| Author | Message | ||
     SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 790 Registered: 06-2002 |
Ok, I'm sure it has been discussed before, but I'm ready to upgrade my kicks on the Disco. I'm currently running 235 70/R16 Michelin LTX M/S and have been happy with their performance. Very smooth...and they've held their own offroad (until getting pretty tread-worn). I would like to go up atleast one size in height without needing to make suspension changes. I have a friend who has 245 75/R16 BFG A/Ts to sell, and they are on a 99D1, but he has about 2-3 inches of lift already. I'm thinking I might not want to go that wide. Will they fit? So, size is a question. Also...which brand? I've always had Michelin, but mostly as street tires. Ivan has BFG A/Ts on his Explorer and they look brand new with almost 50K miles! BUT they are SOOOO LOUD on his truck. I don't want my Disco to sound like that since it's my only vehicle. I want the same handling and ride that I have now (within reason) but I think I need a more aggressive tread considering my trips off pavement every 2 weeks or so. I've looked at Dunlop...they look pretty good, but I know nothing about their mileage or reliability. Am I being too picky? High maintenance? I just have a lot of requirements in a tire!!  Suggestions? Or, just link me to a previous discussion. THANKS! | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2555 Registered: 02-2002 |
Sus, Look at yourself in the mirror; through the reflection, look into your eyes. Now repeat after me: I want big tires and big lift. Say it again I want big tires and big lift. Now that you have told yourself the truth; go out and go big. Paul Peer Pressure Provider | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 792 Registered: 06-2002 |
PAUL, CAN YOU HELP FUND MY ADVENTURE?! AND, what's big? Give me numbers. Be reasonable. As always, you crack me up. I needed a good smile this morning. | ||
| Michael Noe (Noee) Senior Member Username: Noee Post Number: 885 Registered: 03-2002 |
SSV: Look at yourself in the mirror; through the reflection, look into your eyes. Now repeat after me: Don't listen to Paul Morgan. You'll end up with your disco looking like an M1A1 running down the road... | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 929 Registered: 02-2002 |
http://www.discoweb.org/tire.htm see "tech" section at top and go to the "tire" section. it will give you the various size/lift combos. tread pattern is really dependent on what you want to do and where. BFGs are made by Michelin so their quality is top notch. on my '95D90SW it came with BFG A/Ts and for the most part, we went pretty much anywhere we wanted. you could do worse. good luck! Jaime  | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2557 Registered: 02-2002 |
Not that there is anything worng with that | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 793 Registered: 06-2002 |
Jaime, I'm so glad you pointed me there. Guess I should have looked first! That helps A LOT! You boys are so crazy....I'm gonna need to wait on the lift. We need to buy a HOUSE! I don't really want to be living in an apartment or trailer with three luxury vehicles kitted out! (Disclaimer: no offense intended to those who do!) | ||
| Greg Davis (Gregdavis) Senior Member Username: Gregdavis Post Number: 1177 Registered: 08-2002 |
Amen Paul! | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 794 Registered: 06-2002 |
I actually looked up an M1A1 to see what you guys were talking about! Well, I might get the 245s and trim the fenders a litle.... So, does anyone know anything about Dunlops? We have established that BFGs are great. | ||
| Sergei Rodionov (Uzbad) Senior Member Username: Uzbad Post Number: 340 Registered: 08-2003 |
"..I'm gonna need to wait on the lift. We need to buy a HOUSE! " Holy.. What kind of lift you had in mind?! I couldnt think of any of lift kinds being that costly to compare them with buying house Plus you always can live in your rig, you know ;) | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 930 Registered: 02-2002 |
sus, glad it helped. when we were looking for our place in Tulsa, the main requirement was a 3 car garage. plus the single bay door had to be able to fit a low profile door so the 109 could get in. after modifying the height and putting in a new door, it fits with about 1/2" to spare! what one does to support the LR habit. Jaime  | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 795 Registered: 06-2002 |
Ok, I know it's not THAT expensive...but I have a list about a mile long of things I'd love to do to the Rover. I think more aggressive tires and hella lights will serve me for now. With a roof rack in the more near future. If I had a second car to run trips in, I would lift it...but I really don't want to get into all of that when I still drive it on 3000 mile trips and like the stock ride. | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2559 Registered: 02-2002 |
