SLR Stage 3 Lift

[MooT]

I am interested in this lift and was wondering who out there has it? How do you rate it? I figure I might as well go for the gusto instead of parting it out and costing me a good bit more. Let me kow what you guys think. I am also still very open to other lifts, so please give me the best guidance on this. Also could someone guide me to a good suspension info site? I am interested in learning everything Ican about IFS suspension.

Thanks,

MooT
2001 XE 4x4 Silver Ice
31x10.50 Mud Brutes

[Schludwiller]

I have it, and it's a good kit. Just realise that with any 3" suspension lift you will eventually wear out the stock centerlink and either replace it at $150 a pop, or get a new steering system. SLR has a new steering system now, or Calmini has one in the works.

I also have the 10-leaf spring pack and it performs great if you can afford it. The SLR 3-leaf AAL is another option that performs very well if you want to reduce cost a bit.

[Schludwiller]

I have it, and it's a good kit. Just realise that with any 3" suspension lift you will eventually wear out the stock centerlink and either replace it at $150 a pop, or get a new steering system. SLR has a new steering system now, or Calmini has one in the works.

On a preference note, the SLR system is more solid with regards to the rear axle.

I have the 10-leaf spring pack and it performs great if you can afford it. The SLR 3-leaf AAL is another option that performs very well if you want to reduce cost a bit.

The down side to the 10-leaf spring pack is it creates a new low-point on your vehicle. Check out the Darlington solution for minimizing this (if you go with the Darlington skids you need this info before ordering correct shock lengths).

[Ag_xterra]

i also have it and have no complaints. its more difficult to install yourself when compared to the other lifts due to the drop from diff bushings. i have the stage 1 kit and have Sway-away torsion bars (didnt want to pay $300 for SLR torsion bars, when i could get SAW bars for $185). Steering becomes the next major issue after installing a lift so be prepared to drop another $500 (calmini system more for SLR)easily into another steering system. Bilstein shocks make this kit great.

[MooT]

Thanks for all the info so far, keep feeding me more!! I was also looking at the Stage two with the 3-pack and 1" shackles and then getting the SAW torsion bars. Is there anyone else who makes a 10-leaf pack? The Stage 2 with the AALs runs $995, so another $500 for steering and I should be cool, I guess.

Thanks,

MooT

[Schludwiller]

Near as I can tell, all the leaf packs come from National Spring. The AC ones say "Rancho" but I can't see any difference in the construction except for the two load leafs which are pretty much useless. You really won't save much money between dealers on the 10-pak.

Some people will have different opinions, but I don't see anything wrong with putting your system together a piece at a time. It let's you "feel" what each upgrade is giving you, and you can cut some costs here and there.

As far as the differential lowering that SLR does. It's just an added safety factor to reduce the chance of blowing a CV joint. If you ignore the diff kit, there is nothing extra that has to be done to install a SLR kit. They just provide it, as they think it's worth doing from their testing.

I think all CV joints that have blown were on vehicles with the front sway bar disconnected (and some other offroad factors).

[RedX]

I was rather concerned about blowing a CV joint when I first did my 3" lift. But after numerous runs, I have yet to do it. I generally leave the front swaybar connected, so that may part of the reason. Also just plan your line so that you don't get excessive passenger side front wheel droop. This will help prevent a CV joint failure.

I have started to bind up the passenger CV, but could feel it and backed off and re-worked my line and all was fine.

[Ag_xterra]

does anyone have the rancho part number from the AC leaf packs? just curious if they are a rancho leaf pack custom made or from another vehicle.

[MooT]

What do you guys think about the Calmini 3" suspension lift? Does anyone here have it? Is it up to par with the SLR lift? What are the pros and cons of it compared to the SLR lift? I can get Calmini's best lift kit and the steering system for $1450. Let me know what ya'll think about the Calmini and the AC lift kits also.

Thanks,

MooT

[wqbang]

Bilstein shocks that come with the SLR kit are considered by most as the best shocks available. Also, I think that after seeing the SLR 3 leaf AAL's that they are better than the Calmini 2 leaf solution.

As for steering, SLR's kit is shipping now and Calmini has yet to start delivery.

[Schludwiller]

No part number for the AC leafs. I would stay away from their lift kit as people can't get the front end aligned.

[ChuckH]

Or you could always do what I did and mix and match.

Calmini and SLR both put out very high quality lift kits and you can't go wrong either way. I do think that the SLR AAL's are superior to Calmini and they are easier to install. I'm amazed at the performance of the Bilstien shocks too. That said, I haven't tried the Calmini shocks so I can't compare.

Same thing applies to the steering systems. Calmini and SLR have taken slightly different approaches, but both systems seem to be superb. However, the Calmini is quite a bit less money so it may be worth waiting for. Current ETA on the Calmini SS is middle of this month; let's hope it sticks.

Anyway, my point is that you can mix and match the parts you like best if you're torn on some things. No reason you can't put the Calmini steering system on with the SLR lift kit if you want to save money. FWIW, my setup consists of the followng and I'm very pleased with the results so far:

Front end:

Calmini Upper A-Arms
Bilstien +20% shocks
Calmini torsion bars
Calmini Steering System (on order)

Rear:

SLR 3 leaf AAL's
Calmini 1.5" lift shackles
Bilstien +20% extra length shocks.

I've never been a "buy all the same brand" kind of guy. Just like my home audio/video, computer equipment, my truck consists of what I feel are the best options from different manufacturers.