2.5" Eibach lift, Owl Rocksliders and Roof rack installed!

[Nevada Grenadier]

Got the 2.5" Lift, Owl Roof rack and Sliders installed yesterday.

I have a fun story about Owl. On our first trip with the Gren we are driving from Las Vegas to the Reno area, We stop for gas in Beatty NV. We go in for snacks and a rest stop. As we walk back to the Gren the guy on the other side of the Grenadier asks me if its ours and I say Yeah. He goes you should check out Owl vans stuff they have for the Grenadier. I am like bro I know all about Owl, then I notice the Owl company shirt and stickers on the "Cough" Toyota pickup and offroad Trailer. On our first trip I run into a Owl vans employee in the middle of nowhere Nevada. On his way to go Overlanding on his free time. So then I get real excited and go full on fan girl for a few minutes. Because we had already decided on Owl roof rack and Rock sliders. So this just felt preordained. Next we are going to get some 285/75/R17 Goodyear DuraTracs.

 

[bikesandguitars]

Did they mention anything about the driveshaft with the lift? Hoping they’re working on a mod.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

Did they mention anything about the driveshaft with the lift? Hoping they’re working on a mod.

We were all wondering a nice way to do that - but you just jumped right in and did it - no prep or prelude.

 

[Nevada Grenadier]

Did they mention anything about the driveshaft with the lift? Hoping they’re working on a mod.

No and I didn't ask. I know its a problem. I assume any drive shaft shop can build a custom driveshaft? They are breaking on stock Grenadiers as well as lifted trucks, long term they are a problem on jeeps too. It is what it is and I'll get a custom one made soon either way. Lots of great cars and trucks have a week spot that gets addressed in the aftermarket. This is a project car for me. I could leave it stock and it would do everything I want it to. I like modifying vehicles, its fun!

 

[Nevada Grenadier]

We were all wondering a nice way to do that - but you just jumped right in and did it - no prep or prelude.

I hope we all can handle a simple question without getting butt hurt (no lube see what I did there?). I assume most everyone here is kind of an enthusiast and are aware or common issues and problems.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

I hope we all can handle a simple question without getting butt hurt (no lube see what I did there?). I assume most everyone here is kind of an enthusiast and are aware or common issues and problems.

I was being sarcastic - it was a fair question for you to ask a new owner

 

[Nevada Grenadier]

I was being sarcastic - it was a fair question for you to ask a new owner

Yeah I thought it was funny sorry if I came off wrong!

 

[C-Mack]

This thread brings up a good point though. Any shop or aftermarket vendor which keeps their customer fully informed (being honest) about the pros & cons of their modifications would be worth building a long term relationship with. Making the customer aware of likely issues such as with a suspension lift and the added driveline maintenance or wear it may create would be the responsible thing to do.

The aftermarket industry has always been quick to leverage the excitement and emotions of customers who want the next big thing or toys added to their rig so long as it results in a sale. Finding a vendor willing to work with you as a partner and is concerned about the long term well being of your project is worth taking the time to find. After all, you would think this would only work in the vendors favor as you’ll trust their expertise and make additional purchases down the road based on that trust.

 

[bikesandguitars]

I actually removed my Eibach lift before a recent off-road trip out of an abundance of caution. But I’ve seen video of other owners with lifts taking on off-road trails with no problems. I guess it’s a crap shoot… I definitely miss the lift. I liked the ride better with the lift installed.

 

[C-Mack]

I actually removed my Eibach lift before a recent off-road trip out of an abundance of caution. But I’ve seen video of other owners with lifts taking on off-road trails with no problems. I guess it’s a crap shoot… I definitely miss the lift. I liked the ride better with the lift installed.

I like your cautious minded approach… most owners would not sacrifice the look of their lifted vehicle for an extra margin of reliability well done! I’ve installed many lifts on vehicles over the years and they all have compromises of one sort or another. If your rig is mainly for off-road then a lift and heavier rated springs for carrying an extra load make a ton of sense. Personally, I’ve got to a point where my vehicles usually end up on the road 95% of the time and I eventually got tired of the compromises in handing and ride quality so near-to-stock works best for me but that’s just my specific use scenario currently. I guess one upside is I get to keep a little extra money in my pocket for other functional mods so it’s all good in the end.

