TowndawgR50

I use full synthetic in my diff and I noticed an mild improvement in off road situations but the LSD on these rigs are pathetic regardless unless you repack the clutch.

Springs are easier but more expensive. Spacers require modifications to the top hat of the strut. Both methods require compressing and removing the springs.

Yes, 1" is fine-get an alignment after installation. 2" or more I would recommend springs. With a spring-only lift you should not encounter any issues with CV axles. There aren't any lift struts made for the R50.

Problems can occur at 2" and up. The issue is limited to some brands of CV axles while others seem to be OK. In my opinion anything above 1" warrants a spring lift instead of spacers becuase of the risk and wear factor. I ran 2" lift spacers at first and If i could do it all over again id have gone with springs. 3 Broken Cv's, fast wear on my tires and the lost time/hassle of resolving issues related to installing spacers just isnt worth the gain of the extra inch.

Nothing to worry about. As with any lift, it may throw off your alignment and cause uneven tire wear. If you're due for a tire rotation that would be the time to install the spacers and get it aligned.

Nice work! Definitely would love to have a rear cargo storage solution w a fridge. The price on that 54qt is great if it holds up. The list grows....

Dang, sorry to hear that. I dont have schematics. What you see on the image you posted is close. Since you already have a set id suggest doing what Onespiritbrain said. Can you weld or have a friend that can? If so you can salvage your material and save money but cutting the flanges flange free and setting it up yourself. The orientation of the bottom flange does not matter as the top hat spins 360° but the angle of the tube and the orientation of the angle are the key. If your tube is anything other than straight up and down its wrong. The whole point of the SFD is to "translate" the suspension downward. Just like the subframe blocks are only providing vertical lift, the strut spacers need to do the same. So you need to cut the tube at the proper angle and orient that angle so that the tube ends up matching the subframe blocks.

Where did you get the spacers? I don't have exact schematics but the strut shouldn't be anywhere near that brake line manifold. A quick way to tell if you have a poorly made strut spacer is to check for parallelism and perpendicularity. Basically the tube that gives the lift should not have any angle to it whatsoever when mounted to the truck. It should be visually straight up and down if looking from the passenger side towards the drivers side and looking from the front of the truck towards the back. You can also check this with a basic phone app bubble level.

Not sure what you are missing but these might help. Should be 3 bolts on a bracket connected to the lower manifold back side and 4 bolts mating it to the head assembly. Forget the red arrows in the lower pic. I used this image for referencing the coolant crossover pipe

The 9448 will give you 4" over stock. If you're looking for 2 inches I'd reccomend using springs all around. 2" up front will potentially cause binding in the CV axles up front. Some have noted its dependent on CV brand so its a gamble.

Thats strange. Not sure what is going on but I suggest shooting this guy a question. Hes really knowledgeable and usually answers questions right in the comments section.

Nice work. Im interested in your front shocks. What do you mean "portable"? Do they have increased travel or just better performance?

Hawairish completed this project and documented the process. I believe its a pinned topic under the how to section

I like my KO2's. They ride pretty nice, are quiet and great for hauling. No issues Ive noticed in the 2 years I've had them.

Id argue that black wheels with that body color look great. Enjoi408, his rig was totalled, had the same color with black wheels. Looked pretty good. That being said both wheel options are nice choices.

Nice! 3.5 with a manual, lucky guy. Be sure to change the coolant crossover tube gaskets and the rear main seal on the donor motor. They are probably the biggest pain to sevice with the engine installed. Cake while its out and worth every penny.

The dimensions found on this forum are pretty much good with one exception, the angle of the strut spacers and the orientation of that angle. Basically, your strut spacer tube should be straight up and down (perpendicular & parallel) in relation to the trucks subframe mounting points. The angle will be the same no matter what height you choose to make your lift. Just like the subframe blocks only give vertical change, the goal is to "translate" the compound angle of the strut mounting point straight down so when you are done the factory suspension geomterty will be retained. The posted prints on this site and elsewhere on the web show 8.5 degrees which is wrong. Most R50's will have anywhere from 10.4 to 12.0 degrees. There is some wiggle room so it doesnt need to be exact, but too much error on the strut spacers could result in your caster being out of spec which cannot be changed and camber being off, requiring camber bolts to correct the offset. Again, your strut tube should be square to the subframe mounts when you're done. If they look like they're leaning in any direction the angle or orientation of that angle is wrong. You can check this using a digital level by zeroing or referencing the subframe mounts. Will it drive down the street if wrong? Sure. But your suspension characteristics will change from factory spec which could lead to increased wear on components and unsafe handling traits.

I feel like i regularly see full size american pickups on the FS roads. This trip wont be a wheeling event as much as a touring/camping scenario. Would be great to have you come along.

Good to hear from you! Where are you headed? Hope your move goes well. I know moving can be a bit stressful. I hope to make something happen more regularly so if not this trip maybe the next.

Quick overnighter outside of Darrington.

I feel it slipping by too. We're headed to Darrington here in just a sec(hopefully). All the more reason I feel motivated to organize for the group and get everyone out together to explore the state. Would be great if we had an experienced guide like you come along!

Hey PNW folks- Labor day is fast approaching. Id like to organize a family friendly expo trip into the Cascades or any other wilderness areas in the state. Perhaps a section of the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route? Easy, scenic trails with views, geologic points of interest and primitive group camping. August 31st to September 3rd. Comment and let me know if you're available and any suggestions or requirements you may have.