2.5 vs 3 inch lift and offroading

So I had a 3 inch lift and 32s. I wheeled the heck out of it. I realize lift does not increase ground clearance from the diffs, but it does increase angles and gets the frame off the rocks. Here is my question to those of you that wheel rocks.

I recently added a winch and bumper and 33s that dropped my lift to 2ish inches (BTW, my 255s clear even when stuffed at this lift height). I would like to raise it up a bit again. If I increase it to 2.5 inches, my CV fins are perfect. I have 25" hub to fender on my Dakars, so the rake would be horrible. I would need to remove some leafs to get closer to level.

Anyhow, all this has me thinking that maybe 3 inches ain't where its at, since my fins touch on the CVs - although, I don't mind replacing periodically if there is a benefit to wheeling with the extra half inch of lift.

What do you think, does a 3 inch lift vs a 2.5 inch lift matter to you when doing serious trails? Keep in mind I am of the belief that this is a "game of inches".

 

I think, you should just carry more gear in the back brother. In all seriousness, 2.5 is the sweet spot for our trucks. How bad is your truck stink bugging after the bumper and winch?

 

As with all things in life, an extra 1/2" is always more satisfying.

 

My rear is at 25" and the front is at 22". Can you say STIIIIINKKKKK BUUUUGGG. I hauled a load of dirt the other day and it was level for the first time since the bumper and winch install. Didn't even want to unload it! The 887s are holding up great so far, with no bounce or negative change in ride quality. So I am thinking of tossing in some 1/2" headstrong top plate spacers, getting the front up to 23", and taking out the top overload on the Dakars (keeping the spring rate 'cause I likes to haul). Swapping out to 886 in my 4-banger seems like it would be a mistake. I BRIEFLY thought about adjustable coilovers, but I want lockers, so money goes there...lol. In the end it looks like I will be maintaining the 3 inch lift - CVs be damned. Looking into a boot slide mod right now. If I don't do that, I will just replace CV boots every few years. Screw it, I like the height!