 

[Tom109]

The aftermarket industry has always been quick to leverage the excitement and emotions of customers who want the next big thing or toys added to their rig so long as it results in a sale.

Unfortunately, this is very true.

 

[bikesandguitars]

I like your cautious minded approach… most owners would not sacrifice the look of their vehicle with a lift for an extra margin of reliability well done! I’ve installed many lifts on vehicles over the years and they all have compromises of one sort or another. If your rig is mainly for off-road then a lift and heavier rated springs for carrying an extra load make a ton of sense. Personally, I’ve got to a point where my vehicles usually end up on the road 95% of the time and I eventually got tired of the compromises in handing and ride quality so near-to-stock works best for now me but that’s just my specific use scenario currently. I guess one upside is I get to keep a little extra money in my pocket for other functional mods so it’s all good in the end.

I took the un-lifted Grenadier to Moab in the spring and suffered a crushed tailpipe and some minor skid plate scrapes. No big deal. It was still a very, very capable vehicle. But another inch or two ride height would sure be nice! After that trip, I lifted my Grenadier.

I was looking forward to taking the lifted Grenadier back to Moab. ( I actually prefer the ride height and handling when it’s lifted.) I had a service appointment at the dealer the week prior to the trip to swap out engine and axle oils. While at the dealer, I found out that they had a lifted Grenadier in the shop that had suffered a broken driveshaft. Ineos had asked that the dealer send the parts back to them so they could do their own post-mortem.

In my experience with other makes and lifts, the 2.5” lift is the limit where further modifications are strongly recommended. After consulting with the Ineos service team and my local 4x4 shop, I decided that it’s best to stay at spec until both OEM and after market parts are more readily available.

However, I will say that, if YouTube is a reliable source, it appears that the 2.5” lifts are mostly reliable. I’ve communicated with a few content creators with lifted vehicles being pushed to the limits of articulation that have not reported any problems - yet.

 

[Nevada Grenadier]

I took the un-lifted Grenadier to Moab in the spring and suffered a crushed tailpipe and some minor skid plate scrapes. No big deal. It was still a very, very capable vehicle. But another inch or two ride height would sure be nice! After that trip, I lifted my Grenadier.

I was looking forward to taking the lifted Grenadier back to Moab. ( I actually prefer the ride height and handling when it’s lifted.) I had a service appointment at the dealer the week prior to the trip to swap out engine and axle oils. While at the dealer, I found out that they had a lifted Grenadier in the shop that had suffered a broken driveshaft. Ineos had asked that the dealer send the parts back to them so they could do their own post-mortem.

In my experience with other makes and lifts, the 2.5” lift is the limit where further modifications are strongly recommended. After consulting with the Ineos service team and my local 4x4 shop, I decided that it’s best to stay at spec until both OEM and after market parts are more readily available.

However, I will say that, if YouTube is a reliable source, it appears that the 2.5” lifts are mostly reliable. I’ve communicated with a few content creators with lifted vehicles being pushed to the limits of articulation that have not reported any problems - yet.

Other non lifted trucks are also suffering drive shaft failures, The lift can definitely exacerbate the problem but I think the drive shaft fundamentally is the problem not the lift.

 

[Nevada Grenadier]

This thread brings up a good point though. Any shop or aftermarket vendor which keeps their customer fully informed (being honest) about the pros & cons of their modifications would be worth building a long term relationship with. Making the customer aware of likely issues such as with a suspension lift and the added driveline maintenance or wear it may create would be the responsible thing to do.

The aftermarket industry has always been quick to leverage the excitement and emotions of customers who want the next big thing or toys added to their rig so long as it results in a sale. Finding a vendor willing to work with you as a partner and is concerned about the long term well being of your project is worth taking the time to find. After all, you would think this would only work in the vendors favor as you’ll trust their expertise and make additional purchases down the road based on that trust.