Sus, A local Marine approached me at work and asked how much to lift his D1. We ordered the crap for him from EE and I think his entire lift kit cost $600 +/- a few bucks. It cost him 1 dozen donuts to get the lift installed. Sorry, that's my going rate: donuts. Then go to Sams Club and order your tires. You will be much happier and the planets will magically align; thus causing everything in your life to "come-together" so to speak. ____________________________ Keep your trap shut Noe! | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 796 Registered: 06-2002 |
Donuts Paul? Not beer? or better yet, Scotch? No magical alignment. I'm looking to spend 500-600 for tires and I just can't spare the extra 600 for the lift as well. EVEN with a donut-eating-lift-installer. I can't help it if I'm poor. But I'm in the market for a new job and when that extra dough comes rolling in...you can bet it will go to the truck! I'm a girl with priorities! | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 1116 Registered: 09-2002 |
Sus, I have the BFG AT's and honestly haven't noticed the noise you allude to. In fact, compared to my XPC's, these are quiet, that or my hearing is going. If you go to 245's and you're going to wheel it, then you're probably going to need to do a rear fender trim and if you haven't done so yet, remove the front air dam then you for sure won't have any rubbing issues. A mild lift wouldn't hurt things much either but you could probably leave it at it's current stock suspension. | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2560 Registered: 02-2002 |
LOL! Sorry to let you down Sus. When I turn wrenches on someone else's Pig, I stay straight. Well for a little while anyway. | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 46 Registered: 11-2003 |
Sus, What kind of work are you looking for? Since I grew up in L'burg, I may be able to help w/ contacts. Would like to be able to help w/ the lift whenever you decide to do it, but don't make it back home that often anymore; want to do my own, but can't afford it right now! We bought the house 3 years ago, but since we're now pregnant, superflous spending is non-existent. Good luck with the tires! (and since you're concerned about the width, you're running 235s, 245s will only be ~5mm wider on each side at the center-section ... pretty negligible IMO) -Alan | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 797 Registered: 06-2002 |
OK, I have now decided (this is an ongoing process) to go with BFG AT in 225/75-16. They are about the same price as the Dunlop RT and I know they are great tires. (No one responded about Dunlop as a brand ... ??) New tires are only about $60 more than the used ones on a friend's truck, not counting balance/etc. If I go to a mild lift in the next year or so, I can keep them for a while and then go up. Agreement? I'm just hoping the extra teeth will help me out in the few areas I've needed it. Although I must admit, I've done alot stock. Wonders never cease. Paul, I'm glad to hear you have standards! LOL! How is your pig, by the way? Alan (Yim), I'm really thinking the noise is the suspension combination with the Explorer's tires. His are 255, but that was stock size. This thing is LOUD and I hate it. But they have been great tires. Too bad we can't switch them over to the Rangie, but it was 205/80s in Michelin that are brand new. Alan Foster, I'm actually looking at jobs in CHarlottesville. I haven't seen much in the Burg, and b/c my husband works in Waynesboro, it would be easier for us to settle up there. He's driving 75 miles one way about 3-4 times a week and it's tough. We haven't even been married a year and we only see each other 4 nights a week! Congrats on the soon-to-be new arrival!! Thanks everyone for your opinions. I'll let you know what I decide and I'll post pics! | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 47 Registered: 11-2003 |
Yeah, that'd be a heck of a commute -- I have a friend that lives in Crozet, works in Lynchburg, dunno how he does it. Good luck with the job search! The PO of my truck put BFG AT KO 225/75s on it literally right b/f selling it -- they're a little small for my tastes, but I can't complain about performance! | ||
| Erik Olson (Jon) Senior Member Username: Jon Post Number: 599 Registered: 02-2002 |
Sus, I'm running the 235/85r 16 Dunlop R/Ts, and like them very much. Not perfect for this silly NC clay, but very sticky on rock and seemed fine at Pismo without more than 5 p.s.i. airdown required from the normal 36f-p.s.i. / 46r-p.s.i. The little bit of siping seems like too little to help much in the rain, but I've not had issues there or in snow / ice for that matter. Even experienced Dunlop shops will look at you kinda funny when you ask for them, fumble through the big book for a while, then still try to sell you the A/Ts out of confusion. Once the tires come in, the guys I've ordered from always seem excited - don't quite know why... Once all is said and done, you may pay as little as $105 m/b (TireRack) or as much as $150 m/b for the 235s. That's what I paid last week to have one replaced. Recall though, I have the 2" HD lift by OME, and some very minor cutting required on the trailing fenderwell, front and rear. Good luck! e | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 798 Registered: 06-2002 |
