[Kfal]

Hey guys, new to Sierras and suzukis in general, currently my car is sitting at stock height with 235/75/15 tyres, running a Baleno 1.6, looking to go wider, and taller for tackling some rough stuff and looking for people's general opinions and setups.

For example, I was looking to run a 2" suspension lift, guard chop, do the transfer gearing with 4.9s and run 31s.

Cheers

[Gwagensteve]

The idea of running 31's with 4.9's and chopped guards is sound. That's the best "bang for your buck" combination, probably along with a rear locker.

You may already know this, but I need to point out though that suspension lift doesn't have any effect on tyre size choices. The test of tyre clearance is at full lock and full flex. at full flex a 2" suspension lift offers no more tyre clearance than standard suspension. It's a common misconception, because it seems like there is more clearance with the car parked on flat ground or when driven on road.

Also consider that a 2" lift spring will have a higher rate, which leads to a reduction in ride quality. In a Sierra, there's a fine balance between having no lift or, even "sagged" suspension and having a good ride up until the point the axle hits the bump stop at which point it get harsh, or having excessive lift where the car never hits the bump stop but has a hard ride because the spring rate is too high.

We tend to de-rate Old Man Emu springs to four leaves on the driver's front and three leaves everywhere else. This results in a very small lift (~1") but about the softest feasible ride. The disadvantage is an increase in axle wrap and increased likelihood of bending springs, but it's a light car - you can't have everything.

I wouldn't be too concerned about adding width as a way of improving performance. Wide tyres are of little to no advantage off road. Adding diameter increases the length of the footprint which is better for drivability. Unfortunately, without going to specialised tyres or 16" rims with the attendant high load rating 16" tyres have, there is no way to get to 31" of diameter without being at about 10.5" of width. At least 31 10.5's are readily available and cheap.

[Kfal]

Gwagensteve wrote:

You may already know this, but I need to point out though that suspension lift doesn't have any effect on tyre size choices. The test of tyre clearance is at full lock and full flex. at full flex a 2" suspension lift offers no more tyre clearance than standard suspension. It's a common misconception, because it seems like there is more clearance with the car parked on flat ground or when driven on road.

So you would suggest scrapping the lift entirely and going with standard springs? I've driven on coils my whole life so I'm trying to get some knowledge on leaf "performance". The car is going to be driven reasonably hard so I'm looking for my best options for not rolling it and getting places. I've got a front ARB locker and I'll be sorting out a rear one as soon as the 1.6 swap is done.

[pete_79]

I think it’s more just the fact that lift doesn’t effect tyre size.

With 31s you’ll have pretty good clearance, but if you want more belly height there’s no reason not to add lift (apart from the lesser ride quality).

I was on 28/29s and tried the stock springs thing, but all the scrapping and banging and bending cross members got pretty tiresome pretty quickly.
In the end I was happy to sacrifice ride quality to gain some clearance.

[Mozza777]

Hi fellow Suzi drivers.
I'm new to the forum.
I can tell from experience that suspension lift will Def help on rougher terrain.
I have approx 40mm lift give or take on a jx swb and have found it articulates slightly better giving you more traction when flexing.
The difference is not huge but noticeable and a body lift also helps with rubbing under the guards.