Johnson Rods vs Proud Rhino

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

DonMitsu

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2011
Posts
167
Reaction score
80
I'm not sure if enough lifted Defenders exist in the wild for an informed opinion, but I'll ask anyway. I'm trying to decide which lift rods to get. The Johnson Rods only lift 1.5" and when I inquired I was told this was done to preserve suspension travel off road and handling characteristics on road. The Proud Rhino is a 2" lift and IMO looks better. I certainly want to minimize any deterioration of capability either off or on road, but I'm torn as to which I should use (quite frankly I'm tempted to buy both and switch them off and see if I can tell a difference in how they drive on/off road. Does anyone have any other feelings or thoughts?
 

DonC

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Posts
99
Reaction score
62
Location
The Woodlands, TX, US
When you see Laura S next time ask her about her the problem she ran into with the johnson rods. That might be enough to sway you to the PRs.
 

Troy A

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2019
Posts
348
Reaction score
253
Location
San Francisco, CA
Hey [mention]DonMitsu [/mention] they just spent how many hundred million engineering that vehicle to run at that height? Why would you REDUCE its handling capability on-road by INCREASING its center of gravity. On the highway, if anything you'd want to lower it. Why not just go with something like a LLAMS controller or IID Tool. I personally can't fathom why anybody would drive at highway speed with a lift like that. Puddling around town, looking cool? Sure - highway speed? No, you're reducing the vehicle's effectiveness (at least to some degree) in high speed avoidance maneuvers. And you don't need to look cooler at 70mph.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

DonMitsu

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2011
Posts
167
Reaction score
80
LOL, thank you for your input. There is no IID tool for these trucks. We like the appearance, the higher seating position, and the additional clearance for larger tires. Our LR4 with a 2" lift and larger tires has never disappointed us in highway performance, if I wanted a vehicle for high speed maneuverability, I would chose a car designed for high speed maneuverability. I hope that answers your question
 

Troy A

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2019
Posts
348
Reaction score
253
Location
San Francisco, CA
LOL, thank you for your input. There is no IID tool for these trucks. We like the appearance, the higher seating position, and the additional clearance for larger tires. Our LR4 with a 2" lift and larger tires has never disappointed us in highway performance, if I wanted a vehicle for high speed maneuverability, I would chose a car designed for high speed maneuverability. I hope that answers your question
Definitely does although I think the whole “use a lift in order to fit bigger tires issue” has been put to bed many times in this forum. I also thought GAP said they were working on an update. Anyway, was just curious. Thanks for the answer!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ABColo

Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2016
Posts
7
Reaction score
7
I've run PR on an LR3 and my current RRS, on and offroad. Never had an issue at all. Just get an alignment after installing them and head to the hills!
 

ar077

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2019
Posts
135
Reaction score
62
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Hey [mention]DonMitsu [/mention] they just spent how many hundred million engineering that vehicle to run at that height? Why would you REDUCE its handling capability on-road by INCREASING its center of gravity. On the highway, if anything you'd want to lower it. Why not just go with something like a LLAMS controller or IID Tool. I personally can't fathom why anybody would drive at highway speed with a lift like that. Puddling around town, looking cool? Sure - highway speed? No, you're reducing the vehicle's effectiveness (at least to some degree) in high speed avoidance maneuvers. And you don't need to look cooler at 70mph.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Absolutely right! Raising the CG adversely affects handling and maneuverability on surface streets and highways (>90% of my driving). I wanted off-road tires on my D5 but opted for the largest tire/wheel combination that would fit without having to install a lift.
 

SkyTree

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2020
Posts
53
Reaction score
46
Location
Southern California
When you see Laura S next time ask her about her the problem she ran into with the johnson rods. That might be enough to sway you to the PRs.

Could you elaborate on this more, Don?
I can't seem to find any reference to what happened.

SkyTree
 

DonC

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Posts
99
Reaction score
62
Location
The Woodlands, TX, US
Could you elaborate on this more, Don?
I can't seem to find any reference to what happened.

SkyTree
I guess it would be ok. Hers had rusted through and broken off only after a few years. She does not live in a city where they have salt on the road so that was not a contributing factor.
 

SkyTree

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2020
Posts
53
Reaction score
46
Location
Southern California
I guess it would be ok. Hers had rusted through and broken off only after a few years. She does not live in a city where they have salt on the road so that was not a contributing factor.
Thanks for sharing, Don.
Could have sworn I read that their new, updated version rods are a different metal and coating process, but I'm not certain.

Regardless, this is a good past experience to file away for those considering rods. I lean toward the electronic "lift" method via IID and don't use rods personally, but was still curious to hear about this. So, thanks!

SkyTree

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 

Latest posts

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
36,222
Posts
217,567
Members
30,473
Latest member
OnoA
Top