Alan Foster, How do you like Blacksburg? I actually looked at a job at VT once....I've heard it's a great place to live. I should switch places with your friend in Crozet!! That's where my brother-in-law lives. Do you have any pics of your truck with the 225? I'd like to see how small they look. Thanks for the information Erik. I'm going to price both the Dunlop and BFGs and see which makes the most sense. I love that picture on your profile, BTW!! | ||
| Michael Noe (Noee) Senior Member Username: Noee Post Number: 886 Registered: 03-2002 |
Such a small world (or state I guess), I spend so much time in Waynesboro (and live just outside c'ville, used to live in Crozet), I like the valley, but I like the eastern slopes a little better. FWIW, I have a set of Radial Rover R/Ts, 265/75-16. Very good road tire, very good snow tire, pretty darn good offroad if aired down to 18 or so. Not good in mud. Mine have about 25K hard miles and have a year's worth of tread left give or take. Though soft and thin-walled, I have cuts in all of mine on the side wall, but have never had a leak or flat. So it goes. | ||
| Eric N (Eric_n) Member Username: Eric_n Post Number: 73 Registered: 01-2004 |
Sus, here are two pictures of a 225/75 16 Dunlop RT on a stock sprung Disco. http://www.discoweb.org/area110/rr17.jpg http://www.discoweb.org/area110/c8.jpg I liked the tires though they only did OK in mud. Worked great as a street and snow tire and you could put spikes on them if you wanted to. I still have the tires sitting in my shed and only put about 10,000 miles on them. The ones that were on the front are a little cupped though from my alignment being a little off. | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 48 Registered: 11-2003 |
Susannah, You're in luck, I actually have the pics the seller took when he listed the truck for sale -- are you still interested in them? Should I send them to you directly, or via Discoweb? I like Blacksburg more everyday -- there's no "old money" here, which makes me happy. There is, unfortunately, a general lack of cultural outings, but that's largely attributable to the small population size. My wife and I actually live in Giles county, but work in Blacksburg -- cost of living can't be beat, and there's mountains, the river, the AT, caving, and 'wheeling readily available. | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 1395 Registered: 09-2002 |
Sus - I have BFG ATs on my Wagoneer, and Michelin XPCs on the rovers. AT is way quieter than XPCs ever were, in fact, it is quieter than completely bald XPCs. FWIW, both are made by Michelin. | ||
| Kristopher March (Apexdisco) Senior Member Username: Apexdisco Post Number: 344 Registered: 02-2002 |
I'm also looking for new tires to go with a new OME 2" lift. I found the BF Goodrich� T/A KO - LT225/75R16 @ Sams Club for $118 a piece. I don't know if this includes mount and balance, etc. Are they cheaper anywhere else? | ||
| Eric N (Eric_n) Member Username: Eric_n Post Number: 76 Registered: 01-2004 |
The 225/75s are going to look a little small with a 2 inch lift.. I would get 245/75s or 235/85s with your lift. It will look better and give you a little more clearence under your axles. | ||
| Tim '92 RR (Snowman) Senior Member Username: Snowman Post Number: 699 Registered: 12-2002 |
SSV- I have 225/75/16 BFG's with the stock LR suspension and I believe they look small. Check my profile for a picture. They fit my needs now but really I wish I went a bit bigger. If you want a better picture from the side post the request here and I will send it to you. Oops just noticed you wanted them for your Disco, nevermind! Tim | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 799 Registered: 06-2002 |
Alan, if you could post those pics, I'd love to see. Eric, is that the Green Rover in its younger days?! Tim, thanks for the offer, but yes, the Disco is the one getting new tires! Your RR looks good though! Guess I'm just not into 'BIG MEATS' yet! | ||
| Eric N (Eric_n) Member Username: Eric_n Post Number: 78 Registered: 01-2004 |
yup.. | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 800 Registered: 06-2002 |
Glad to see you are here again! We should all get together and wheel. I haven't talked to Enoch in a while either!! How's the baby?! | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 801 Registered: 06-2002 |
So, Eric, were those size tires on the stock suspension adequate for your trips at that time? | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 49 Registered: 11-2003 |
Sus, here you go:  | ||
| Eric N (Eric_n) Member Username: Eric_n Post Number: 79 Registered: 01-2004 |
Sus, yes 80% of the time that set up did fine for GWNF and places like that. You really don't gain much in height just a little better traction then the stock tires. So you still have to watch out for all the same things you watch out for now. We should get together for some wheeling. I haven't talked to Enoch since Oct. It would be good to get out.. I got plans for the 26th-28th of this month but, after that, with a little notice, I'm pretty much free. So whatever works for you guys. Little baby Heather is doing great. She just turned one on Monday and she has been walking for the last three months. She only says Da Da much to my wifes dismay though. Man, they really do grow up quick.. I'm just glad that I have been lucky enough to stay home with her every day. | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 804 Registered: 06-2002 |
