[horatio102]

The little chart in the FAQ applies to ZJ's, so I'm posting up here.

What size tires are all you long arm 6.5" lift guys running, and how much - if any - cutting have you done?

Also, I haven't attempted to max out the suspension yet, but do I need to do something about dropping my bump stops or putting limiting straps in? I don't want to bottom or top out my shocks - running the bilstein 5150 series and they're not cheap.


Right now I've got 245/75r16 on OEM wheels, and I'm going to be getting the cragar steelies in 15" when I do replace them.


With the 245s, I go every time I see my jeep now.

[Virmagicus]

So how does it feel to go from stock to 6.5" ? Pics ? What axles are you running ? What is your gear ratio ?

[10achik]

Running 33's here, and for 6.5" lift, I'd put the 6" bump stops in unless you don't mind trimming out the fenderwells. Stuffage is ok, but downtravel is where its at for offroading. Here is my max flex with my 6.5" setup, welcome to the club and enjoy it!

[horatio102]

Originally Posted by virmagicus

So how does it feel to go from stock to 6.5" ? Pics ? What axles are you running ? What is your gear ratio ?

I've been kinda lazy about my pics, they're on the camera I just need to plug it in.

I don't know how it feels going from stock to 6.5", I had and sold my IRO 3" lift and it sat on jack stands in my garage until I got the new lift in. Axles - stock, 3.73 with an aussie locked 44a out back. I got the stock tailpipe massaged around the new suspension bracket with my flowmaster 40 and a high flow cat tucked up under.

Originally Posted by 10achik

Running 33's here, and for 6.5" lift, I'd put the 6" bump stops in unless you don't mind trimming out the fenderwells. Stuffage is ok, but downtravel is where its at for offroading. Here is my max flex with my 6.5" setup, welcome to the club and enjoy it!

Ok, well I guess I'm going to go hit google up looking for extended bump stops. I was under the impression that it was bad for the shocks to limit downward travel with just the shocks.

[10achik]

Originally Posted by horatio102

Ok, well I guess I'm going to go hit google up looking for extended bump stops. I was under the impression that it was bad for the shocks to limit downward travel with just the shocks.

Let me rephrase that so you don't mess up your shocks. I have extended travel shocks, what you need to do is make sure that with your axle fully drooped, that your shocks aren't fully extended. I can't remember the length on mine but I still have another 2" or so of travel left in them. I also have built in bumpstops in the shocks so they can't over compress.

As for the bumpstops,give IRO a call or email them and tell them you want some custom bumpstops for the kit you just bought. Ask their advice and see what they say your lenght should be. In my experience with bumpstops, my rule of thumb is .5" less than the height of the lift, but that varies too with the height of the tires.

for instance if you have a 6.5" lift with 32's you need less than you would at 6.5" with 33's. I only have 1" ones now because of the axles I have and the trussing pulling double duty as bumpstops as well. However when I was at 5.5" with 32's I ran 4.75", when I ran 33's on the same lift, I went to 5" bumpstops.

[Virmagicus]

Originally Posted by horatio102

I don't know how it feels going from stock to 6.5", I had and sold my IRO 3" lift and it sat on jack stands in my garage until I got the new lift in.

Ahh ok , I was just reading your specs. That would have been a big jump.

[horatio102]

Originally Posted by 10achik

As for the bumpstops,give IRO a call or email them and tell them you want some custom bumpstops for the kit you just bought. Ask their advice and see what they say your lenght should be. In my experience with bumpstops, my rule of thumb is .5" less than the height of the lift, but that varies too with the height of the tires.

Ok, thanks for the info. There are a few things that bug me about the IRO kit -

1) When I ordered my lift, there was no mention of dropping the tcase skid in any literature online or in the instructions, and there was no check box to select the drop kit. When I talked to IRO, they said there was this option. I went back and went through the steps to order again, and it wasn't there.

2) They don't make any mention of extended brake lines. While running down the street I'll never need them, I'm pretty sure if I were to fully articulate I would break a line somewhere.

