94-99 Sportage advice

[*bob*]

Hey guys, im deciding to get a Sportage 94-99 model and need to know a few things.
1st is... i am putting a lift kit on it but want to know whats the best way to go? ive seen the 60mm Suspension lifts and the 3" body lifts.. the body lift is straight forward but is it worth it?
with the suspension lift.. will i need to change shockies and mess around with drive shafts etc?
All i want to fit on it is either 30-31" tyres so yeah i need help on what one to do?
I will be customising the front bumper either way so thats not a problem

Another thing, How good are these sportage's off road? Like power wise etc with the 31" tyres on it?
Cheers for all ya help in advance
Bob

[Sportege]

see got lift?. pretty sure that's proper spell. Anyway The guy from that site said you'll need longer shocks to support a lift. He mentioned to me you can use Toyota Rav 4 shocks. There's some other tips I can't remember. as for 4x4'n my 01 goes anywhere. See youtube search: "panicmech". Unfortunately the front and rear diff's are open so the power will go to the tire with less traction. So these don't do well highcentered on hard icy almost snow.. soft snow, great! dirt, great! general mountain climing, the best! I plan to lift mine soon. Want to go with 30x9.5x15's. Found a guy with an older ford w/ aftermarket wheels (chrome). He doesn't care what he's rolling on and I want them for the offset, makes the tires stick out better. My chains wif'd the shocks on the rear last winter on 225/70/15's so I don't think you can go bigger than 235/75/15 on stock kia wheels due to the offset.

[dplum]

I've got an '01 2dr that I'd like to put larger tires on. I tried wheels from an older model jeep and ford, and they didn't fit. Does anyone know what year "older ford" wheel will fit the kia?
Thanks

[Baratacus]

Use Samurai wheels. The bolt patern is 5 lug with 5.5 inch patern. (thats 139.7 metric) IF you go with a zero offset it will place the edge of your wheels about an inch past your fender. Looks very aggressive and has a wide stance for extra stability. If you have a 4x4, then the ford wheels may not have room for the locking hubs. I know that the center hole is too small for my Samurai hubs.
Here's a list of ford bolt patterns Ford 2 - Vehicle Bolt Pattern Reference

look for the 5x139.7

[dplum]

Thank you! That is the problem on my 4x4. The center hole is too small and the lug pattern was smaller than the old ford wheels ... who'd a thunk it
I'll check around for some older samurai wheels. Thanks for the help!

[upyourkia]

If you want to lift it and use 30x9.50's a 3" lift will work. The got lift? lift kit includes front strut spacers, sway bar extension couplings, rear bump stops, and rear shock grommets. To lift your Sporty in the rear, buy Jeep TJ 104AA rear springs for a 3" lift, or, Jeep TJ 106AA rear springs for 4 inches of lift. Gabriel ProGuard 1999 RAV4 rear shocks work well for either lift. You may have to put in some spring retainers to keep the springs in under full articulation.
As far as wheels, STOCK Ford p/u or Bronco 5 on 5.5" bolt pattern wheels have to have the center hole machined out. Most aftermarket center holes are big enough but check first.
Good luck with your project and contact me if you have any specific questions.

UPYOURKIA
everet@upyourkia.com