Outdoor Adventure USA

Our net this week will be on a topic that all 4Wheelers face at some point in their off-roading career - what type and size tires to use and whether to lift the rig. Our guest will be our 4WD expert, Cruiser Larry. Join us with your experiences and suggestions.

Suspension lifts and tires are both large topics for discussion; there are many different type and sizes of tires available, and many different vehicle-specific suspension kits and components on the market, too - so it would be difficult to cover all the options.

If you have any specific tire / suspension topics you would like us to try to cover, please post up your requests.

We will try to go over as many areas as time allows, including:

-Tire tread types, including All-Terrain, Mud-Terrain, and Hybrid tread styles
-Tire sizing nomenclature ("P", "LT", flotation) - what the numbers mean
-Load Range ratings - affects on tire ride quality, physical strength, air pressure
-Suspension lifts - affects to ground clearance, approach / departure angles, stability, center of gravity, maintenance
-Suspension types - lift kit component complexity, on- and off-road differences, recommended optional vehicle-specific components
-What do you need - trying to choose the right combination of function for your vehicle (and your budget)

I think this is a great topic to add a word about safety when planning a vehicle lift. I've seen some great redneck engineering on the trail, and mostly because I've stopped to help fix something. Many make poor decisions due to budget or knowledge shortcomings, but if we can share the knowledge, our roads may be safer.

Lifting do's and don'ts as a topic? Maybe some opinions/experience sharing here. While everyone may agree or disagree with your opinions, there are probably some "Don'ts" which are key. An example is lift blocks on a front solid axle suspension. Another may be, when lift blocks in the rear are acceptable vs. become not acceptable on a "purpose built" trail rig (like a rock bouncer or desert racer as an extreme example).

Just a thought to add if you have some experience on this aspect of the topic.

Thanks! I enjoy this net. Carl

Carl -

I think your suggestion to discuss the safety aspects of suspension modifications and larger tires is an excellent one; in fact, it is an extremely important consideration for any vehicle modifications, especially on vehicles that also serve as daily drivers, or are used by other family members who may not be as familiar with the changes made.

I will definitely include it in tonight's discussion, and we welcome you contribution if you have experience you'd like to share

Thanks,

Larry W6LPB

Check in KF6KOC for tonight , Please . Thanks

Early check in please - Thanks - Bernie

Please check me in
Kevin
KK6DGL

Larry,
I know it is different for every vehicle and situation, but at what lift heights due you tend to get in to critical component angles that are too great? Steering and driveline components, etc.

What type of wear do you see on various components?

Also, is there a rule of them for offesting increased height with a wider vehicle track?
Kevin
KK6DGL

Please give me an early checkin.
Kg5pmn James

Tires always interested in different user input on tire
Please check in
K9ATK BRIAN
KD0EXI CHEYENNE
KD0GPE AUSTIN
K9FOG. TRISH
W9RIK RICK