(edit, I type slow, so missed your kind compliments: Thanks!)


..prove you wrong???

Well, proof is not likely to happen.

Without a bucket-load of engineering math to back up my comments, I will make a few observations based on experience...

The center of gravity is definately altered by the body lift. Since the body (and contents) probably weigh less than 1/3 of the total weight of the vehicle, I would estimate the C.O.G. will be raised only 1/3 of the total body-lift height. So a 2" lift would probably be only about a 2/3" COG effect.

BUT:
Don't forget the effect your new engine/drivetrain will have as well, as it is likely heavier than the Mitsu parts you have removed, so this will probably lower the new COG a bit...

AND:
The greatest effect on COG will come from taller tires. Nearly the full height gain will translate into equivalent raised COG (some loss to the incresed tire weight.

AND:
The since larger tires are usually mounted on rims with reduced back-spacing, the stance of the vehicle becomes wider which makes a sideways tip-over more difficult. This would tend to compensate for the increased COG.

From my hiway driving experience, the greatest handling stability my rig has ever had is with the larger tires on the wider (and reduced offset) rims. Compared to the stock tippy feeling, it's a real improvement. Very noticable even to the passengers.

From my off-road experiences, the larger tires are everything, and the increased clearance opportunities (raised rockers, liftable fuel-tank) offered by the body-lift are very, very desirable. The raised COG has never been an issue that I've been aware of.

Overall, I haven't yet been hit with any situation where the COG became an issue or limiting factor. I've seen it as a problem on vehicles with very flexible suspenseions with increased suspension travel. On those rigs, the COG is very important.


Now having said all this, please don't take this in any way as negative comments on your project, I think it's incredible, and will join in the line-up to come and take a look at it!

Regarding ease of workability, without the lift, cutting the floor boards is certainly going to improve access! With the lift, you may have found cutting the floor less necessary. Hard to 2nd guess that one! I know I had a lot of fitment issues to deal with getting the driver's side down-pipe through the t-bars and the frame. Even considered sending it out through the front wheel-well!

When I put the 4.3 in, one of my goals was to keep the interior looking close to stock Mitsu. I wanted to keep the center console intact, and the A/T's shifter is easier to keep remote from the trans. The 2" lift allowed me to leave the interior intact, so I went that route.