3) There's no mention of bump stops or limiting straps. I guess I'll just have to unbolt the top of my shocks and test to see if they're going to be the limiting factor.

4) They marked the L/R rear control arms backwards. Not a big deal, just wasted some of my time and a bit of frustration trying to get them bolted in.

5) They shipped 1 4" bolt for the rear spring retainer, so I had to source a 5" one locally (to the tune of about $5).


IMHO, when spending $2500 for a lift, things like bump stops, limiting straps, brake lines, and transfer case skid plate drop brackets should be included. I understand not everyone runs their skid, but it should be made abundantly clear that it will be required.

Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty happy with the lift, but just a little annoyed. My Jeep is a rolling IRO advertisement, I've got their skid, 6.5" premium long arm kit, and premium rock rails, and I'm going to recommend them to everyone who will listen.

[horatio102]

Originally Posted by virmagicus

Ahh ok , I was just reading your specs. That would have been a big jump.

Whoa... apparently I hadn't updated it in a LONG time. I fixed that.

[spife7980]

Originally Posted by horatio102

Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty happy with the lift, but just a little annoyed.

i feel ya man. they still haven't responded to me for over a week about them possibly sending me the wrong shocks. and having the wrong hardware as well and bolts for the shocks in the first place and then missing several nuts and 3-4 emails later nothing. i ought to call them but when i get home to do that it is after 7 most days. and i leave for work at 7. but im pleased otherwise but i just dont think they have as good of post sale customer service as everyone raves about.

[10achik]

Originally Posted by horatio102

Ok, thanks for the info. There are a few things that bug me about the IRO kit -

1) When I ordered my lift, there was no mention of dropping the tcase skid in any literature online or in the instructions, and there was no check box to select the drop kit. When I talked to IRO, they said there was this option. I went back and went through the steps to order again, and it wasn't there.

Not all of them need the drop kit. the kit they tested is the one they sell. People like me and roberttf were the first to run it and test it, besides IRO of course, they used derricks to test at the shop. We provided things that we foundand they tweeked the kit. So I guess what I'm getting at is every WJ is different believe it or not. So your's may need it, and if it does, believe me when you ask them I guarantee they will give you the VIP pricing since you are already a valued customer.

Originally Posted by horatio102

2) They don't make any mention of extended brake lines. While running down the street I'll never need them, I'm pretty sure if I were to fully articulate I would break a line somewhere.

Again, I ran the kit without extended brake lines as well, didn't need then, because they have a relocation kit that should have come with the kit. When I went to their new rubicon axle upgrade the extend stainless braided lines come standard with the kit. You should be able to get by without them, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, I'm sure they will make you an awesome deal on those as well.

Originally Posted by horatio102

3) There's no mention of bump stops or limiting straps. I guess I'll just have to unbolt the top of my shocks and test to see if they're going to be the limiting factor.

4) They marked the L/R rear control arms backwards. Not a big deal, just wasted some of my time and a bit of frustration trying to get them bolted in.

5) They shipped 1 4" bolt for the rear spring retainer, so I had to source a 5" one locally (to the tune of about $5).

Not sure what to say there except, I know they get busy, but I do know without a doubt that they will make it right if you call them.

Originally Posted by horatio102

IMHO, when spending $2500 for a lift, things like bump stops, limiting straps, brake lines, and transfer case skid plate drop brackets should be included. I understand not everyone runs their skid, but it should be made abundantly clear that it will be required.

Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty happy with the lift, but just a little annoyed. My Jeep is a rolling IRO advertisement, I've got their skid, 6.5" premium long arm kit, and premium rock rails, and I'm going to recommend them to everyone who will listen.

Totally agree, best advice I can give is get in touch and talk to them, they are one of the best as far as customer service and making absolutely sure you are 100% satisfied.

