What does any of this have to do with lifts and tire recommendations? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Please make a new post regarding hubs.

k got my spacers today....they are 2" so think ill have to modify but gonna install rear springs first as there are no tags so just to see how much of lift it will make. First i have to know for the rav4 shocks does it matter the make(kyb) or monroe....

I also removed 1 of my springs tonight in the rear. I compared it to the new tj springs and factory is appx. 9" and the tj are 12"....So would it depend on how stiff they are to see if its gonna be more than 3" lift.

If your Kia rear springs measured 9", they have collapsed 1".
The TJ 104 and 106 springs are 12" tall. The difference is wire diameter.
Everet <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Just to be safe I would go KYB, seems guys have had better luck with this brand of strut & shock after lifting.

I run 235/75/15 tires on stock rims with the 3" UPYOURKIA.
I broke both rear monroe shocks the first week of adding my lift kit; during aggressive driving. 5MPH with full axle articulation. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />
I thought it was the fault of the shop for not installing the bump stops. So the shop replaced the shocks with monroes and installed the bump stops. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Once again; they broke that week under agressive driving. I didn't understand what was wrong. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> I got under the wheel well and jacked the axle up as far as she would go.
Finding: accessive contact between the tire and the shock. Before the lift kit the tire would tuck into the wheelwell just above the shock.
After the kit the wheel sat lower and rubbed the upper portion of the shock till it broke.
I have run the KYB brand now for three weeks with minor rubbing, but I'm more cautious and am having less fun.
Solution: I'm buying a set of wheels with 2.5" Backspace as opposed to the stock wheels with 5.5" Backspacing.
I don't know if the 3" space is going to be enough to give me full axle articulation without rubbing, but I need to try something. All advice on this issue would help, to include wheel backspacing requirements or transverse rod adjustment. Thanks.

I was wondering why the shocks broke <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
The reason I liked the Gabriel that is sold by AutoZone is diameter and price. I also like the ride they give.
I have a 2000 now and was going to put on some 235's so I'll watch the backspacing.
Keep us informed on your wheeling fun and any other information you have.
Everet <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

they broke because they are short if are made foe sportage...
You need something like this


or longer shocks

DUDE! i've been trying to figure out how to extend my rear shocks with what i had at hand..the u shapped peice of steel never even came to mind! awsome time for some more wheel travel

Actually its not a U shape any more...

Look why... now its like the white one, has 2 nerves connecting the 2 "legs" of the U



the "U"shape has bended when in extreeeeeeem drop the spring left its place and fell out so when it articulated on the other side to get me off the hole I was in, the car "sat" on the shock and bended it... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />