I want to lift my truck (see "Another newbie"), but I am wondering which kit to use. Any feedback on any of the two kits will be appreciated. Thanks!

If you look through on previous post's I think it was page 9 there was a lengthy topic on this issue.

Mac

WELL I WAS ALL SET TO GO ROCKY ROAD WHEN I FIRST STARED OUT ON THIS VENTURE! BUT THE MORE YOU READ THE MORE YOU SEE HOW MUCH EVERYONE LOVES CALMINI BUT THERE IS ATLEAST ONE GUY HERE RUNNING ROCKY ROAD ON HIS SPORT MODEL KICK, BUT ITS ONLY A TOTAL OF 4 1/2" LIFT VERSUS CALMINI'S 6" COMBO....CALMINI SHOWS A PICTURE SO YOU SEE WHAT YOU GET..NOT SO SURE WHAT COMES IN THE RRO PACKAGE NO PICTURES   :-/  AND I'M A FIRM BELEAVER IN A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS....  GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR VENTURES, ALL THE ANSWERS ARE HERE IF YOU LOOK OR ASK...SURE HELPS WHEN YOUR A NEWBIE, TO BE ABLE TO TAP SO MUCH OF OTHERS TRIAL AND ERROR....

Thank you, Mac and NY. And yes, it's great to have so much experience available.

Well I hear if you buy the Calmini kit you should "Get rid of everything stock in the steering or get good at road side alignments"

And as far as the RR kit goes it is both half assed and cheap.

But thats just what i've heard, havn't installed either so I can't say for sure.

I've been running Calmini lift kits for over 7 years now, and have NEVER had to do a 'side of the road' alignment. Riding both the 2" and the 3" kit.
Zig

I have only had mine a short time and have not had a problem with having to do road side alignments either, I love the lift.


Mac

Thanks guys. I guess I'll have to install the Calmini kit and see if I have the same problems as others do with the steering components.  :-/

THAT IS WHAT I DECIDED TOO , WAS TO GIVE CALMINI A TRY CAUSE ROCKY ROADS SYSTEM WAS A BIT VAGUE & NO PICS. AND YOU ALL KNOW I'M A PICTURE GUY  COULDN'T GET MUCH FEEDBACK ON RRO SO WENT THE CALMINI WAY..WILL BE HERE THURSDAY HAPPY ZUKING! MATTY D.

 It doesnt matter which kit you run, its the terrain and driving habbits. In Moab I was out with three other kicks, all set up differently, including RROs kit, they all kept bending the Idler Arm. Its just a weak component. Its not because of which kit you run. The added angle is just too much for the stock parts. An idler redesign is needed.

Mike

Zig, Youve never done a "roadside" allignment? Ive seen video... you like the go pedal as much as the next guy!  

None at all I am running manual steering, and believe that is the reason I havent. I have noticed cracks forming in the frame behind the steering box But that will be beefed up when I install the power steering later this month. I would be curious of the percentage of people having trouble with the idler arm run power steering

I had been runnin the Calmini 6" kit on my 95 tracker.  I like the kit, but they dont supply you with the steering extension piece.In the directions, theirs a picture of what you need to make.  Its not a big deal but you'll need it if you dont have a slip yoke style steering.

After the springs broke in. the rear was still way too stiff.  The springs are designed to carry full gear, which I have on my rig.  It didnt seem to help.  You do have the option of cutting the rear spring.  I did not do that.

The front springs felt great, after I put the Calmini winch bumper and a 90lb. winch on, the front end really sagged. I'm not happy

Besides that, the kit is not to hard to install.  Calmini is real helpful if you need to call them for questions.  Good luck!

Zukipilot, can you take a picture or make a quick sketch of where your frame is cracking? My power steering pump died on me right after I bought the truck. I wanted to install another one, but after reading your post, I'm not so sure anymore. Anyway, I should probably beef up that area of the frame when I lift the truck, just to prevent any unpleasantness.

Also, since no one makes a better idler arm yet, could a beefier unit be home made? I have absolutely no idea of how to do this, but I know someone who's very competent in this matter. Besides, I want to learn.

What are your thoughts, everyone?

For the Idler Arm check out the Tech archives here. I'm almost posative that there is a write up on beefing one up. The cracks are above and below the mounting bolts(small ones) and the larger ones are in the crumpel zone creases of the frame.
Zig
Keep in mind that you may not have any cracks. I'm turning 33x12.50's and drive my vehicle hard. I like speed, I like rocks and I always try harder stuff each time I go out. If I break I fix it and return to try the obsticle again

Thank you, Zig.