I have been following all the information about various ways to increase the space in the wheel well in order to fit slightly larger tires on our land cruisers. Based on the thread sizes on the subject, it seems to be an issue that interests a lot of us. To me, the information I am reading is confusing with no clear cut answers on what is the right path to take to achieve a minimal lift - just enough to fit between a 34" and 35" tire, without looking like it is stuffed in the wheel well. But there are a lot of strong opinions in all directions saying one or the other method will destroy your shocks, ruin the ride, etc. I think much of this could be due to the different end goals of the capabilities of the truck and purposes. There is light off-roading or extreme rock crawling and stuff in between.
So I am putting this out there to hopefully get some clarification on facts with regard to a few specific modifications. My realistic off-roading adventures being that I am in Virginia would be light dirt trails, mud, much beach driving, and maybe light rocky terrain but nothing significant. 90% highway. I think my ideal is actually 33" to 35" at largest. Diameter over width. No interest in offset or moving the tire to outside - I think called negative offset. I want to keep tucked closer to center and inside the well. (and I know 33" are fine on stock, but I still want to lift slightly or level the front - get rid of rake).
So to the questions ;
I see one dealership puts out the video showing the Toytec leveling kit with 285/75/18 (below) and this looks perfect to me! However you can read all day about how this is the worst thing you can do to your LC. I have read it is terrible for actual use and 100% for show. Why? What happens? It appears to be a small piece of metal at top of shock that raises suspension by a small amount, but does not appear to actually change the application of the shocks or suspension. And these inexpensive kits are sold by other manufacturers too.
The Westcott Preload Collar - this raises the front by 2.5" and rear by .75", so I guess this is more of an all-around lift. Mention this on other off-roading forums and you will be blasted for even thinking about installing it. Supposed to be ok until you actually use off-road and then I hear becomes mushy or unstable and can actually damage things. I am newbie, but I think due to fact you actually reduce the amount of travel on the spring since the lift uses the coil itself to push the truck up a bit?? I think...
So the other choice is do neither of those and get new shocks, control arms, etc etc and many parts I don't understand and also do not want to pay for because I think beyond my need for modification, and I am not looking to extensively modify my new Land Cruiser which drives amazing right now. I think perhaps those that insist this is the only way to go are from those that are doing heavy off-roading but I am not sure exactly. Perhaps they are correct even for mild off-roading. Maybe it is best to leave alone unless this is the route you take and spend substantially more than the other 2 methods above.
I would love to hear from others on this topic to get your insights and experiences.
Thank you!
So I am putting this out there to hopefully get some clarification on facts with regard to a few specific modifications. My realistic off-roading adventures being that I am in Virginia would be light dirt trails, mud, much beach driving, and maybe light rocky terrain but nothing significant. 90% highway. I think my ideal is actually 33" to 35" at largest. Diameter over width. No interest in offset or moving the tire to outside - I think called negative offset. I want to keep tucked closer to center and inside the well. (and I know 33" are fine on stock, but I still want to lift slightly or level the front - get rid of rake).
So to the questions ;
I see one dealership puts out the video showing the Toytec leveling kit with 285/75/18 (below) and this looks perfect to me! However you can read all day about how this is the worst thing you can do to your LC. I have read it is terrible for actual use and 100% for show. Why? What happens? It appears to be a small piece of metal at top of shock that raises suspension by a small amount, but does not appear to actually change the application of the shocks or suspension. And these inexpensive kits are sold by other manufacturers too.
The Westcott Preload Collar - this raises the front by 2.5" and rear by .75", so I guess this is more of an all-around lift. Mention this on other off-roading forums and you will be blasted for even thinking about installing it. Supposed to be ok until you actually use off-road and then I hear becomes mushy or unstable and can actually damage things. I am newbie, but I think due to fact you actually reduce the amount of travel on the spring since the lift uses the coil itself to push the truck up a bit?? I think...
So the other choice is do neither of those and get new shocks, control arms, etc etc and many parts I don't understand and also do not want to pay for because I think beyond my need for modification, and I am not looking to extensively modify my new Land Cruiser which drives amazing right now. I think perhaps those that insist this is the only way to go are from those that are doing heavy off-roading but I am not sure exactly. Perhaps they are correct even for mild off-roading. Maybe it is best to leave alone unless this is the route you take and spend substantially more than the other 2 methods above.
I would love to hear from others on this topic to get your insights and experiences.
Thank you!
. My takeaway is no need for much lift. Small spacers might be the just right thing for the LC.