Alan, thanks for posting that pic. Truck looks great! Although I do admit, the tires don't look much different than stock. I'm just really resisting jumping from the 235/70-16 to the 245-75-16 b/c of concerns about steering and suspension being messed up. Eric, You should post some pics! (of baby Heather that is!) That is so awesome that you are able to stay home with her! We have been hitting the Shoe Creek trail near Crabtree Falls some. But haven't made it up to GWNF. I'll see how the next few weeks play out, it may be the first of April before we can get out again. Look forward to it! And hopefully, I'll have better traction!! | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 50 Registered: 11-2003 |
Sus, When I had my D90, I lifted it w/ HD OME, and changed radius arms (did a bunch of other stuff, but it didn't affect geometry) ... then ran Swamper SSRs @ 285/75s -- steering and suspension changes were not anything outlandish (and that's going from a 30.8" tire to a 33"er). I ran 255/85s (BFG MTs) and 275/80 (I think) Buckshots (which were GREAT off-road, but made the truck drive like a 20' yacht with a broken tiller when on the highway); none of them caused suspension issues. On the Disco, you've gotta watch that Rotoflex first and foremost I guess, but that's only w/ suspension mods, and changing the tire size won't affect suspension geometries, just turning radius and power bands. I think going to the 245s won't cause any changes in the drive-ability of the truck. When I upgrade, it'll be to 235/85s ... wish I could afford them now, I'd sell you my 225s! | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 932 Registered: 02-2002 |
Sus, look at the numbers for BFG A/T 235/70-16 9.5" wide 29.1" tall. 245/75-16 9.7" wide 30.6" tall. you'll be fine with the 245s. used them for 2 years on my D1 without any issues. Jaime  | ||
| Eric N (Eric_n) Member Username: Eric_n Post Number: 81 Registered: 01-2004 |
Sus, I could always meet you guys down at Shoe Creek/Crabtree as well.. I have been down there before but, not for a while. So what ever works out for us all at the time. | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 816 Registered: 06-2002 |
Jaime, I think you might be right. I've been going back and forth. If it's that subtle a difference....I'll be better off. The guy who has them now has a 99D1 and said they only rubbed when going off-road. Guess I'll just have to try and see. Eric, that's great! I'll email you when we plan to go up again. I've got a friend in town with a D-90 that missed the last trip and he's itching to go with his new lift/tire/skid plate combination! | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 820 Registered: 06-2002 |
I've decided to get the 245/75-16 BFGs. I think I'll be happy with them in the long run and if I need to do some trimming, we'll make that leap when the time comes! Thanks for everyone's help and to Paul Morgan: I'M GOING BIGGER!!!! | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 933 Registered: 02-2002 |
good choice and I assume the A/Ts. in that same tech area you found before, there is a section called "fender trimming". check it out for some ideas. there also is a write-up somewhere on the KVT trim method which I can't find. possibly in the archives. Jaime  | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 829 Registered: 06-2002 |
Thanks Jaime! I'll post a new pic next week when I put them on! | ||
| Chris W. (Dcwhybrew) Member Username: Dcwhybrew Post Number: 146 Registered: 05-2003 |
Susannah, if you want a bigger tire but don't want to worry about trimming then try the BFG ATs in 245/70-16. I have them on my 96 and I think they're great. I have stock suspension and they rub very slightly when the suspension is really flexed, but they rub just barely - they don't do any damage. They may look ok with a slight/mild lift. I haven't noticed any more noise either. Just an option. Chris | ||
| Michael Noe (Noee) Senior Member Username: Noee Post Number: 891 Registered: 03-2002 |
Not to hijack the thread... Wasn't trail Shoe Creek trail "groomed" last year, meaning, didn't they go in and basically turn it into a forest road, with proper drainage, etc? I'm curious, I've never been, it's so close, it'd be fun to check out. | ||
| Adrian Strata (Adrians) Member Username: Adrians Post Number: 60 Registered: 02-2003 |
I have 245/75 Futura MT's on my 98DI with stock suspension and the power loss was not a big deal. I can still do 75 going up hills on the highway. I get no rubbing when off road (I still have the sway bars). Adrian | ||
| Greg French (Gregfrench) Senior Member Username: Gregfrench Post Number: 718 Registered: 11-2002 |
