Rock Crawl Setup

[CarbonMetal553]

Hello, all

I've posted a few times in other sections about some quality issues I've had on my truck. I fully intend in getting all of this fixed under warranty. Once this happens, I plan on starting a rock crawl build and would like to get some suggestions.

My previous truck, a 2023 Tundra had a pretty basic RC 3.5 lift. I don't think the quality was the best and I am looking to stay away from RC this time if at all possible.

Here are some details:
-Wille be offloading 3-4 times a year. May bump it up to 6 times a year. This amount is specific to hitting trails.
-Terrain for trails is moderate to high difficulty. Definitely a lot of rocks, deep mud, water, etc. Will be legitimately rock crawling.
-General off-roading for camping and outdoor activities will happen multiple times a year.
-My truck is a 5.0L 2023 STX with 12K miles.
-I plan on keeping this truck for the long run, so goal is for optimal performance + longevity

Here are some questions:
-What is the general rule of thumb for maximum lift height? Some say anything above 3 inches not only increases wear and tear of your truck, but also makes it very top heavy and hinders your ability to do things like rock crawl.
-For level kits, I've been looking at the Ford Performance, and Roush Performance
-For lift kits, I've been looking at Ready Lift 3.5 Set 2.1 which would put me at 3.5 inches and if I have to go RC, this one which would put me right at 3 inches. Need suggestions here. I don't want to spend over $3K on a level or lift kit.
-For wheels and tires, I was thinking about a 17 inch wheel and the biggest Nitto Ridge Grapplers I can fit on either lift or level. Need suggestions here
-Again, looking for max performance off-road and max longevity for vehicle health.

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[Tall Tail]

More than 2 or 2.5" IFS lift will stress CV, etc. if not redesigned. Check out Icon Vehicle Dynamics.
35" x 10 LT tires. Load C or D. wt vs puncture resistance. >16/32 tread depth.
Larger tires add more weight which takes toll on drive train components such as steering components, axle shaft, wheel bearings, U-joints, ring and pinion gears (differential(s) and steering), transfer case, transmission, engine. Larger tires may require taller gears (axle ratio?), stronger axles, steering stabilizers.
17 or 18" rim. Rim Diameter should be half the Tire OD. Rim width 71% of tire width. You want some bulge beyond the rim to protect rim and keep your tire bead in place.
What's your rear axel ratio?
Front and rear e lockers.
Increase down Travel (inch). Extend 2-3”. Extend bump stock. longer break line, ABS wires, coil spring retainers or axle limiting strap.
Monotube shocks.
Talon garage skid plates.
Rock sliders.
12k lb Warn Winch with front and rear hitch.
Recovery gear.

PS: Matching full size spare tire and wheel.

 

[Calson]

Any amount of lift is going to shorten the life of the U-joints. A key reason guys bought Jeeps in the 1970's was that they had a lower center of gravity than the 4WD trucks from Ford, Chevy, and Dodge. A lower enter of gravity reduces the odds of a roll-over on trails where the slope is across the trail.

Lifting a truck is fine for straight line travel but makes off-road performance and handling much worse and even more of a concern on pavement with rain or snow.

 

[travisN000]

ICON For 2021-2023 Ford F-150 4WD, 3.5-4.5 Lift, Stage 1 Suspension System, Tubu | eBay

I'm not a rock crawler anymore, but people seem to like the icon knuckles and aftermarket UCA for adding a bit more lift and keeping the angles in a safer range... I think they are similar to the tremor knuckle.

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