" make the vehicle worse in some other way and it all adds up! The real question is "how much ground clearance is enough" how much ground clearence makes you feel comfortable to take on any / most trails?
@ryanfowler32853 ай бұрын
For anyone who doesn't know: ground clearance comes from tire size. Don't get a six inch lift when a 3 will tuck the same tire
@Wolfgang5150198616 сағат бұрын
Great work Tink! Gives us overlanders and off-roaders much to consider
@1RoadGarage2 ай бұрын
Sounds like a body lift might be the best choice. Great video!! 👍👍
@marcopolo2423 ай бұрын
Best off road video I've ever watched. Bro, keep doing these.
@zakzwijn84102 ай бұрын
Good knowledge, thanks! Since I am planning to purchase an off-road camper/truck with trailer combo within a few years I recently got into overlanding and am dousing myself with all kinds of information. I admit I was one of those noobs who thought lifting automatically makes a car better off road. Apparently not so.
@johnmcraven35983 ай бұрын
After watching the previous sway bar video, on my 3rd gen 4Runner, i: - took off the front sway bar, left rear in place - went from 700 lb front springs to 600 So far? Well, with no front sway, it's more ponderous on pavement, amplified by a switch to 'pizza cutter' sized KM3 tires. But off road? Way more balanced articulation. Previously I'd say that the body did about 90% of what the front wheels were doing, which isn't always a good thing. After? It's still somewhat front biased, but as a totally subjective guess, I'd call it 60/40. But I can really feel how the car is splitting the difference now, instead of making the rear axle do all the work. (1" body lift, 33" tires, 3" suspension lift, double locked, crawl box, manual trans '99) Love it, and it's not the sort of thing I would ever have thought up to try on my own. PS: I'm keeping the lift, I use the skid plates enough as is!
@james2042Ай бұрын
My old grand cherokee is on stock 29.5's with the factory suspension. Other than raw ground clearance at the rear diff, which is already 8 inches, ive never had problems with clearance and it has gotten me everywhere ive wanted
@gerardcianci58228 күн бұрын
Solid axles for the win
@NICUofficial3 ай бұрын
extreme pinnacle of KZbin content, like your wide vs skinny tires video thank you this helps me greatly IRL (again)
@frankburch51044 ай бұрын
What an eye opener! I have a Westcott Designs Lexus GX 550 Preload Collar Lift Kit. I gained 2 1/2" of lift in the front and 3/4" in the back. It allows me to run Toyo Open Country AT III 35x12.5x17 tires on Method MR703 BeadGrip 17x8.5 wheels with a +35 offset. I was focused on improving the Approach & Departure angles and hadn't considered the flex ramifications. But it sure gives the 550 a great look!
@Gazziza294 ай бұрын
Frank, please get rid of the spacer lift. Those things are garbage and don't listen to what Westcott says about it not affecting performance. With any type of spacer lift, performance will be worse in all aspects and they will ride like donkey shit. Just the facts.
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
@@Gazziza29 You do know that the factory Land Cruiser 200 series had the option of a 10mm spacer lift? The factory shocks still have plenty of uptravel available after the bump stops engage, so a small spacer only moves the shock down slightly but improves down travel and retains up travel without damage to shocks. Spacer lifts are not bad if you do it right and keep the shock protected by bump stops.
@royj85494 ай бұрын
@@Jay-me7gw BIG difference between a 10mm spacer vs 60+mm. Pre-load spacers are the least desirable type, you're trading every mm of downtravel for every mm of lift. With strut spacers, at least some downtravel is retained, limited only by CV angle and upper control arm spring contact.
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
@@royj8549 the Westcott design spacer is not 60mm. They are like 10mm. I doubt anyone makes a 60mm spacer, that would lift the front like 5". Also, why would a pre-load spacer trade any travel. All its doing is compressing the spring a little more. The shock still has the same travel range. Yes it will be harder to fully compress, but thats how any lift works. And a preload spacer is the only way to help the suspension cope with heavier weight from winches, bumpers, skids, etc besides going to stiffer springs.
@royj85494 ай бұрын
@@Jay-me7gw Usually, spacer height refers to effective height. Just like when we talk travel on a GX, we're not talking strut shaft travel, but effective wheel travel factoring in motion ratio. As shown by the GX460 in the video, factory spring rates are chosen so you're at bump stops under corner loading / articulation. You raise it 60mm (2.5"), and you won't use that extra bump travel, but you lose that in droop. A strut spacer maintains the bump / droop ratio within a couple % For weight compensation, sure. But not a 2.5" spacer. For GX460: 730 lb-in x 2 x .53 motion ratio = 774 lbs per inch of sag. How much weight you adding to the front end?
