brilliant!!!
thanks for that <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

well, after putting on the 30x9.5x15 tires, I finally got to take it for a long run. The fuel consumption was an average of 10L/100Km's which I think is about 24mpg

Folks,

It has been more than half a year in which I was contemplating on how to lift my KIA SPORTAGE 2001 - wagon (the extra long version)

I live in Israel - where other than dodging missiles from time to time <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> we have some strict restrictions and DO's and DONT's.
One of them is that I can't change tire size from 205x75x15 - original <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> without getting a written approval from KIA or its local reps that desired size is an authorized tire size - which is not possible (people tried)

Basically you can't change your car without going through rigid licensing process which in most cases is bound to fail and if you are involved in an accident and they find out you modified the car you could find yourself without insurance coverage. Not to mention that you can't in most cases pass the annual car test.

After much consultation I have decided to look at replacing the springs and maybe the shocks to gain some ground clearance (which is SOOOO needed...) and not use spacers (as they can easily be spotted)

Off the shelf lifting springs cost around $800 locally (Eibach, Lovelss, King) - so I have decided to search for alternatives. The alternatives which I have come up with are:

FRONT SUSPENSION:
Pair of king/eibach in the front (provide a 40mm raise). Not sure if I need/want to replace shocks.

REAR SUSPENSION:
SPRINGS:
1. TJ 104 rear springs (learned about it here..)
2. VOLVO 244 STATION rear springs + new spring cap
SOCKS:
1. KYB?
2. What else?

Would love to hear your thoughts - did someone heard about VOLVO 244 springs as replacement springs?

Moshe

Shocks: Try 1999 Toyota RAV4 rears. Just need to put your old bushing in the bottom.
Everet

I know there are people in Israel who have modified their Sportage, but I don't know if they did it legally or not.

Changing from a stock tire size of 205 to something larger like 215, 225, or even 235 shouldn't be illegal. That's like saying you can't change the street tires it was delivered with from the factory to an AT or mud type of tire.

If you are going to lift your Sportage, it will be even more of a modification than just changing the tires for a slightly larger size or more aggressive tread.

You can actually use RAV4 shocks in the back. People here are using them with the Jeep 104, 105, and 106 springs when lifting their Sportage. You can also use Monroe for both the front and back.

Logansportage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Is that why I had to trim the pro comp shocks? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I should've checked that out. They probably would've lasted longer. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

it would have been good if i had known about the eyelets. thinking they were the wrong ones, I sent them back and went with KYB standard size

I went with Skyjacker shocks in the rear and they almost fit, but were a little tight. So I popped out the bushings and metal insert and trimmed the metal insert (1/8")to fit in the mount. Then I put them all back together and used a pry bar to widen the axle mount just enough to slip them back in. When I tightened things down I could just slip the Skyjacker shock out and the stock shock back in.

Logansportage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Hi Guys!

Thanks for the wealth of information.

I wish I could have explained the crooked logic behind prohibiting different tire sizes - but than again - I didn't set the rules <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> It basically boils down to the fact that the transportation ministry does not want to account for authorizing none original tire sizes and been exposed to insurance companies suing him for liability. Does it make sense? no, but then again, what can you do? Yes - there are people who modified their car - but they subject themselves to liability which I am not ready yet to take upon..

Why change suspension and not tires? because tire have tire sizes marked all over them while none-original springs is something that is hard to spot hence less to be an issue <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

Can someone provide me with the year make of the TJ spring I need (don't know if there where different models) - From what I have learned - I need to go with the 104 spring. Does someone have the full SKU of the item?

For front I am thinking of taking firmer lift springs from loveless which have similar length but due to firmer spring provide a 1.5-2" better ground clearance. I guess that due to the same spring length I do not have to replace the front shocks, right?

Moshe

It's best to get the 106 Jeep TJ rear springs. If I remember right they come off the 97 and newer TJs with the hard top.

You can go with the 105 or the 104 but they are just a little softer. The bigger the number the higher the spring rate.

Either way, if you can get any stock Jeep TJ rear coils, they will work.

Logansportage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />