Lifted X5

[JCL]

Originally Posted by neockder

It has a unibody, and is basically a big car. Not exactly designed for offroad, but that doesn't mean you can't make it look like it is.

It doesn't even have a transfer case! Some of the things that bummed me out when getting mine. Coming from someone that's had 10 jeeps

Sure it does. Otherwise, all those who are replacing their transfer case fluid wouldn't know which compartment to drain and fill.

It doesn't have a two-speed transfer case like your Jeeps likely did.

You know that the transfer case in the E53 (NV125) was made by New Venture, a Chrysler/Jeep and GM joint venture company? Same company that built the transfer cases used in Jeep Command Trac, Selec-Trac, Quadra-Trac, and Quadra Drive systems? Just a historical tidbit.

Agree fully that you don't want to take a unibody X5 off road. The Paris Dakar racers that get referenced frequently were full race vehicles, with look-alike X5 bodywork over a custom chassis.

[neockder]

Originally Posted by JCL

Sure it does. Otherwise, all those who are replacing their transfer case fluid wouldn't know which compartment to drain and fill.

It doesn't have a two-speed transfer case like your Jeeps likely did.

You know that the transfer case in the E53 (NV125) was made by New Venture, a Chrysler/Jeep and GM joint venture company? Same company that built the transfer cases used in Jeep Command Trac, Selec-Trac, Quadra-Trac, and Quadra Drive systems? Just a historical tidbit.

Agree fully that you don't want to take a unibody X5 off road. The Paris Dakar racers that get referenced frequently were full race vehicles, with look-alike X5 bodywork over a custom chassis.

Well at least someone was listening
Actually.. NP/NV was bought out in early 2000s, and quite literally driven into the ground. In my opinion the np242 was the best case ever made, aside from some pricey Atlas wonders.

Back to 4Wheeling an X5..

If you don't mind destroying it, you could make a decent rig. Put some coil overs and solid axles under it; you've got a great start. You'll need a head on your shoulders or lots of cash to burn to pull it off.

Unibody rigs are actually known to wheel well, given how they flex. And flex is what they do, don't plan on clean body lines anymore.

Or, since it probably won't see any trails anyway, you could get some 2" coil spacers and call it a day

[nom3rcy]

You don't need solid axles to do well off-road - unless you want to do some serious bouldering.

When I ran the rubicon we were with someone who had an ML320 with a mild lift and large tires and he could run most of the same obstacles we did in our lifted CJ7s, and he made it to camp with us too. I'd call that capable and I'm sure an X5 outfitted in a similar fashion could do just as well.

Here's a pic of my X5 now with some 18s and snow tires - they look like serious off road rubber and I bet I could get into a lot of trouble with this thing before getting stuck.

[GOFAST GUY]

Does anyone have a link and a little more instruction as to lifting the X5 2"s? Do the rear airbags compensate to level the vehicle again? I'm game to start look'n for new tires to fit on my winter 18" rims.
This is gonna be a wicked winter yet!!! I'm excited now. LOL

[TriX5]

Nom3rcy, LOVE those Rims! Wow. Any more pictures?

[nom3rcy]

I ordered some spacers for the rear - once those get here and I get a chance I'll take all sorts of pics

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by GOFAST GUY

Does anyone have a link and a little more instruction as to lifting the X5 2"s? Do the rear airbags compensate to level the vehicle again? I'm game to start look'n for new tires to fit on my winter 18" rims.
This is gonna be a wicked winter yet!!! I'm excited now. LOL

No such kit/parts exists yet... unfortunately.

[GOFAST GUY]

Originally Posted by nom3rcy

I ordered some spacers for the rear - once those get here and I get a chance I'll take all sorts of pics

What is the name of the company you're getting the spacers from? So far I haven't been able to find anything anywhere.

Are these spacers something that can be made? I have access to machines (lathes, milling machines etc.) that could probably crank out something like this if I know where they go and what's involved in putting them in.

[cfmistry]

Originally Posted by GOFAST GUY

What is the name of the company you're getting the spacers from? So far I haven't been able to find anything anywhere.

Are these spacers something that can be made? I have access to machines (lathes, milling machines etc.) that could probably crank out something like this if I know where they go and what's involved in putting them in.

I believe the spacers he is talking about are wheel spacers - you can find them on ECS (I think TireRack might have them also), typically made by H&R. And if I'm correct, you're referring to body spacers that the off-road guys use - to my knowledge nobody has made these.

-Cyrus

[GOFAST GUY]

I'm come'n up short everywhere. The best tire i could find is a Nokian Hakkapeliitta 285/60/R18. It's got an amazing tread design.
My roommate has got the winter version (275 front/ 315 rear) tires to the summer 20s on her 4.8is and she has no problem with winter driving anywhere. I wish these vehicles were more modular for all kinds of applications.