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Lift or not to lift, that is the question…and tires
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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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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!
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