Re:Gen4 lift options and queries

Considering getting a 40-50mm lift on my Gen4, to add to the list of 'stuff I didn't need but bought because I like shiny things' (it's a long list) :woohoo:

The only options I've seen for sale in the UK are the Trailmaster kit and more recently the Jimnybits one. Leaning towards JB as they include a new crossmember (I believe the standard xmember restricts front additional travel to 25mm). Anyone spotted other options in the UK?

First question is where do I get a kit like this fitted? I can do basic spannering, but think this it probably out of my league. Any recommendations on garages/specialists within a couple of hours of the SE?

The JB kit doesn't come with castor correction bushes. Am I right in thinking it's worth adding them if I want the best possible setup, regardless of it being 'only' a 50mm lift? JB have the superpro bushes listed, but it's unclear if they're Gen3 specific or suitable for both gens.

Any Gen3 owners with a black raptor lift kit installed? Wondering about the quality and if it's worth waiting for some of the Aus kits (OME, Tough Dog etc) to become available over here.

Ta

I was under the impression that the caster correction bushes were only necessary if you've fitted tyres greater in width than the originals. The trail master kit looks top notch - I've seen countless members on this forum recommending the trail master kit for their gen.3's.

I recall seeing on the JB facebook page a post including images that said the gen.4 had really short vacuum and handbrake lines making even a 50mm lift a little close for comfort? I don't know whether this was rubbish, but it kind of killed the idea for me. I'd love to see it pulled off successfully, as always you're paving the way for all of us gadget!

Castor correction bushes are nothing to do with tyre size im afraid Dagzook. They are to correct the angle the radius arms make the axle sit at rest. Currently your axle (and diff) will be vertical. Lifting the car will make the axles sit at slight angles (worse with more lift).

Having tried lifts with and without I would suggest that a 2" lift would not normally require the correction bushes. If you find the steering does not self-center as you would like, then add them in afterwards. Its pretty easy to take off the radius arms to fit the bushes, less easy to actually press out the old ones tho :laugh:

The super-pro are poly bushes, which means a little firmer ride (especially if you do the arm to chassis bush as well). It can be done with just the ones on the axle and retain the standard rubber one to the chassis.

Ive no idea about the two kits for you mention Gadget, but the Jbits one sounds a better idea if the crossmember needs altering and I suspect that would be essential for any future further lift of the vehicle :whistle:

Castor correction is related to lift, not tyre width. Imagine the castors on a shopping trolley, you want them to steer straight when pushed straight. You want the car wheels to align straight when the steering wheel is not held. As you exit a corner you want the steering to return to centre.. When lifted the castor angle changes and the steering no longer self centres and in worst cases can hardly steer.

With a 2inch lift (50mm) castor correction is a matter of taste. I have happily run vehicles with 2 inch lift without correction.

For a 3inch lift (75mm) it is definitely needed (in my opinion).

For the Gen4, a modification or change to the cross member is needed for a 3inch upwards lift. It is not needed for a 2inch. However some 2inch kits actually lift more than 2 inches so may encounter both the crossmember issues and the brake lines issue.

The Trailmaster 50mm kit does not suffer this issue. I know a number of people who have happily installed the Trailmaster kit.

I think we will be fitting the Trailmaster to our Gen4. If we do then I will initially install it without correction to see how it drives and then will add correction later.

Martin

Appologies all, thanks for the info guys. I thought I read somewhere that increasing the tyre width as well as a lift exaggerates the caster angle!

I think I'll hold fire for now and wait for someone (like Martin!) to fit the Trailmaster kit and maybe go for that option if works out well