@tjthrelkeld85314 ай бұрын
another awesome video - always happy to see your subs grow
@toddmanning78444 ай бұрын
Such a great explanation of lift versus articulation! Helps me with my decision to NOT lift my KDSS-equipped 4Runner.
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
The one thing you miss by not lifting is extended travel shocks. Running extended travel shocks with minimal lift will be an improvement in terms of total articulation and still allow the truck to flex. Its when you start going 2.5, 3, or 3.5" of lift that things start to go sideways, but with the right shock and spring selection you could easily keep it to 1" lift.
@toddmanning78444 ай бұрын
Thanks. Any recommendations on longer travel shocks?
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
@@toddmanning7844 Most any lift shock should be extended travel. Eibach, Bilstein, OME, Dobinsons, Ironman, Fox, Icon, King. Which ones just depend on your budget.
@voyager.4x44 ай бұрын
You could also put 1/2” spacers up front and 1” spacers in the rear for very little money and have the same effect. Check out some of the earlier Toyota suspension videos on this channel.
@numbr174 ай бұрын
Absolutely love every video you make these days, Kai. Really interesting! I love how you demonstrate things, instead of simply talking about them.
@pasha_houston3 ай бұрын
I wish I new more, I got my first truck - fj-80 95 and it came with some lift, think it's 3" not sure, but I have to work on it and give it basic care before I can really take it off-road. Definitely a fun world to explore
@2uzfe4x434 ай бұрын
That 200 series is what dreams are made of
@aarongerman78574 ай бұрын
Except it’s rear bump Stops are wrong!
@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov24614 ай бұрын
we need a video about swapping tundra control arms!
@hiluxmax27094 ай бұрын
Wonderinf if the tundra uppers were used as well and if tundra cv shafts fitted? @@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461
@asplmn4 ай бұрын
200 series over the 250/550 all day long!
@eph3.194 ай бұрын
except the blown upper ball joint. RIP
@marcochavanne4 ай бұрын
People are eager to sacrfice down travel to gain clearance for larger tires. I am going to stick to lower lifts and properly clearancing for larger tires.
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
This. And not run 12.5" wide tires with -38mm offset SCS wheels because they look dope. Get some skinnier tires with appropriate offset so you can continue to stuff them.
@Dougcruiser1004 ай бұрын
Ifs lifts dont create clearance for larger tires. If it rubs stock, itll rub lifted. Unless you never cycle your suspension
@siebitup4 ай бұрын
@@marcochavanne this is the way
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
@Dougcruiser100 Yeah but since it can’t flex for shit, as shown in this video, it kinda does.
@samuelgatton4 ай бұрын
@@Jay-me7gwon the gx with a simple preload you can very easily run a 35x12.5 on a 17x8.5 but that is a massive off set. IDE recommend a+35 and you still are able to get full articulation on the gx550.
@dixonbuttes65644 ай бұрын
Exactly, Kai!!! As always!!! The question for IFS lifters should always be, “do you even downtravel, bro?” Downtravel is 60% of off-road suspension capability … when you lose down travel, you lose vehicle capability. 👍👍
@styledliving4 ай бұрын
You should do a special video on Ford Bronco, Explorers, Rangers, and F150s of the 1990s with TTB Front Suspension. That's an eye opening option that people haven't heard about much in the past 2 decades.
@ryannylander18194 ай бұрын
Love my long travel TTB…. Absolutely greatness offroad. On road ain’t bad either other than curvy roads at speed.
@maxfathi5963 күн бұрын
The simplest explanation for decrease in flex is this with an example. With stock total travel, if you lift 2 inches you’re adding 2 inches to your up travel. If you have for example 600lb/ inch springs, you would need an additional 1200 pounds to utilize that travel but you don’t. So it will never compress fully other than high speed hits.
@hiluxmax27094 ай бұрын
Ideally a 1" lift with 1" longer shocks/coilovers and a proper bracket diff drop kit is ideal setup. Then fit as big a tyre as can fit, regear and lockers, underbody protection and youll go almost anywhere. Here in Oz, the smart offroaders keep em as low as possible.
