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Lift or not to lift, that is the question…and tires
- First Name
- George
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What lift is that?Stock
Lifted
Stock
Lifted
Hello,
I just recently got a Ford Bronco Sport Heritage and live in IL. I am thinking of getting a 1.5 lift as well and was hoping you could give me some feedback on whether you are happy with yours? Also, what tires did you go with and are you happy with them? Looking for a tire that is tough looking but also good in the rain and snow, quieter on the highways and easy to keep balanced. Any tips/help you could offer is greatly appreciated.
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- Nicholas
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2.5” lift with 245/65/R17.
no issues.
no issues.
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- Bronco sport, Big Bend, Black diamond
Based on experience with a number of other vehicles: I'm going for a relatively large lift, and somewhat narrow tire tread. My favorite all around tires, had roughly 9.5 inches of mud tread.... so that is pretty much a minimum.
AS I get farther into the lift we will see how the composite/felt fender liners look and replace/modify them as required.
Not sure yet about the pinch welds...
I really don't like the idea of wheel spacers; they significantly change wheel bearing loads.
The old Explorer had OEM 15" rims that still cleared the (large) brakes; and I hear that there are 15 inch rims that can clear the BS brakes. I expect to find out more as we proceed..
If I can ditch these 17 inch rims (as I did on the explorer) and get some tire sidewall bulge to aid tire flotation; I will.
It's going to be an education; I'm certain.
Enjoy!
AS I get farther into the lift we will see how the composite/felt fender liners look and replace/modify them as required.
Not sure yet about the pinch welds...
I really don't like the idea of wheel spacers; they significantly change wheel bearing loads.
The old Explorer had OEM 15" rims that still cleared the (large) brakes; and I hear that there are 15 inch rims that can clear the BS brakes. I expect to find out more as we proceed..
If I can ditch these 17 inch rims (as I did on the explorer) and get some tire sidewall bulge to aid tire flotation; I will.
It's going to be an education; I'm certain.
Enjoy!
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I'm surprised that there isn't more info on long term effects of lifts on these. I came from the lifted offroad Subaru world and there is a huge amount of information. Generally there, 2 inches is the max to avoid issues with excess wear on the CV joints. Above that requires changing the spring perches so it's more of a body lift past that, or a full on set of coil overs. Which still only lift the axles by the 2 inches.
That's what I've seen people say was the max for the old Toyota FJ as well to reduce pressure and excess wear on their CV joints as well.
Based on that, I'd limit it to 1.5 or 2 inches unless anything above that doesn't change the angles of the axles.
And keep the boots lubed with silicone or other rubber lubricant because the baffles will be bunched more at the botton so will be rubbing against each other. I've known people with lifted Jeeps who did this for the same reason.
I'm really curious about lifting a Badlands with Sasquatch. Just an inch and a half and some 245/65-R17s for a tiny bit of tire lift. I wouldn't mind if there were some 15s that would fit over the brakes to allow more sidewall to increase the length of tread when aired down (it's not the bulging of the sidewalls, they don't get wider, they get longer... there are plenty of videos showing the way the tire increases size on paper). Very nice for soft sand and a smoother ride on rocky trails. I had a set of 15 inch Methods on my Forester, and I wish they'd make their Bead Grip for the BS in 15s.
That's what I've seen people say was the max for the old Toyota FJ as well to reduce pressure and excess wear on their CV joints as well.
Based on that, I'd limit it to 1.5 or 2 inches unless anything above that doesn't change the angles of the axles.
And keep the boots lubed with silicone or other rubber lubricant because the baffles will be bunched more at the botton so will be rubbing against each other. I've known people with lifted Jeeps who did this for the same reason.
I'm really curious about lifting a Badlands with Sasquatch. Just an inch and a half and some 245/65-R17s for a tiny bit of tire lift. I wouldn't mind if there were some 15s that would fit over the brakes to allow more sidewall to increase the length of tread when aired down (it's not the bulging of the sidewalls, they don't get wider, they get longer... there are plenty of videos showing the way the tire increases size on paper). Very nice for soft sand and a smoother ride on rocky trails. I had a set of 15 inch Methods on my Forester, and I wish they'd make their Bead Grip for the BS in 15s.
