Needs some help deciding. . .
 

Greetings fellow yota (more specifically FJ ) lovers. I've read posts on this forum and it looked awesome, so I had to sign up.

I am currently in the process of buying accessories for my FJ (07 TRD SE model). It is equipped with TRD Bilstein shocks. I'm having a little confusion with the lift I want to purchase. I have decided on the toytec 3" with OME struts. I'm also purchasing an ARB bullbar and xd9000 warn winch. I've spoken with ARB and they say that the winch/bullbar combo will weigh 250lbs and they recommended medium rate springs. According to the toytec website, the medium springs are for 110+lbs. and the HD springs are for 220+lbs. Is anyone familiar with this combo? Which springs will work best? I'm looking for as smooth of ride as possible as this is my daily driver. Any and all suggestions/comments are highly appreciated!

Also, what would the lift be like with just the springs and my bilsteins? just a thought

thanks again folks

I think Corey (on this forum) would be a good person to contact.

heard that. thanks!

I'm running the ARB bull bar with XD9000 winch and started with the 885s, and very soon after upgraded to the 886s. I have been happy with that setup for almost 2 years. I would not recommend using the OEM struts for anything other than 883s or 884s. You also want to make sure the rear shocks are valved properly to match your rear springs, such as the OME N141s mated to the 894/895s or the N142s mated to the 896s. I found that as I acquired more gear for expedition-type runs I was very happy to compromise between a stiff ride on the street unloaded and just right on the trail fully loaded.

I also learned the hard way about using 10mm / 1/2 inch spacers and trim packers to gain the full 3" of lift out of the OMEs: New inner tie rods at 30k: $165 each, plus install and new alignment. ARB said they have not experienced issues with the OME lift and struts, but the addition of spacers or trim packers will stress the inner tie rods due to excessive suspension drop.

Thanks for the replies. I have decided to up the anty so to speak and purchase a nicer lift kit. I really want a comfortable ride on and off road. Ordered an all-pro adjustable front/rear coil over with walker evans shocks. Should have it on in the next couple of weeks, as soon as I have the time. Guess I'll run 285/75/16. Anybody out there running nitto tires? How do they hold up? I am a mustang guy also, and know their reputation for quality race tires. Also, anyone know the estimated tire life of mickey thompson radial claws?