Lift ideas? New to Jeeps

xdfhdfjn · 06-10-2008, 09:00 PM

Hi guys, I need some guidance on a good but fairly inexpensive lift kit. I have a 2005 Wrangler TJ and only about $500 to spend on the lift kit; I will be installing the lift myself. Any ideas are welcome, i will be doing about 80% on-road and 20% off road, so i need a lift that is still comfortable.

Thanks

nbrege · 06-10-2008, 09:02 PM

How much of a lift are you looking for?

xdfhdfjn · 06-10-2008, 09:09 PM

2 to 4 inches

nbrege · 06-10-2008, 09:32 PM

I just installed the Full Traction 3" economy lift on my TJ. Paid $470 for the kit and another $100 for Skyjacker shocks. After much searching it seemed to be the best bang for the buck.

locolongball · 06-10-2008, 09:39 PM

I'm in the same boat. My Jeep is stock now, and I really want something bigger. I don't have the money for a 4" suspension lift.. I'm really thinking about a skyjacker 2" with 33"" wheels, and keeping my stock rims for the time being. After momma gets out of nursing school, another year. Upgrade to something larger. I'm more of a drive around town guy anyway, not looking to get into too much off road besides a little mudding now and then, may even stay with a 31-32" to keep cost down, and upgrade everything in the couple of years.

xdfhdfjn · 06-10-2008, 09:58 PM

How do you know what size shocks you need when bought seperatly? Does it even matter?

xdfhdfjn · 06-10-2008, 11:53 PM

Thanks, I think i'm going to go for the trailmaster 2" spacer and shock lift.

CaptGeno · 06-12-2008, 12:57 PM

haha im also on the same boat, i have an 05 wrangler x and i just went to a local shop to see what i can get and im going with a 4" but i really dont feel like going with 33's, anyone able to fit 35's with out any rub or at least major rub?

roblee · 06-12-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captgeno

haha im also on the same boat, i have an 05 wrangler x and i just went to a local shop to see what i can get and im going with a 4" but i really dont feel like going with 33's, anyone able to fit 35's with out any rub or at least major rub?

From what I've been researching 35's are a huge commitment and you end up spending a lot of money.

You have to think about what kind of gears your running to make sure you still have power I plan on running 33's at 3.73 and even that is on the low side. If your running a stock 05 X you either have 3.07's or 3.73's both of these are underpowered for 35's. I'm sure its possible to run 35's on those gears but it definitely would not be fun.

Another thing to consider is your axles. I don't know what you have, but if you have the d30 and d35, which is most common it seems, 35's might be an issue. While it is probably possible to do, I'm sure it is not ideal.

Please if im wrong someone correct me.

CaptGeno · 06-13-2008, 10:48 AM

yeah thats the feed back i have been getting from other people, yeah these are my first upgrades im doing to my jeep, im a rookie to this, so i was just wondering what i could go with, since my jeep is bone stock

well thanks for the feedback i really appreciate it.

**Morgen251** · 06-13-2008, 03:31 PM

Start with a couple inch BB....and get some new shocks. Factory shocks won't reach long enough, and will bottom out with the extra couple of inches. I really like my SJ Hydros, and 2"BB. I'm runnin 31's and more than happy with what I've got. I may add another inch in BL, but not for a while. You can get the SJ Hydros for about 135, and a BB for less than 100. Install it yourself....check out www.4x4xplor.com for an easy write up on it. Just DOUSE your bolts in PB....having air tools will really help. Be careful of breaking bolt heads as you'll have to retap and that will add some time.

I would stick with tire size of 31-33....on the lower side if she's going to be DD. You can still run 33's with just 2" of lift, just check your backspacing.

nbrege · 06-13-2008, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morgen251

Just DOUSE your bolts in PB...

x 2. Some of the bolts are hard to access, but do the best you can.

Quote:

having air tools will really help.

x 100! I just installed my lift last weekend. I wouldn't even think about doing it without air tools.

Quote:

Be careful of breaking bolt heads as you'll have to retap and that will add some time.

learned this the hard way. I twisted off one of the upper rear shock mount bolts. (using an air-wrench)

I had to chisel the weld-nut off the frame to use a standard bolt.

Narwhal · 06-16-2008, 03:52 PM

Do some searches and you can find the build info for a 3-4" lift for under $200. Use Crown victoria springs in the rear and ZJ springs on the front. Walaa

Ofsthun · 06-16-2008, 05:17 PM

If you go with a 4" lift just stick with 33's because with the sway bars disconnected 33's will hit your fender flares off road. I considered going with 35's but I decided to stick with 33's after seeing how much flex is needed off road. Also the gearing is an issue between 33's and 35's because with 33's and 3.73 gearing 5th gear is almost useless.