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Lifted my 20’ G550 with a 1.5” H&R spring lift and installed 285/55/20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers (listed as 32.6” by Discount Tire, these tires run large). Added 0.85” to ground clearance and 2.35” to overall height.
Made my modifications in efforts to improve ability off-road. Below are the stats, along with those of a Rubicon as a benchmark.
The Rubicon still has the upper hand in approach and departure angles but even the stock G has it beat in break over angle. I’ve posted video on this forum from a reviewer in Spain who hung up a Rubicon cresting a hill climb that the stock G cleared without incident.
I really like how it turned out. I like the proportions of the tire/wheel/fender space/vehicle body size. Nothing looks out of place or disproportionate. I think I’ve captured the proportions of the original G, as it had a taller/narrower body as opposed to the current G which is as tall, but wider making it appear not as tall overall.
Just like the perfect proportions of the Vatican, pictures don’t do it justice. It looks so much more aggressive and imposing in person.
As for the ride; I absolutely adore it. I’ll explain. My first G was a 16’ G63. It leaned and swayed and drove like a truck and that was very much part of its charm. The 20’ G is much more tame. I’d liken its ride more to a GLE than the original G. Now with the lift, the personality and charm is back! I know it’s not for everyone, it’s not even for most, but it’s for me.
Next to my wife’s Q5
Last edited by BCMgunner; May 2, 2020 at 12:10 AM.
Lifted my 20’ G550 with a 1.5” H&R spring lift and installed 285/55/20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers (listed as 32.6” by Discount Tire, these tires run large). Added 0.85” to ground clearance and 2.35” to overall height.
Made my modifications in efforts to improve ability off-road. Below are the stats, along with those of a Rubicon as a benchmark.
The Rubicon still has the upper hand in approach and departure angles but even the stock G has it beat in break over angle. I’ve posted video on this forum from a reviewer in Spain who hung up a Rubicon cresting a hill climb that the stock G cleared without incident.
I think my mods are perfect (biased, I know). I think I nailed the proportions of tire/wheel/fender space/vehicle body size just right. Nothing looks out of place or disproportionate. I think I’ve captured the proportions of the original G, as it had a taller/narrower body as opposed to the current G which is as tall, but wider making it appear not as tall overall.
Just like the perfect proportions of the Vatican, pictures don’t do it justice. It looks so much more aggressive and imposing in person.
As for the ride; I absolutely adore it. “Adore” is an odd word for it but I’ll explain. My first G was a 16’ G63. It leaned and swayed and drove like a truck and that was very much part of its charm. The 20’ G is much more tame. I’d liken its ride more to a GLE than the original G. Now with the lift, the personality and charm is back! I know it’s not for everyone, it’s not even for mostly, but it’s for me.
Awesome Truck! How does the H&R springs feel? Are they smoother that stock? I would not like a harsh ride.
Not harsh at all! More “fluid” I’d say. Absorbs bumps even better. Though this perception, with E rated tires, has a lot to do with the tire pressure you are running. Im running mine a little tight at 42psi. As I’ve mentioned above there is more notable sway side to side. can say from experience that this lateral sway is very similar to a Pre-2018 G63 amount is sway.
I like it, just the way I like the way 2820G63 lowered his! I guess it is hard to screw one of these up! And it appears those are the stock wheels, right?
Stock height is listed at 6’ 5.4”, with the 2.35” of lift I’m right under 6’ 8”. Close for the 7” garages I’m in and out for work, but still good to go.
These are the stock all black 20” AMG wheels that come with the G550 AMG Night Package.
I do miss my 16’ G63! Such an entertaining truck to zip around town. If anyone remembers, a few years ago Motor Trend did a head to head of a C7 Corvette Z06 vs. the Viper ACR and the G63 won!! It wasn’t even a contestant, it was the support vehicle for the filming and they gave it the win! Crazy; so true though.
If it wasn’t for the added back seat room and the extra safety tech, I’d go back to my 16’ G63. Baby on the way, so have to prioritize.
Last edited by BCMgunner; May 2, 2020 at 12:59 PM.
There is no way a C7 Z06 would lose to a G63. Somebody was sandbagging.
I was thinking the same, and no way the Viper ACR would lose either...I know that first hand as I was really into them for years - had 6 different ones. Anyway, I will try to find the article since I need to read it to believe it, and even then I will be doubtful.
I was thinking the same, and no way the Viper ACR would lose either...I know that first hand as I was really into them for years - had 6 different ones. Anyway, I will try to find the article since I need to read it to believe it, and even then I will be doubtful.
Motortrend Head2Head Episode 72.
It was a light hearted comment by Johnny Lieberman. He said it was much more fun around town.
In the last scene Johnny Lieberman and Jason Cammisa are supposed to pick which they’d take home, the Z06 or ACR. They walk away from both and speed off in a G63.
Very few people have driven as many cars as Johnny and Jason have, let alone have people pay for their opinions.
Ive never driven a Vette or Viper, but I’ve owned a few 911s, including a manual 4.0 liter GT3. I know what a fun car is. The 16’ G63 is a fun car.
Last edited by BCMgunner; May 2, 2020 at 10:26 PM.
I have a 911 Targa GTS now, which I was out in for a couple hours today with the top down - sunny, warm, low humidity, etc. and the ride along the beach was divine. As much as I look forward to getting the G there is no way in the world I would pick it today if I had it now. And I would pick the Viper, and possibly the Vette over the G as well, if their tops went down! There is a time and place for every vehicle and that is why I want a sports car and SUV but they are not interchangeable.