I think making customers aware of potential problems associated with modifications is good, but I dislike shops pushing "extras". I do my own research and I do not like upselling. That said Owl has been great and I have had more then a few conversations with them over the phone discussing future modifications.

 

[C-Mack]

I think making customers aware of potential problems associated with modifications is good, but I dislike shops pushing "extras". I do my own research and I do not like upselling. That said Owl has been great and I have had more then a few conversations with them over the phone discussing future modifications.

Perfect, then you’ve done the right thing and found a vendor you can have direct/honest conversations with about your mods and goals so stick with them and happy motoring!

 

[LouisO]

Got the 2.5" Lift, Owl Roof rack and Sliders installed yesterday.

I have a fun story about Owl. On our first trip with the Gren we are driving from Las Vegas to the Reno area, We stop for gas in Beatty NV. We go in for snacks and a rest stop. As we walk back to the Gren the guy on the other side of the Grenadier asks me if its ours and I say Yeah. He goes you should check out Owl vans stuff they have for the Grenadier. I am like bro I know all about Owl, then I notice the Owl company shirt and stickers on the "Cough" Toyota pickup and offroad Trailer. On our first trip I run into a Owl vans employee in the middle of nowhere Nevada. On his way to go Overlanding on his free time. So then I get real excited and go full on fan girl for a few minutes. Because we had already decided on Owl roof rack and Rock sliders. So this just felt preordained. Next we are going to get some 285/75/R17 Goodyear DuraTracs.


View attachment 7876685

Looks great! I just put the owl step sliders on. I really like the look of the rack, wondering how you clean under it?

 

[Nevada Grenadier]

Looks great! I just put the owl step sliders on. I really like the look of the rack, wondering how you clean under it?

The top panels are removable, but if I am being honest that wont happen very often...

 

[Dus10R]

I guess my question is answered. I was crawling around under the Gren. Inspecting stuff and noticed the drive shaft connection and how small the diameter is. My first thought was why would they make this thing so beefy everywhere and then have the driveshaft ends so small. Then I thought that maybe they used Solid Round Bar? But just looking at it, it definitely appears to be a weak link. Guess it is…

 

[Nevada Grenadier]

I guess my question is answered. I was crawling around under the Gren. Inspecting stuff and noticed the drive shaft connection and how small the diameter is. My first thought was why would they make this thing so beefy everywhere and then have the driveshaft ends so small. Then I thought that maybe they used Solid Round Bar? But just looking at it, it definitely appears to be a weak link. Guess it is…

The driveshaft is strong, what happens is the angle of the driveshaft maybe be causing the rubber boot to tear causing the CV joint to fail.

 

[Kaj]

Got the 2.5" Lift, Owl Roof rack and Sliders installed yesterday.

I have a fun story about Owl. On our first trip with the Gren we are driving from Las Vegas to the Reno area, We stop for gas in Beatty NV. We go in for snacks and a rest stop. As we walk back to the Gren the guy on the other side of the Grenadier asks me if its ours and I say Yeah. He goes you should check out Owl vans stuff they have for the Grenadier. I am like bro I know all about Owl, then I notice the Owl company shirt and stickers on the "Cough" Toyota pickup and offroad Trailer. On our first trip I run into a Owl vans employee in the middle of nowhere Nevada. On his way to go Overlanding on his free time. So then I get real excited and go full on fan girl for a few minutes. Because we had already decided on Owl roof rack and Rock sliders. So this just felt preordained. Next we are going to get some 285/75/R17 Goodyear DuraTracs.


View attachment 7876685

How are you enjoying the Owl roof rack and have you looked at adding accessories like a roof top tent and awning to it? When i asked the Owl guys about this they had said their rack was designed more to ratchet strap down items rather than mount accessories on crossbars, like the Leitner rack. I’m a big fan of how the Owl rack looks, but wondering if it will limit what I am able to do with it as the tent and awning are high on my list!