Best on-road/off-road performance 2" lift 32" tire combo

Bryan_16 · 08-11-2002, 06:48 PM

Well its finally time for me to do a little uping. I've decided to go with a 2" or 2.5" lift kit that can accomidate 32" tires. I know i'll go suspension lift but not sure what kit to get. I want something that will be good for on-road driving as well as good for the weekend romps. I'm also not sure what tires to go with. Also I was looking into a skyjacker 2.5" kit and i guess there were 2 types one for a soft top and one for a hard top. But what if i run dual tops? will this effect performace anything? Also what tires should i run that will be good for highway trips. Thanks for the info. Also what else will i have to get besides a lift kit and tires? Thanks for any info you can give me. This may be a common question but i'm really new to the lift kit scene.

Jeepchik · 08-11-2002, 07:05 PM

I would go with the hardtop one. Also I think OME makes a 2.5 inch lift so you can add them to your list to price. The BFG AT KO's are an excellent all around tire....hth

cptn_mrgn78 · 08-11-2002, 07:53 PM

You might want to get new wheels as well. Rancho make a 2.5in lift also.

imscottr · 08-11-2002, 08:48 PM

Whatever you go with, stay the frick away from Superlift. My 4th Jeep, and I mess it up by putting a Piece of Crap Superlift on there. Yikes. But all is better now with a Skyjacker.

Just my $0.02

GreenTJ · 08-13-2002, 07:07 PM

You could go the cheap route and get a 2 inch spacer lift and throw on a 1 inch BL and that would get you enough room for 32s and your Jeep could go farther and you could have more fun than you think. As long as you disconnect the swaybar off road. But if you want better spring rates and more performance you could also go with a 2 inch spring lift. Ive got the Old Man Emu and it is awesome. Lots of suspension travel and a great ride, I would strongly recommend it if you are looking for a spring lift. You'd probably stil need a 1 inch BL to clear 32s because those Emu springs flex so much that my 31s rub a little bit.

Bryan_16 · 08-13-2002, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GreenTJ
You could go the cheap route and get a 2 inch spacer lift and throw on a 1 inch BL and that would get you enough room for 32s and your Jeep could go farther and you could have more fun than you think. As long as you disconnect the swaybar off road. But if you want better spring rates and more performance you could also go with a 2 inch spring lift. Ive got the Old Man Emu and it is awesome. Lots of suspension travel and a great ride, I would strongly recommend it if you are looking for a spring lift. You'd probably stil need a 1 inch BL to clear 32s because those Emu springs flex so much that my 31s rub a little bit.

you say the 31s rub... is that only off road when you're at maximum flex? or on road. I was under the impression 31s would run stock onroad with no rubing...

SAJeep · 08-13-2002, 07:18 PM

I have the Pro Comp 2" lift and I love it. No problems on or off road, and it flex's great. I also run 32x11.50x15 BFG's AT and the two seem to work great together.

One other thing. Go with what you really want. Everybodies Jeep is going to be a little different, and everybody likes a different ride. Find some people in a club or your friends and drive there Jeep. That's going to be the best way to find what lift and tire combo that you like.

Bryan_16 · 08-13-2002, 07:28 PM

thats what i would love to do. Just drive one and see how i like it. THe only thing is... theres nobody around here that has one. Or nobody that i know of. I keep checking the ads and the dealerships looking to take a test drive but no luck so far. O well i'll keep waiting. I still need a few more months to save up for the lift and then maybe one more for the tires...

GreenTJ · 08-13-2002, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bryan_16

you say the 31s rub... is that only off road when you're at maximum flex? or on road. I was under the impression 31s would run stock onroad with no rubing...

The tires only rub when the front swaybar is disconnected and I'm at full flex. Around the street and even light off road they don't come close. Yes you can run 31s on stock suspension and I did for over a year no problem until I got swaybar qd's and then they rubbed at full flex. Also OME recommends a 31 inch tire for their suspension. If you decide to get one I'd give ARB a call and talk with the tech about what springs are the best. They are very helpful and don't just try to make money and send you out the door.

Bryan_16 · 08-13-2002, 08:11 PM

thanks for the info. also how do you like your tires? how do they wear onroad? These are the tires i'm thinking about getting. Thanks

GreenTJ · 08-13-2002, 09:01 PM

The BF ATKOs are a great tire. They hum a little bit on the road but not nearly as loud as mudders. I only hear them when the top is off and is probably due to lack of rotating them. They have 18-19k and I ve only rotated them once. They wear very good, even with my agressive 18 yr old driving

. They still have about 85 - 90 percent tread. Off road they get me where I want to go, alot of people talk sh-t about them on these boards where in reality they are fine. Yeah they pack up in really thick mud but somehow get me through. Another area these tires shine is in ice and snow. I could go on forever with stories of really sketchy situations these tires have got me through, such as mostly up hill in a freak blizzard in 2wd! (Ihad the front driveshaft removed cause it was bent). I will probably get these tires again when the time comes because they just plain work great.