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I really like the increase in off road performance of longer tread patches, I like wider tread patches too, but it means substantially lowering the air pressure (I get nervous below 7-10 psi, which reduces my enjoyment...
I doubt the ability of this vehicle to take/live long with 13 inch wide tires. I would expect significant breakage; every thing is very light duty; or seems to be.
Before going to better tire/wheel interfaces (I have yet to accidentally dismount a tire)
I'm needing more ground/rock clearance confidence.
Enjoy!
I doubt the ability of this vehicle to take/live long with 13 inch wide tires. I would expect significant breakage; every thing is very light duty; or seems to be.
Before going to better tire/wheel interfaces (I have yet to accidentally dismount a tire)
I'm needing more ground/rock clearance confidence.
Enjoy!
My stock Badlands suspension has settled with 2k miles on it and mine sits with a 7/8" rake. Gonna definitely leave it alone. I see a lot of these online leveled and the front always looks too high.
Lift follow up. I had a HRG 1.5 badlands lift installed at 2000 miles by the dealership. They said it would void warranty on the suspension components that were swapped but nothing else. I didn't have any issues (3.5 years, and 45k miles) until about 6months ago(out of warranty) when I had some annoying creaking when cornering(particullary at low speeds. Driving wasn't bad, but any cornering, turning wheel while stopped was annoying due to the creaking that occurred, and people would look at me like i was kicking a puppy.
Local Ford Dealer wanted 1200 bucks to get new front quick struts put on, which I thought was way too much. Called an actual mechanic that I knew and he diagnosed and installed new sway bar links for 295, problem solved. Ford used plastic sway bar link ends (escapes too i guess) and lots of mechanics are unhappy about it because they are highly questionable quality/durability, get metal ones was my recommendation and since i was out of warranty it was a non issue.
I also am running 235-75-17's(yes they rub inside liner at full turn). Parked next to a stock big bend and i look approx 4-5 inches higher and far more agressive.
Local Ford Dealer wanted 1200 bucks to get new front quick struts put on, which I thought was way too much. Called an actual mechanic that I knew and he diagnosed and installed new sway bar links for 295, problem solved. Ford used plastic sway bar link ends (escapes too i guess) and lots of mechanics are unhappy about it because they are highly questionable quality/durability, get metal ones was my recommendation and since i was out of warranty it was a non issue.
I also am running 235-75-17's(yes they rub inside liner at full turn). Parked next to a stock big bend and i look approx 4-5 inches higher and far more agressive.
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- J.
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Pics of your setup would be great!
The brush bar on front is ford ranger lifts modified to attach to the frame at the tow hook points. It’s plenty strong enough to take a 130lb doe at 45 mph and not damage my bumper, or tow a stuck Altima backwards out of ditch. I just don’t leave soft shackles on it because they don’t like sunlight .
You might want to look at the Belltech kit , that’s what I used and very happy with it . Go to all terrain sight and you will see my 2021 first edition Bronco sport cactus gray pictures . Been a member since 2020 on this sight also I went with 235/70/17 Goodyear wranglers they fit perfectly and add tto your overall lift.I plan to use this kit
I encourage you to avoid rough country. I installed one on my Subaru forester before the bronco sport. The quality was low, the weldsYou might want to look at the Belltech kit , that’s what I used and very happy with it . Go to all terrain sight and you will see my 2021 first edition Bronco sport cactus gray pictures . Been a member since 2020 on this sight also I went with 235/70/17 Goodyear wranglers they fit perfectly and add tto your overall lift.
On the lifts themselves were worse than I can do, and the directions said torque 3/8th bolts to 120ft/lbs . Problem is a 3/8th inch bolt snaps when you torque it to 65lbs much less 120, so my car was in the garage for 3 days while they graciously sent me replacement bolts for their mistake .
I have the RC 1.5 lift with 24565r17s on mine. Also added 1.25 wheel spacers. Haven’t had any issues.