I had BFG 245/75 AT's on my saggy, stock D1. They rubbed a bit at full articulation, but no major problems. They aren't too good in mud. I am going with the MT's next. I have lots and lots of miles on them, and they still haven't worn out. I travel 250+ miles a week with them. No noise to speak of. It is a good choice. Just the right look for a stock suspension if you ask me. | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 895 Registered: 06-2002 |
Here we are! New tire pics (sorry, they are still clean)!  | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 896 Registered: 06-2002 |
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| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 897 Registered: 06-2002 |
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| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 1169 Registered: 09-2002 |
Sus, Did you trim your rear fender already? Can't tell from the photos. Did you also trim your front bumper caps? Were they rubbing or were you just being cautious? Looks good btw. | ||
| David Kronenfeld (Kronie) New Member Username: Kronie Post Number: 27 Registered: 09-2003 |
Good looking tires Sus! We'll have to head out to Shoe Creek or Big Levels sometime soon. I'm off for Spring Break this week and next, but am looking to make a run Sunday April 25th. Michael- My buddy and I were out at Shoe Creek 2 or 3 weeks ago. While the trail can be done stock its still a lot of fun, there are some parts that a lift and tires would help a ton with though. I'm running 245/75/R16 Dueler M/Ts and an OME HD suspension and only got hung up on one part (cross-axled myself) but was easily able to correct that. | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 898 Registered: 06-2002 |
I haven't trimmed the rear fender yet, I will take her out and see how much it rubs and then do it. I don't want to randomly start cutting up my truck! Alan, I replaced my bumper caps with some that were already trimmed. Enoch gave them to me when I bought the brush guard from him! I did that long before the new tires so that I could have a better approach angle without the front air dam. | ||
| John Cinquegrana (Johnc) Senior Member Username: Johnc Post Number: 646 Registered: 07-2002 |
Sus, you don't have to trim the rear quarter panels. All you need to do is push out the panels using a mending brace. I run the BFG 265/75s on my D1 with HD OME and they do not rub after I pushed out the panels. | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 900 Registered: 06-2002 |
John, can you explain that to me please? Thanks! | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2668 Registered: 02-2002 |
Sus, Deep deep, I am talking waaaaaaaay deep down you know you need big lift. I know that you know that I know you need and desire big lift. Don't put yourself through this stage of denial any longer. It is time for OME to enter your life.  This concludes another session of peer pressure. | ||
| John S. Bleazard (Injun) Member Username: Injun Post Number: 70 Registered: 12-2003 |
Susannah, you will need to trim the rears regardless of off road activity. Have you seen what happens to the quarters when the lugs of an aggressive tire digs in. It will trash the hell out of it. I would suggest you do as John mentioned above and do the rear fender relocation mod as soon as absolutely possible. Its cheap and you dont have to drink a 6pack to overcome the fear of cutting. Details are in the tech section as "rear fender location" i think. Or cut the fender. All it takes is a quick approach up a steep driveway and you have mangled the quarter pannels. Thats my advice based on absolutely no experience. Just my paranoia and concern to prevent things from happening before they do. I just got my OME HD and 245.75.16 MTRs last week and plan on the installation this week, so I am in the same boat you are as well. | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 901 Registered: 06-2002 |
I'll check into it John, but my driveway IS steep and I haven't had any trouble so far... Paul, you crack me up. Keep it coming....I'm making slow and steady progress.....I asked for Hellas and some Pelican cases for my birthday. | ||
| Leigh Mikolajczyk (Leigh_m) Member Username: Leigh_m Post Number: 95 Registered: 01-2004 |
I am looking at a new set of BFG's What should I go with the 245/75/16 or 225/75/16 I would like a little more tire on my stock sprung 1994 Disco but do not see a lift in the near future. | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2669 Registered: 02-2002 |
Sus, Those Hellas will get you nowhere if your tires can't stuff. Ivan...is that his name? Ivan needs to have the OME fairy drop a little bit of happiness under your pillow. | ||
| Kristopher March (Apexdisco) Senior Member Username: Apexdisco Post Number: 395 Registered: 02-2002 |
Susannah, Which size did you go with? 245 75/R16 BFG A/Ts ? | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 902 Registered: 06-2002 |
Yes Kristopher, 245/75-16 BFG A/T KO. Paul....you are so bad. Did you buy your wife a lift?! For right now, OME will have to wait....and I don't offroad enough to justify having it yet. Soon, soon enough.... |
