Stock Plus vs GOAT Mod vs 4-In Lift: G550 Compared

If you’ve ever wondered what our Stock Plus, GOAT Mod (2-inch), and 4-inch packages look like parked right next to each other—this is the answer.

We took three G550s:

• 2016 G550 – Stock Plus

• 2013 G550 – GOAT Mod (2-inch lift)

• 2014 G550 – 4-inch lift

…and lined them up so you can see the real-world differences in stance, tire size, suspension hardware, and intended use.

The One Thing All Three Builds Share

No matter which height you choose, there are a few upgrades we consider non-negotiable:

Steering damper upgrade (universal)

We install our steering damper upgrade on every truck—Stock Plus, 2-inch, or 4-inch—because it works across the board and improves stability and feel.

Braided stainless brake lines (future-proofed)

All three trucks also receive braided stainless brake lines, sized with extra length so owners can go taller later without redoing everything.

Daily-driver usability (always)

Every package is designed to be 100% daily-driver usable—no shakes, no weird vibrations, no “you have to explain it” driving characteristics.

Package 1: Stock Plus (2016 G550)

Who it’s for: The “factory, but better” driver.

This is the package for someone who loves their G-Wagon, uses it mostly on-road, but wants improved ride quality, stance, and long-distance confidence.

Highlights:

• Stock-height springs with a heavier rate (sits slightly higher than factory)

• Fox suspension

• 20-inch AMG wheels (instead of factory 19s)

• 31-inch Falken all-terrain tires (better support and options than 19s)

• Optional tech: touchscreen CarPlay/Android Auto screen upgrade

Why the wheel change matters:
Factory 19s look fine, but tire options are limited. Moving to 20s opens up better all-terrain choices without compromising road manners.

Package 2: GOAT Mod (2-inch lift) (2013 G550)

Who it’s for: The most popular “looks-right, works-right” daily driver.

This is our go-to package because it’s the sweet spot: the truck looks like it should have from the factory, gains real capability, and stays completely livable.

Highlights:

• 2-inch lift springs

• Fox 2.0 dampers

• 33-inch tires (noticeably better stance vs 31s)

• Rock sliders (option with grip tape)

• Caster correction bushings (for road tracking and steering feel)

• Command/screen upgrade inside

• Extra detail: wheels color-matched to factory paint (painted, not powder-coated)

Small detail, big value:
This truck also highlights a fun interior note: full leather steering wheels are heated, while wood/mahogany wheels generally aren’t. Little stuff, but it matters in winter.

Package 3: 4-Inch Lift (2014 G550)

Who it’s for: The “no compromise” owner who wants real trail performance and daily drivability.

This is the serious setup: taller stance, larger tires, and more supporting components to keep the geometry correct and the truck controlled.

Highlights:

• 4-inch lift springs

• 35-inch tires

• King suspension (chosen for bigger tires/height and higher demands)

• More supporting components than the 2-inch setup:

  • Control arms

  • Sway bar drop brackets

  • Transmission crossmember drop bracket

  • Double-cardan front and rear driveshafts (serviceable U-joints)

• Adjustable damping (external adjusters)

• AFN rear bumper + integrated tire carrier (better load management)

Garage clearance note:
This 4-inch/35s configuration sits at approximately 84 inches tall, which matters if you’re squeezing into a home garage.

Rock Sliders: Grip Tape vs No Grip Tape

You’ll see two styles side-by-side:

• With grip tape: skateboard-style, extremely durable, maximum traction

• Without grip tape: cleaner look, textured powder coat, very hard to wear through

Both work. It’s purely preference: traction-first vs clean aesthetic.

Rear Bumper + Tire Carrier: Why It Matters on 35s

On the 4-inch truck, the AFN bumper setup is a big deal:

• The tire carrier is on an arm, so the door doesn’t carry the full weight

• When closed, the tire latches and becomes a cohesive unit

• This reduces the risk of long-term door stress from a heavy wheel/tire combo

It’s one of those upgrades that’s “invisible” until you live with a big spare every day.

Choosing the Right Package

Choose Stock Plus if:

• You’re primarily street-driven

• You want improved ride and stance without a big visual lift

• You occasionally hit job sites, snow, dirt roads, light trails

Choose GOAT Mod (2-inch) if:

• You want the most balanced setup

• You want the “factory should’ve done it this way” look

• You want real trail capability while staying easy to live with

Choose 4-inch if:

• You want max capability without sacrificing daily usability

• You want 35s and the supporting hardware done correctly

• You want a truck that can tackle the majority of serious trails comfortably

What the Parking Lot Speed Bump Test Proves

We love this test because it shows what suspension tuning actually does:

A properly set-up G550 should:

• drop off the edge

• compress once

• rebound once

• settle immediately

That’s control. That’s stability. And that’s what eliminates the factory “bounce-bounce-bounce” that kills confidence and comfort.