@555byron4 ай бұрын
Your channel is excellent. It has changed how I look at suspension setup. I am interested in RC crawlers as well. My most recent RC build was definitely inspired by your "lessons" about balance and making all four corners working more harmoniously. Without going into detail on the setup, the end result is a chassis that stays very level while going through it's articulation cycle It has the ability to "float" a tire across a gap without dropping the tire too fast, which keeps the chassis much more planted and less prone to rocking. I always look forward to your videos, as they are of the highest quality and are very intelligent. Keep up the good work.
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
Droop travel setups has been popular in the RC crawler world for a while. Some guys will run their RC's with the shocks basically bottomed out at normal ride height so the tires can only drop down. It lowers the center of gravity and also makes it so that, when the truck is on a side hill or climbing, the downhill shocks are already bottomed out and wont cause the truck to lean and roll. I had a TRX4 that I put extended shock towers on, and ran 120mm shocks at stock ride height. All the added shock length was in droop only and the thing was like a damn spider. The tires almost never left the ground ever.
@JoeEngineerАй бұрын
Outstanding video! Bravo! 👏👏👏
@NerdOfftheRoad3 ай бұрын
In Thailand, since factory rear locker come as standard in 4x4, we don't lift that high like in rigid axel era. Stock IFS with few lifted saves $$$ and capable enough on most terrain except rock climbing & water crossing. My 4x4 is 1.5" lifted on stock IFS and trim the fender to put 35" tire. Easy to drive and not easy to rollover. And on extreme 4x4 trip, I just left my sway bar at home.
@foho1003 ай бұрын
What a great video. Perfectly explained in just over 10 min. Great job.
@jimmyys3 ай бұрын
In the end of the day it depends on the case. Different off-roading requires or at least favours different suspension (and not only) setups. Furthermore, a thing you said yourself, it matters how you lift the vehicle. A proper lift means all the parts can work with each other - longer shocks, longer control arms, adjusted bump stops, maybe limit straps, removing the anti roll bar altogether, a lot of factors depending on your particular setup and needs. There's a difference between changing the ride height and putting a lift kit.
@phlfly102 ай бұрын
Agreed. That is reason I got 6100 strut from Bilstien and has more travel but lift aboit 2.5 inch max just to fit 35. The rear add one leaf sprig about 2 inch with longer travel shocks . It's for Titan XD mot a Toyota but has similar issues.
@donutmuncher9983 ай бұрын
I love your videos! I’ve been rewatching them very often! Would you be able to go over body lifts?
@chasedanger97344 ай бұрын
I have a 200 with long travel arms. I'm getting 13in of travel with stock AHC shocks. I added 1.25" strut spacers to change the range of motion (sacrificing compression for droop) making my wheel travel more usable. I did have to cut 2 in out the fender. It is a happy compromise to run 35s and not have to limit travel. Great videos keep it up
@Jay-me7gw4 ай бұрын
Thats awesome, 13" travel with AHC. I think I saw your thread on ih8mud.
@chasedanger97344 ай бұрын
@@Jay-me7gw that is probably me. Haven't posted on there in years. I was only getting 12 then but when I cut my fenders I found more movement 🤙
@anorakadventures3 ай бұрын
Looking forward to the gx550 full review. Im hoping you will cover things like axle and differential size and strength, etc! Also curious what a rear seat delete would ultimately look like!
@GrandmasFolly4 ай бұрын
This is a great channel. Severely underrated
@JamesDKyrts4 ай бұрын
Experimenting on the lowly Jimny, day and night and then day again, this is what we got: 1. On solid axles the flex is fixed. Meaning you can cross flex it all you want, you can go all the way up the ramp with lockers and lift 2 wheels, you will still get the same amount of flex as stock. Whether you are lifted or not. It is restricted by the flex of the stock bushings, and if you upgrade to solid ones, you get even less. 2. Wheel - axle travel does not translate in flex. your whole axle might have 12" of travel (on the lift), if your flex is 9", you are not getting over a 9" obstacle (ramp) without a locker. So compressing the suspension, you will first get the 9" of flex, then the whole axle (both sides) will move upwards 3 more inches. 3. Sway bar is a killer of flex. Just completely unhook it for off roading. 4. Looser bushings, work better. More than that some people go as far as to unbolt one of the two bushings on one side of the axle (usually the outer most ones). This does result in more flex and better overall ride quality off road. 5. On the road - tarmac, ALWAYS have a connected sway and properly bolted and torqued bushings. Front end on 3rd and 4th gen Tritons, independent suspension, every thing is pretty much the same but one thing. You do get the whole wheel travel as flex, and that is pretty much it. So adding a long travel kit at the front while having a restrained back end will not help that much, given the fact that the rear is what pushes the car uphill, and this is where you need most of your traction. At that point, you 'd be better off with a 4 link setup on the back (where the pivot point is the center of the axle) and stock front. I will say I again and end my sheet, on public roads NEVER run your car on any setup that is NOT STOCK or state - country APPROVED.