Originally Posted by spife7980

i feel ya man. they still haven't responded to me for over a week about them possibly sending me the wrong shocks. and having the wrong hardware as well and bolts for the shocks in the first place and then missing several nuts and 3-4 emails later nothing. i ought to call them but when i get home to do that it is after 7 most days. and i leave for work at 7. but im pleased otherwise but i just dont think they have as good of post sale customer service as everyone raves about.

I've heard of this happeneing once before, the shear volume of emails they get is astounding. When I went to their shop for the new axles, I was watching them ALL wrench on my heep, and then Jason would stop and run in the office to answer questions and fill orders, then come back out and wrench some more. It's a small group of guys that are totally dedicated to what they do, it's not a huge operation by any means, and honestly I was so impressed with how they handled everything and how they would go the extra mile.

Example...I took my jeep there Friday night after a 10 hour drive, pulled it right in the shop and they get it on the lift and looked it over. Worked a little while and then hit it hardcore Saturday morning early, they worked nonstop until 4am the next morning (Sunday morning) just to make sure I could load it up and take it back to STL. They could have just have easily told me there was no way and that I'd have to leave it for the week and come back to get it, but they didn't. THey get the golden star from me!

[spife7980]

Originally Posted by 10achik

I was so impressed with how they handled everything and how they would go the extra mile.

THey get the golden star from me!

yeah im sure since you were there and all but a week to see if they sent me the wrong stuff? come on. he asked for all of my dimensions and stuff and i sent it to him multiple times. i jut dont want to have to drive to minnesota or where ever to get a answer.

hi-jack over

[horatio102]

Originally Posted by 10achik

Not all of them need the drop kit. the kit they tested is the one they sell. People like me and roberttf were the first to run it and test it, besides IRO of course, they used derricks to test at the shop. We provided things that we foundand they tweeked the kit. So I guess what I'm getting at is every WJ is different believe it or not. So your's may need it, and if it does, believe me when you ask them I guarantee they will give you the VIP pricing since you are already a valued customer.

Well if the tcase gets dropped, you'll need to drop the skid too. Not a biggie, I'm thinking I might cut up the stock control arms and weld in some spacers and use those as the drop. It sounds better than spending ~$50 or whatever the cost was.

Again, I ran the kit without extended brake lines as well, didn't need then, because they have a relocation kit that should have come with the kit. When I went to their new rubicon axle upgrade the extend stainless braided lines come standard with the kit. You should be able to get by without them, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, I'm sure they will make you an awesome deal on those as well.

Yeah, there were the little spacers - 1 1/2" or so. My concern was more in the back, with the e-brake cables and whatnot. It was so tight when I bolted everything up that I didn't mount ANY of the line brackets, they're all just hanging loose. With almost 10 years and 130+k miles, I'm thinking new brake lines are a good idea anyway.

Not sure what to say there except, I know they get busy, but I do know without a doubt that they will make it right if you call them.

Yup. I know they will. I just don't care that much.


Oh, my final gripe is that the powder coat on the laser cut parts was total shyte. I'm not sure if the parts weren't cleaned of their oil coat before being coated or what, but there are lots of spots where it didn't stick and has peeled off.

[Iron_Rock]

Originally Posted by spife7980

yeah im sure since you were there and all but a week to see if they sent me the wrong stuff? come on. he asked for all of my dimensions and stuff and i sent it to him multiple times. i jut dont want to have to drive to minnesota or where ever to get a answer.

hi-jack over

Spife7980-

I have responded to all of your emails within 24 hours of receiving them. Are you not getting my responses? Please call us. Or let me know a good time to call you. We're here on the weekend and late hours during the week most nights too. If we're not here, leave a message. We will get back to you ASAP. Sincerely want to help........

[horatio102]

+1 on the guys being there at odd-*** hours. I've gotten calls when I really didn't expect one.

[10achik]

Originally Posted by horatio102

Oh, my final gripe is that the powder coat on the laser cut parts was total shyte. I'm not sure if the parts weren't cleaned of their oil coat before being coated or what, but there are lots of spots where it didn't stick and has peeled off.

They send their stuff out for powder coating, I'd let them know what you posted, because that's something they need to take up with them for future orders.