Newb question about shackles, TJ flares & 31's

vanwyk4257 · 08-31-2010, 01:58 PM

I'm picking up a 1994 Wrangler 2.5 in the next couple days to use as a fun mild off road and light expo vehicle. I'm looking to make it a little more off road capable but I don't want to do lift it much if I can help it to keep the center of gravity low. I don't really want to go bigger than 31's at this point either given the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine's limitations even with the 4.10 gears.
My question is whether 1.25" lift shackles, and TJ flares with some trimming to the flares and rear fenders would get me enough clearance for 31's. I don't plan on doing any really gnarly stuff right now and if I decide to get more aggressive later I'll install a 2.5" OME lift, but it's not in the budget at the moment.
Any expertise on this would be greatly appreciated.

ImpactFabWorks · 08-31-2010, 02:06 PM

All depends on the condition of the stock springs. But in most cases TJ flares alone will get you enough clearance

**jbolty** · 08-31-2010, 02:08 PM

Go smaller on the shackles, no more than 5/8 or 1" max, to avoid steering issues. Do a 1" body lift insead.

You will have eplenty of room for 31s

here is the before and after for TJ flares, makes a lot of room.

Here is 1" BL, 5/8 shackles, 2 1/2 OME and TJ flares on 33s. Same jeep.

vanwyk4257 · 08-31-2010, 02:28 PM

Thanks guys, I'll do the TJ flares and smaller shackles and see how that comes out. I can always add the 1"BL later, but I'd rather avoid it if I can. Love the stance in that last pic. Like I said if/when I do add more lift it will definitely be the OME setup. I had it on my old LR Disco XD and loved it.

DOHCRT · 08-31-2010, 06:37 PM

I had 31" tires with 1.25" shackles and TJ flares for a few years and never had any problems. No rubbing or steering problems. It was a very nice setup both on and off-road.

Longhorn · 08-31-2010, 06:48 PM

Here's a picture I saved when trying to figure what the gains of TJ flares are. This YJ has stock springs and no lift with 31" BFG ATs and TJ flares. I have a set on their way to me right now. I'm hoping to run 32s with a 2.5" lift.

vanwyk4257 · 09-01-2010, 09:19 AM

Thanks guys, that is the exact information I was looking for. I'm picking my YJ up on Saturday and will have the entire holiday weekend to tear into it and scrounge the local salvage yards for parts.