Bob, this is the last I’ll say about it because we are all entitled to our opinions, but feel like I should explain a little more where Johnny and Jason and I are coming from.
They didn’t say the G was a better sports car than the Z06/ACR. That’s just not a credible statement.
They said it was more enjoyable around town and in daily tasks and therefore the one they’d take home.
The past G63 combined 563 ft/lb of torque with a high center of gravity and soft suspension.
What that provided was a vehicle that swayed side to side and almost felt like it was going to tip over if tight turn was taken to fast. It reared back when you stomped on the gas. The engine still sounds great, albeit not a Z06/ACR. You have the perception you’re having a wild ride on the edge even though you’re doing 30-45 mph around town. That’s its’ charm.
I didn’t say this, Johnnys and Jason said it. Having actually owned and driven one, I’d agree.
FWIW, Lieberman, and Motortrend, loved the past G. The G63 won outright in Head2Heads against a Supercharged Range Rover (even though he admits the Range Rover is a better SUV on paper). The G65 beat a full custom ICON build on another episode of H2H and then they imply that the G550 4x4 would have won in the Bentayga vs. Model X H2H.
Oh, and the current G550 beat the Rubicon in its own Motortrend Head2Head. (Lieberman getting some air).
Last edited by BCMgunner; May 3, 2020 at 06:35 AM.
One annoying thing on the 16 G63 and (others) is the delay in accelerating especially in the sport mode whenever the you stomp on the gas pedal.
Agree, considerable throttle lag.
This thread is meant to be about the improved approach/Departure/Breakover Angles and ground clearance with the most common lift available for the current G and upsized tires.
It was a light hearted comment by Johnny Lieberman. He said it was much more fun around town.
In the last scene Johnny Lieberman and Jason Cammisa are supposed to pick which they’d take home, the Z06 or ACR. They walk away from both and speed off in a G63.
Very few people have driven as many cars as Johnny and Jason have, let alone have people pay for their opinions.
Ive never driven a Vette or Viper, but I’ve owned a few 911s, including a manual 4.0 liter GT3. I know what a fun car is. The 16’ G63 is a fun car.
I've owned 4 Corvettes and tracked them all on raceways in the West, including a 505 HP C6 Z06. The G would get the hole shot for sure in a 1/4 mile drag race. A C7 Z06 would win in by the 1/8th w/out a doubt. For Motortrend to say or imply the G is faster is brought to you by advertising dollars.
I've owned 4 Corvettes and tracked them all on raceways in the West, including a 505 HP C6 Z06. The G would get the hole shot for sure in a 1/4 mile drag race. A C7 Z06 would win in by the 1/8th w/out a doubt. For Motortrend to say or imply the G is faster is brought to you by advertising dollars.
Please refer to MT episode. They did not even imply the G was faster. That would be an absurd claim that only the entirely naive would believe. They stated it was the one they would pick for “daily fun factor”.
I've owned 4 Corvettes and tracked them all on raceways in the West, including a 505 HP C6 Z06. The G would get the hole shot for sure in a 1/4 mile drag race. A C7 Z06 would win in by the 1/8th w/out a doubt. For Motortrend to say or imply the G is faster is brought to you by advertising dollars.
Please refer to MT episode. They did not even imply the G was faster. That would be an absurd claim that only the entirely naive would believe. They stated it was the one they would pick for “daily fun factor”.
No, it does not. I specifically ordered mine without adaptive suspension so that I could lift it.
was just about to ask the same thing. i guess those with adaptive suspension will have error codes thrown all over the place if they life their truck?
i have adaptive on my 550. i've been considering a lift but havent really done the research yet.
by the way your truck looks incredible.i wished i had the all black night pack wheels now. i have the 'regular' bi color night pack wheels on my white 550.
You can lift the adaptive suspension, it just requires a different lift. LeTech and Brabus make them, but I'm pretty sure the Brabus kit is just a rebranded LeTech (50mm ~2" lift). You reuse the factory strut, and replace the spring and add a new adjustable collar. New springs with factory shocks in the back. Rides great.
OP, good looking truck. Do you have any tire rub? I've got a little with 33x12.50r22 on the factory wheels, but I added a 31mm wheel spacer. It rubs just a bit at the front inside fender liner. Might cut the liner out some, or just see if a narrower spacer brings it in enough to clear.
You can lift the adaptive suspension, it just requires a different lift. LeTech and Brabus make them, but I'm pretty sure the Brabus kit is just a rebranded LeTech (50mm ~2" lift). You reuse the factory strut, and replace the spring and add a new adjustable collar. New springs with factory shocks in the back. Rides great.
OP, good looking truck. Do you have any tire rub? I've got a little with 33x12.50r22 on the factory wheels, but I added a 31mm wheel spacer. It rubs just a bit at the front inside fender liner. Might cut the liner out some, or just see if a narrower spacer brings it in enough to clear.
Do you think a heat gun would work instead of cutting the fender? I’m gonna to put 295/55/20 on mine next week. No lift, only 31mm spacers
You can lift the adaptive suspension, it just requires a different lift. LeTech and Brabus make them, but I'm pretty sure the Brabus kit is just a rebranded LeTech (50mm ~2" lift). You reuse the factory strut, and replace the spring and add a new adjustable collar. New springs with factory shocks in the back. Rides great.
OP, good looking truck. Do you have any tire rub? I've got a little with 33x12.50r22 on the factory wheels, but I added a 31mm wheel spacer. It rubs just a bit at the front inside fender liner. Might cut the liner out some, or just see if a narrower spacer brings it in enough to clear.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
