Hey everyone. Im quite new to the wheeling and I am just wondering what is the best option. I am wondering what is better, a SL or a BL? and for both, what other kinds of stuff is required. Like if I want to get sliders, do I need special ones for a BL or what? and the front and back bumber, so they need to be changed in any way? any help would be appreciated....

thanks

Go with a BL first IMO. It allows for bigger tires which gives you additional lift/clearance. But with you having a 2nd gen maybe some of these other 2nd gen guys can give you some advice as well.

BL then bumpers, and sliders.... then SL... but thats my 2 cents

I second Drake and Jason, however, If you do (and you should) go with Shrock, I would order it even before. They make armor to fit a BL. They take forever to ship, so expect a while. But they knowledgeable folks are pointing you in the right direction.

it takes 6 weeks for shrock to make and ship your stuff.....

thanks guys...so i will buy a 2" or 3" Bl and then order the sliders...and what do you think about meatheads sliders...as good as shrock?

I really like meatheads (whiterockfab) sliders. I actually think I'm going with his sliders rather than shrock. His turnaround can be a bit faster plus I like his beveled edges in his design. But don't get me wrong, Shrock makes some fantastic and quality products.

It took me a really really long time to get my schrock stuff. It took 8 months for a skid plate......

And for the bumper it took about 5 months. So it was really upsetting. For my sliders, I went custom.

Here is some Next Gen Info for you

You can fit 33" (285/75/R16) Tires w/o a lift on our X's. You may need to do the Melt Mod to the inner plastic fender so that it doesn't rub when you go lock to lock. Not too many people have had to do the Melt Mod. Really easy and about 20 min of work.

If you really want a BL then make sure you order your sliders so that way as well. You don't want a 3" gap between the sliders and body.

If this is the route you are going then this is how I would do my set up

Tires
BL
Sliders ( for 3" BL )
Skids
SL
F Bumper w/ Winch ( having to remount the bumper again stinks ) (for 3" BL)
R Bumper ( for 3" BL )

DaveP

Guess, I'm going to be the minority in this decision. go with SL, it will give you more clearance. BL just lifts the body, not the frame. go with 265/75/16 tires. BL is good for bigger tires. That's about it from what I know. I think u'll enjoy 2 inch of ground clearance as opposed to the boddy itself going up 3in

An SL only gives the chassis more clearance. Your axle will remain the same height from the ground until you add bigger tires. That being the reason I say do the BL first. But I also didn't realize the 2nd gens could fit 33's stock so he may not want to do a BL. IMO a 33" tire is a good size.

And XterraVT has a good plan of attack for mods. That would be the way I would go myself. Actually that is the way I'm going if this friggin' frigid weather will slack off so I can start putting my kits on.

the SL gives you more travel..... so in all actual reality you should run stock tires unless you get a BL to allow bigger tires to stuff into the wheel well.....

Have a look at www.thenewx.org (http://www.thenewx.org). IIRC a SL is the easiest option for a 2nd Gen.

thanks webfur. i am thinking about doing the sl first, just because of the ground clearance issue.

We have a good amount of options when it comes to SLs.
From Spacer lifts to Coil, Shackles to AALs, Coil Over and Spring packs.

The ones that are out there will give you anywhere from 2" to 6" SL. 2" being the easiest with Spacers and Shackles and 6" getting more involved. ( There is another lift Option but it's a budget breaker SAS. Swapping your front IFS for a solid Axle. )

This is the best thread available for 2nd Gen Sl options
http://thenewx.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=2223

DaveP

PS - I'm running PRGs 3" Sl. New UCAs, RadFlo coil overs, AALs, Shackles and 5150 Bils in the rear. Best Set-up out there for our Xs