[mtb416]

Heys guys, first post here. My Father recently passed and I subsequently inherited a 2001 WJ limited 4x4 in great condition. I have always wanted to get into the off-road scene, but until now I've never had the vehicle. To be honest I am very green to the sport, so sorry for any future stupid questions.

To get to the point, I recently called a local shop and asked how much a 2" lift would cost, they quoted me at around $700. The kit costs only $200 or so, but they said that the WJ is a huge pain due to its unibody design and thus costs more. Is this the truth? Are you better of just spending a few hundred dollars more and getting a 3-4" kit instead? The WJ market seems a bit thin. I'm on a tight budget but I am more about getting more value for my dollar. Thanks in advance for ANY help. I have found that the sport of 4x4 to be one of the more intimidating to break into unfortunately.

[wonderbrd937]

im sorry to hear about your father, but it depends on what sort of ride quality you want and also how much "offroading" you will be doing, i first had the 2" BB with 32 inch's tires and little of trimming, and it rode amazing, almost as good as stock, then i had upgraded to the zone 4" kit(ride quality went downhill a lot), which was 700 dollars and probably would cost around 700 extra to install, as it was a pain in the A to do it myself, the 2" BB is prob the easiest install i did on my jeep, if you have 2 jacks, jack stands, some tools, you should easily accomplish installing it yourself and saving 500 dollars. heck ill install it for cheaper =]

[xxtnxx]

A 2" BB is $159 on IRO ( http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...ct_Code=RC-695 ), but you'll want to upgrade your shocks at the same time, if you don't replace the shocks you'll find that the stock ones become worn out very fast and you'll end up having to replace them anyway. If you really want to save money; do the install yourself. Sorry for your loss.

Edit: Beat me to it

[BLACKzj52]

$700......
Wow

[the88thpianoman]

Originally Posted by mtb416

Heys guys, first post here. My Father recently passed and I subsequently inherited a 2001 WJ limited 4x4 in great condition. I have always wanted to get into the off-road scene, but until now I've never had the vehicle. To be honest I am very green to the sport, so sorry for any future stupid questions.

To get to the point, I recently called a local shop and asked how much a 2" lift would cost, they quoted me at around $700. The kit costs only $200 or so, but they said that the WJ is a huge pain due to its unibody design and thus costs more. Is this the truth? Are you better of just spending a few hundred dollars more and getting a 3-4" kit instead? The WJ market seems a bit thin. I'm on a tight budget but I am more about getting more value for my dollar. Thanks in advance for ANY help. I have found that the sport of 4x4 to be one of the more intimidating to break into unfortunately.

I'm guessing that "kit" only includes the spacers, and not shocks, which you will need. Ebay the spacers, get black diamond shocks, and you'll be out the door for under $250. If you have basic hand tools and an afternoon, you can do this yourself. If you can spend the few hundred dollars more, then yes, you are ultimately better off getting a 3" kit from www.ironrockoffroad.com since you'll probably end up upgrading to that eventually anyway. That kit will run you $600 plus shipping and can also be installed with basic hand tools and a free afternoon.

And $500 to install 2" coil spacers is downright ludicrous.

[wonderbrd937]

yes i know thats insane, but you have to relize they charge like 75-100 an hour and it takes a few hours to accomplish. but yeah go with the 3 inch, i hate my 4 inch =/

[the88thpianoman]

Originally Posted by wonderbrd937

yes i know thats insane, but you have to relize they charge like 75-100 an hour and it takes a few hours to accomplish. but yeah go with the 3 inch, i hate my 4 inch =/

For a shop, meaning a place with the know how and proper equipment, the job will take three hours MAX. At even 100 an hour, that's still only 300. A quote for 500 is completely unreasonable by any standards.

[wonderbrd937]

they probally jacked up the price of the lift by like 25% or so, to make profit.

i only go to shops when i have like transmission or differential issues. i save a lot of money =]

[BucYouUp68]

Save your money and do it right the first time. Clayton 6.5 Long Arm Kit...You will thank me later, and so will your bank account.

[mtb416]

Thanks for all the quick replies and information. I know it's not a very difficult install, although I don't have spring compressors, but what about alignment and things of that nature?

[dfloyd]

I put in a 2" BB and never needed a spring compressor. I put a floor jack under the opposite side in order to push the other side down more. its not too difficult to install and took me and a friend about 4 hours.

[lakailimited06]

youll most likely need an alignment after each lift you id hold off the 2" bb for your first lift, and save up for 3-6" of lift...

[DothanJeep]

First Im sorry to hear about you father, Second You wont need a spring compressor, Im sure its recommended, but not necessarily needed... , Im not sure about an Alignment at 2", I know I needed one after my 4" Iron rock off road kit, A budget boost is great, it will teach you about your jeeps suspension and all components that go along with it...Good luck !!!

PS...I would save up for a full kit.. You will thank us... Budget boost are a nice start.

[BlackShuck]

I'd say go with the 3" IRO lift. It's cheaper than what what are looking for, and you'll be happier with it too....

Some of those shops are used to jerking any amenable eager Jeeper that walks in. If you feel like you and wheelin are going to be great buddies, then look into investing into something serious. But if you're just getting started and want some added look and ability. 3" is a great place to start... My .02

[mtb416]

Well I think I probably should just wait until I can get at least a 3". Unfortunately I'll have to have it installed so this probably won't happen for awhile. Thanks for the help.