NewHilux.net

Hi All,
I`m ordering an OME 2 inch kit including UCA for my 2017 Hilux here in the UK. My truck has about 150 kg of constant load i.e. a roller shutter, a "built in original bumper" winch (viewtopic.php?f=128&t=32178) and some tools I carry every day running on 265/65/R18 BFGs with original wheels (which I like) with no rubs any where....
After some research, seems like either an OME or Fox may be the 2 best kits available to UK customers. So I`ve gone with the OME Medium kit.

My plan is:
1. To install the lift kit: https://www.4x4works.co.uk/product/old- ... 8-2015-on/

2. To install 38mm wheels spacers as I like to keep the original wheels rather than to change them: https://www.4x4at.com/toyota-hilux-2021 ... _wQAvD_BwE

3. To install 285/65/R18 BFG K2Os on my original Wheels

4. Have all 4 wheel laser alignment

Hoping to achieve:
1. Ride quality and comfort improvement (priority No.1 as wife complaints a lot )
2. Better Ground clearance & off road capability improvement (mainly on muddy deep uphill tracks).

Am I dreaming or will above work? I hear and read a lot regarding the lift kits making the ride stiffer and less comfortable and fear it that happens I`ll be sleeping in the dog house

Thanks,
Sam

DON'T UES WHEEL SPACERS

NZMarkb wrote:DON'T UES WHEEL SPACERS

Thanks for your reply. To be honest I wasn’t too sure myself about using wheel spacers…

Agreed, wheel spacers are very dangerous and almost certainly illegal in most jurisdictions.

Wheel spacers do have advantages and disadvantages.
They give more stability to the rig but they cause more wear to the hubs.
Over here, in Germany, they are legal if rated.
They need some extra time when changing the wheels or brakes. Just look at them and check the bolts.
Hilux is hub-centric, and so have to be the spacers!
Only the rated ones are promised not to desintegrate. The cheap ones from HongKong have no rating (and the insurance will be lost) and tend to bend.
It is necessary that the wheel wont rub at any time.

So If wheel spacers are used choose some legal ones (if they are not, dont use them), take care of them and be aware of the extra wear on the hub ans suspension.

I have some 30mm spacers mounted for 200T km and had to changes the hubs at 260T

Just saying, that they are dangerous, is the easy way. Lifting the rig is dangerous, too.
The center of weight comes higher above the ground

Tim

Key point.... Make sure they are legal! Second point, they do come at a cost. I would rather get the correct rims before even considering spacers.

Key point.... Make sure they are legal! Second point, they do come at a cost. I would rather get the correct rims before even considering spacers. Third point, how wide do you want to go? Good quality and appropriate tread type tyres will do most of what you want well before considering spacers. Also as mentioned, raising the vehicle makes it more unstable and more dangerous, especially off-road when steep side angles are reached... Ever heard of vehicle rollovers??? Check out the dangers of quad bikes and then relate that to a 4x4

I read people get away with 275/65/R18s with no wheel spacers on original wheels, I may just do that as I don`t want to change the wheels. I`m not looking for a huge lift (40 mm), my main concern is ride quality, hoping to have a better ride on road for the wife

Sam, consider going up to 70 series tyres at 275 and you will get some lift without spending more money on ome. If your partner doesn't like the harsh ride, she definitely won't like climbing the extra 40mm to get into the cab. Read through this thread: viewtopic.php?f=125&t=26851&start=40
You will get a softer ride with larger tyres depending on tread pattern. You will get a 20mm lift by going to 70x275. 31.6" diameter standard 265x65 vs 33.1" 70x275 that's about 1.5" diameter (.75" lift.)
Check out the tyre size comparison:
https://tiresize.com/comparison/

Thanks Gipsy, did think about the 275/70/18 but sounds like I will need a body mount chop for it to fit. Seen people installing 275/65/18 & getting away by a good wheel alignment & some minor adjustments.
At the moment I have BFG AT KO2 265/65/18s on, really need some mud tyres as I got stuck twice & other trucks with MTs had no issues. I’m also looking at the OME BP-51 or Terrain Tamer Pro with the adjustable shocks hoping to be able to tune the ride to the best of her liking… still hoping the theory of better ride out of a decent lift kit works?
Cheers,
Sam

The lift will not of itself improve ride quality. Any improvement in ride quality is more likely to come from hopefully better matched, higher quality springs and shocks in the kit.

Higher profile tyres can improve ride, but going from your standard 265/60/18 to 275/70/18 is an increase in diameter of around 8% and will create all sorts of issues that are avoidable, such as clearance, acceleration/hill climbing, and most importantly, braking. 265/65/18 should be available and should be much easier to accomodate, with the dynamic effects mentioned being much less and barely noticeable.

Reducing your offset by 38mm, regardless of whether you do it via spacers or new rims will also create all sorts of problems and provide no benefit.