Bryan_16 · 08-13-2002, 09:07 PM

thanks i have a friend who runs them on his pickup but has only had them for about 2 thousand miles. They've done alright off road but he hasn't tested them out... had a little problem with a rock that tore off some stuff (lets just say 2grand in junkyard parts) But they get them to where he needs to go. SO maybe i'll go with them. I can get them for 108 each at a local shop...

GreenTJ · 08-14-2002, 03:37 PM

Yeah they are great tires, you'll be happy with them.

Bryan_16 · 08-14-2002, 08:05 PM

Well i've narrowed it down to either the 2" OME kit for an 02 sport. Or a 2.5" skyjacker.

I have a few questions first. Which kit will bring the on road ride closest to the stock feel? i don't mind bouncy or stiff i just don't want it to be mushy feeling and be all over the road.

If i do get the OME 2" kit. Is there anything else i need to get? it comes with the T-case lowering kit... just wondering if there is anything else.. ALso if i run a hard and soft top what load should i get? i think medium. I don't have a winch or anything and don't plan on getting one. I will be running 32" tires with a 32" spare soon enough but no sure if this will make a huge difference in weight.

with the skyjacker standard lift kit 2.5" Is there anything else i'll need with this kit? ALso i have an 02 sport will the kit made for 97-00 fit mine? or is there another kit i'll have to buy. What is the difference between HYDRO and NITRO shocks?

thanks for all your help

bluYJ · 08-14-2002, 08:57 PM

I used to have the OME kit on a 97 TJ that I had. That kit was AWSOME. It rode better than stock (I had the OME shocks too), and flexed as well if not better than Teraflex, Rubicon Express, or Skyjackers springs (comparing just their springs, WITHOUT using their optional control arms) (there were others in my Jeep club who had those kits, that's how I was able to compare----so this isn't just my opinion, they all thought so too). The flex gave a nice 710 RTI on a 30 degree ramp--not the best way to measure, but it is a way to compare. This kit flexed so much, that even 31's kissed the flares at full stuff. I eventually put 1 3/4" coil spacers front and rear (along with adjustable front and rear track bars) and was able to run 33's with that same kiss (not enough to do any harm, but they did touch the flares.

08-11-2002, 07:05 PM	#2
Jeepchik Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 823 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I would go with the hardtop one. Also I think OME makes a 2.5 inch lift so you can add them to your list to price. The BFG AT KO's are an excellent all around tire....hth __________________ [B]Green Jeep Club Member #1[/B] [URL]www.JeepHorizons.com[/URL]

08-11-2002, 08:48 PM	#4
imscottr Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 20 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Whatever you go with, stay the frick away from Superlift. My 4th Jeep, and I mess it up by putting a Piece of Crap Superlift on there. Yikes. But all is better now with a Skyjacker. Just my $0.02 __________________ '99 TJ - 4" Susp. - 33's - Skids - QDisc - Yadda Yadda Yadda... (I like poop)

08-13-2002, 07:07 PM	#5
GreenTJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Sammamish, Washington Posts: 90 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	You could go the cheap route and get a 2 inch spacer lift and throw on a 1 inch BL and that would get you enough room for 32s and your Jeep could go farther and you could have more fun than you think. As long as you disconnect the swaybar off road. But if you want better spring rates and more performance you could also go with a 2 inch spring lift. Ive got the Old Man Emu and it is awesome. Lots of suspension travel and a great ride, I would strongly recommend it if you are looking for a spring lift. You'd probably stil need a 1 inch BL to clear 32s because those Emu springs flex so much that my 31s rub a little bit. __________________ 97 TJ SE, 2.5L 5spd. Poweraid, sort of an intake, 31" BFG AT/KOs, Old Man Emu suspension, JKS, Hella 500s, Cobra CB, Sailcloth top. Sun Performance rock rails, Flowmaster 50 series. Bob Suplee: supplee@ionet.net "Dreamin in Red White and Blue"

