DPG 5" Hybrid Kit

[Kevin]

Anyone running this set up that can tell me how it handles/flexes/etc.

Any problems with the drop brackets banging on stuff/rocks?

How was the install?

I have a 95 with a sagging 3" lift that I am looking to replace and want to run 33s. Planning on an SYE once I get the lift installed.

I'm debating the 4" hybrid kit with 32s as well, but figure I'll ultimately want to run the 33s and will need the extra lift.

 

[norcal420]

I'm running the 4" hybrid w/ 33*12.5s (I'd run 35s on the 5" lift kit). DPG is awesome IMO, so I highly recommend working w/ Dirk. My 4" netted closer to 5" front, 5.5" rear which has now sagged to 5" or so in the rear.

Flex is great with trimming (required), 4" backspaced 15*8 rims, and extra bumpstops (1" hockey puck in addition to 2" RE pucks up front, 1" spacer and all 3 of DPGs adj. bumpstop plates in the rear). Low CoG rocks in pucker situations! Added an ARB up front and I couldn't be happier.

I went with OME shocks which are overrated IMO. Ride is very harsh with short arms and no brackets - which I want to add. Screw another $800 for long arms. The DBs are strong enough to take a beating from what my buddies tell me. If you're a serious rock crawler I'd look at a long-arm kit instead. Stock steering sucks now too, but I'm upgrading to JCRs 1-ton steering.

Install was a PITA for me since I didn't know jack and didn't have proper tools. I still got it done in a weekend with a buddies help . . .

Definitely needed an SYE (RE hack 'n' tap) on my '99. I also added the H.A.D. driveshaft.

Get the 5" hybrid since it includes drop brackets and you'll want 35s someday . . .

DR

Anyone running this set up that can tell me how it handles/flexes/etc.

Any problems with the drop brackets banging on stuff/rocks?

How was the install?

I have a 95 with a sagging 3" lift that I am looking to replace and want to run 33s. Planning on an SYE once I get the lift installed.

I'm debating the 4" hybrid kit with 32s as well, but figure I'll ultimately want to run the 33s and will need the extra lift.

 

[Kevin]

Whats wrong with the steering?

Can you tell me more about JCRs 1-ton?

 

[norcal420]

Whats wrong with the steering?

Now with the bigger tires, it simply isn't up to snuff. It's loose and getting worse. I've lost turning radius (naturally). It wanders on the highway. It REALLY wanders on the highway in high winds. It's weak (think bent tie rod). Brakes ain't great now either - I've upgraded the front rotors/pads which helps a bit but I'd like rear discs w/ bigger wheels.

Can you tell me more about JCRs 1-ton?

It's a stock replacement rather than a serious upgrade, but I've heard good things, some guys on here like it (search) and it was 'cheap'. You can read specs at www.jcroffroad.com. It gets rid of the "Y" setup w/ an inverted "T" which is better but by no means the best. There are a lot of options out there so depending on what you do and how much $$ ya got check this out: http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=67834&highlight=Dana+30+Steering

dr

 

[MontanaXJ]

I started off with the DPG Hybrid 5" lift kit and 32-11.50 MT's. After I bolted up my bumpers, winch, rock rails, skid plates, and loaded it with gear it looked more like a 4" lift. I ran this way in Moab and I hit the drop brackets at least a dozen times. Every time I had to drop off a good sized ledge they hit hard, and I couldn't have gone any slower to prevent it. With that amount of lift, and that size tire, the drop brackets just got in the way.

I added ACOS to the front and went to the 4.5" leaf for the rear, trimmed the fenders and ran without flares. I ran 33" MTRs and found it was the perfect height for 33's.

If you want to run 33's I would run the coils and leafs for 5.5 and upgrade to adjustable upper and lower control arms.

Of course this has alot to do with the type of wheeling you do. Also, go with Bilstein 5125. I went from the OME LT to the Bilsteins and all I can say is WOW. The 5125's are awesome(255/70 valve).

Greg M.