Aside from longer braking distances and a more top-heavy feel, what other compromises would this build bring if one were moving up from an I5 Adventure on 35's? Once you get the spring an shock rates ironed out that is. Does this SA setup have a better ride than a typical JKU on similar tires? Does the 5.13 gearing start to get too harsh on and off the gas or would a 4.88 be a better compromise?
I will give my opinion and CJ can give his but to be honest I dont think the braking is much worse then before. I dont really feel the difference between 35s and 37s in braking. If I do feel it its minimal. The H3 brakes are better then JK and TJ brakes without a doubt. My brothers JK brakes suck so after the SAS I dont think the braking will even be on your mind. Remember CJs, mine and Genos SAS 3(T)s are all running stock brakes in favor of the old school blazer brakes.
Ride quality is better then a torsion bar cranked H3 IMO. I do have some more body roll then before but I think thats mainly because my shocks have wayyyy to much rebound and not nearly enough compression. Which I plan on getting them revalved during my down time with the motor.
Steering feel is still good. The only that that sucks is turning radius. Its not as good as stock. I think it can be improved though. The tires rub against the control arms before full crank so you lose some turning radius. If you got bent control arms like the JK ones do that bend inwards where your tire would hit then that would help with turning radius.
Lastly, food for thought. I still daily drive mine and after this motor blew up I have people telling me get a small DD, to be honest. I dont want one I enjoy driving the H3 everyday even with the SAS. I have gone on many road trips with it too. I drove it to vegas. (500 mile round trip) with no issues and I didnt feel uncomfortable either and many 100-200 mile trips frequently. I have already logged almost 9k miles on my SAS, its hard to believe!!!
****ty part is I still havent even gotten to fully test it out off road yet. :shame:I have gone on many wheeling trips but I still feel like I need more time behind the wheel to learn how it full reacts. Thats the one downside. I learned how to drive my rancho H3 really well after years and years of driving it. Now I have to relearn it all because its a whole new animal. Before my vehicle was my limit in off road capability. Currently my driving skill is my limitation.
