Need help deciding, 2" BB now or wait for a 4.5"

Robinfortmill · 06-23-2009, 01:23 PM

I just bought a 96 ZJ I6 Select trac w/ 78K miles (Completely stock). It needs tires so I am unsure whether I should through a 2" BB with some 31"s or wait and put on a full lift with 33"s. What do you think.

TJsZJ · 06-23-2009, 01:31 PM

I'm in the same boat you are. I have been tossing both ideas back and forth over the last few days. I came to the conclusion that I'm going to go with the BB first and then later on down the road do the 3.5" lift. And somebody correct me if I'm wrong but you can use the 2" spacer from the BB with any other lift so I would be at a total of 5.5" when all is said and done.

**squashman702** · 06-23-2009, 01:46 PM

Research before you do anything. A 4.5" lift is often a lot more involved than it seems, especially if you've got the 4.0 and want to run 33"s. You will want to regear, and will probably need new wheels along with the tires. Stuff starts wearing out a lot faster at that height as well. How serious are you about wheeling?

**_Kyle_** · 06-23-2009, 01:52 PM

If you are serious about wheeling, WAIT.

You'll regret wasting money moving up. Research all your options. The biggest issue with your plans if the 4.0 and 3.55 gearing won't do well with 33s. If it was a V8 with 3.73s, you'd be in a better boat.

Robinfortmill · 06-23-2009, 02:06 PM

mine has 3.73's. I am just getting back into wheelin. I had a 89 wrangler when i was 16 that i built up a little then i was driving a stock XJ but just got rid of it for the ZJ that i want to build. I want to get back into it as much as possible but not that extreme. any advice would be great. i was thinking the BB would be a quick fix from stock.

SnowLeopard · 06-23-2009, 04:24 PM

I'm waiting, and I just want to get the OME 2.5" lift. I think it's worth waiting and doing it all at once and doing it right. All I ever see on here are people who've done BB's and then upgrade somewhere down the line. It seems like a good way to waste money to me. That is, unless you're going to stick with the BB for the long-term and not ever go higher.

daufuskieraised · 06-23-2009, 04:46 PM

To me, I would consider the time it will take for you to save the money. A BB and 30" or 31" tires will make a world of difference to a stock ZJ. If you are gonna buy tires now, and also have the money for a BB(like $100 is possible), I'd say do it. However, if you are gonna have money for the 4.5" and 33's(likely around $2000) within a month or so and can wait on the tires, do that. Because a BB would be a nice, inexpensive way to get it lookin a little less stock for a bit while you save up. But if you could have the money for the big lift soon anyway, no use in spending the extra money on small tires and small lift.

Robinfortmill · 06-23-2009, 05:05 PM

thanks for the tips I think i might do the BB and 31"s cause i don't see me having 2 grand extra any time soon.

besthaticouldo · 06-23-2009, 05:47 PM

you can do it cheaper likely. 2k is a high estimate. but i would go with that estimate. personally i would do the BB, then i would custom build the 4.5 lift you want in the future. thats what i did/am doing. i had a 2" bb with bilsteins for about 3 months then i went to a BDS 3 with rancho 9000xl and i am gonna go up another 3/4 soon.

Robinfortmill · 06-23-2009, 06:21 PM

the BB i was considering was 4 wheel customs with the RE shocks what do you think???

gmp211 · 06-23-2009, 06:53 PM

Ask yourself some questions.

Is this your daily driver?
2" is ideal
How much money do you have readily available to have money left over?
Economy is tight.
How long ago did you buy new tires?
If they are new, wait it out.
Have kids/ having some soon?(depends if its a DD)
If so, 2"
Do you go wheelin a lot, moderately, or rarely?
A lot- 4.5", Moderately- toss up, Rarely- 2"

What I plan on doing is getting 2" coils and new shocks. Then, add a 1-2" spacers and new shocks if I want the 4" look an have the money for tires, track bars, and all that jazz.

daufuskieraised · 06-23-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robinfortmill

the BB i was considering was 4 wheel customs with the RE shocks what do you think???

Pretty much all spacers are the same. Iron rock offroad has them pretty cheap. Shocks, go with your choice. Black diamonds are cheap and well liked here on the forum, but I have heard of availability problems recently from the popularity.