@Dav-S56583 ай бұрын
I enjoy this channel, but is there anyone who has not signed on with OnX Offroad? They have bought their way into every channel worth watching.
@MJ-fj9yvАй бұрын
Excellent explanation…
@minutemenapparel2 ай бұрын
Very informative. This is exactly why 2nd Gen Xterra's and Frontier's upgrade to Titan suspension, to gain more articulation. Longer Upper/Lower/Axles etc.
@markaxford31592 ай бұрын
Great video, informative, in depth, and well produced
@dobeyxxl28892 ай бұрын
For the type of 4 wheeling I do ground clearance is king…… articulation means nothing if you are bottomed out.
@rockie3073 ай бұрын
Been off roading my entire life from atvs jeeps trucks sxs heavy machinery at work. In my experience ground clearance is king flex is important obviously but can be overcome to an extent with front and rear lockers. Most times I've been stuck I've been hung up on something either rocks deep ruts high centered. Also high clearance vehicles are better at river crossings especially swift water in Rockies like snow melt combined with storms flooding can happen quick. Snorkel doesn't help much if your washed down the river. When done right in most circumstances the higher vehicle will do better.
@Grimreaper457052 ай бұрын
I have a 2inch lift and 32” on 16” and absolutely love it,
@mudpuddle88052 ай бұрын
It really depends entirely on the environment in which you are wheeling in. In rocks, you will need clearance. In mud and water as well. Some times you want wide tires, in others, narrow. Various setups accel in different conditions.
@dirtnsmores3 ай бұрын
1st gen tundra here... Front is a Bilstein 6112 lifted 1.5" and rear is lifted approximately 1" with RAS Active Suspension set-up, 5100s, and oem leafs. Running 255/80/17s. Its been solid off-road and feels great on the road. Havent done any major articulation tests but when i went on some obstacles with my lifted 4runner buddy on 34s it had no issues. Thoughts on my setup?
@applesbighatranch69063 ай бұрын
I don't "wheel" per se but do take a '16 F150 out into the Mojave to a couple of my favorite "fishin' holes". We fish for tin cans, paper, AR500 alloy, that kind of thing. Meanwhile, I wanted a little more ground clearance for my rig. 2" is the generally accepted limit to "level" a stock truck; after that you can get into the problems Tinkerer's Adventure describes here, and from lack of "droop", or, suspension downtravel. And since I carry gear in the bed of the truck and sometimes hang a small trailer's tongue weight on the hitch receiver, I did not level the front of my truck to 2" but instead opted for 1.5" front lift via the Bilstein 6112 (also, Bilstein 5100s offer a similar, 5-postition spring saddle placement before assembly), knowing that I was preserving some downtravel by not topping out my lift height. The compromise, there, payed dividends, as Tinkerer's Adventure illustrates so well in this video. I recently ditched the zero-offset 17 X 8.5 wheels I was running in favor of a +25 Method 705, which when wearing a new, NARROWER tire (Toyo's ATIII 34 X 10.50 X R17LT D Load Range), has eliminated the rubbing issues at full steering lock that I was having when using the zero offset. And the new tire is also TALLER. Win/win. Great vid, as always.
@mkgnlgt3 ай бұрын
I learn something awesome every time you post, thanks man!
@ryanlaing8984 ай бұрын
Thanks Kai. Super informative. I'd always go back to watching your videos for reference whenever I'm unsure about lifting my '10 Hilux. Keep 'em videos coming!!!!
@marcotruitt194 ай бұрын
This has really turned my thinking process around about lifts. Thanks kai!
@herisonblack10214 ай бұрын
Great video as always. You're definitly the no1 off-road vehicle expert on youtube.
@OverlandOutfitters3 ай бұрын
Great video! A topic I had planned to do a video on myself! Keep crushing!