08-13-2002, 09:01 PM	#11
GreenTJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Sammamish, Washington Posts: 90 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The BF ATKOs are a great tire. They hum a little bit on the road but not nearly as loud as mudders. I only hear them when the top is off and is probably due to lack of rotating them. They have 18-19k and I ve only rotated them once. They wear very good, even with my agressive 18 yr old driving . They still have about 85 - 90 percent tread. Off road they get me where I want to go, alot of people talk sh-t about them on these boards where in reality they are fine. Yeah they pack up in really thick mud but somehow get me through. Another area these tires shine is in ice and snow. I could go on forever with stories of really sketchy situations these tires have got me through, such as mostly up hill in a freak blizzard in 2wd! (Ihad the front driveshaft removed cause it was bent). I will probably get these tires again when the time comes because they just plain work great. __________________ 97 TJ SE, 2.5L 5spd. Poweraid, sort of an intake, 31" BFG AT/KOs, Old Man Emu suspension, JKS, Hella 500s, Cobra CB, Sailcloth top. Sun Performance rock rails, Flowmaster 50 series. Bob Suplee: supplee@ionet.net "Dreamin in Red White and Blue"

08-14-2002, 03:37 PM	#13
GreenTJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Sammamish, Washington Posts: 90 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Yeah they are great tires, you'll be happy with them. __________________ 97 TJ SE, 2.5L 5spd. Poweraid, sort of an intake, 31" BFG AT/KOs, Old Man Emu suspension, JKS, Hella 500s, Cobra CB, Sailcloth top. Sun Performance rock rails, Flowmaster 50 series. Bob Suplee: supplee@ionet.net "Dreamin in Red White and Blue"

08-13-2002, 07:18 PM	#7
SAJeep Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 228 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I have the Pro Comp 2" lift and I love it. No problems on or off road, and it flex's great. I also run 32x11.50x15 BFG's AT and the two seem to work great together. One other thing. Go with what you really want. Everybodies Jeep is going to be a little different, and everybody likes a different ride. Find some people in a club or your friends and drive there Jeep. That's going to be the best way to find what lift and tire combo that you like.

08-13-2002, 07:28 PM	#8
Bryan_16 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Jamison Pa Posts: 144 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	thats what i would love to do. Just drive one and see how i like it. THe only thing is... theres nobody around here that has one. Or nobody that i know of. I keep checking the ads and the dealerships looking to take a test drive but no luck so far. O well i'll keep waiting. I still need a few more months to save up for the lift and then maybe one more for the tires...

08-13-2002, 08:11 PM	#10
Bryan_16 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Jamison Pa Posts: 144 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	thanks for the info. also how do you like your tires? how do they wear onroad? These are the tires i'm thinking about getting. Thanks

08-13-2002, 09:07 PM	#12
Bryan_16 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Jamison Pa Posts: 144 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	thanks i have a friend who runs them on his pickup but has only had them for about 2 thousand miles. They've done alright off road but he hasn't tested them out... had a little problem with a rock that tore off some stuff (lets just say 2grand in junkyard parts) But they get them to where he needs to go. SO maybe i'll go with them. I can get them for 108 each at a local shop...

08-14-2002, 08:05 PM	#14
Bryan_16 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Jamison Pa Posts: 144 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Well i've narrowed it down to either the 2" OME kit for an 02 sport. Or a 2.5" skyjacker. I have a few questions first. Which kit will bring the on road ride closest to the stock feel? i don't mind bouncy or stiff i just don't want it to be mushy feeling and be all over the road. If i do get the OME 2" kit. Is there anything else i need to get? it comes with the T-case lowering kit... just wondering if there is anything else.. ALso if i run a hard and soft top what load should i get? i think medium. I don't have a winch or anything and don't plan on getting one. I will be running 32" tires with a 32" spare soon enough but no sure if this will make a huge difference in weight. with the skyjacker standard lift kit 2.5" Is there anything else i'll need with this kit? ALso i have an 02 sport will the kit made for 97-00 fit mine? or is there another kit i'll have to buy. What is the difference between HYDRO and NITRO shocks? thanks for all your help

08-14-2002, 08:57 PM	#15
bluYJ Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: kansas Posts: 97 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I used to have the OME kit on a 97 TJ that I had. That kit was AWSOME. It rode better than stock (I had the OME shocks too), and flexed as well if not better than Teraflex, Rubicon Express, or Skyjackers springs (comparing just their springs, WITHOUT using their optional control arms) (there were others in my Jeep club who had those kits, that's how I was able to compare----so this isn't just my opinion, they all thought so too). The flex gave a nice 710 RTI on a 30 degree ramp--not the best way to measure, but it is a way to compare. This kit flexed so much, that even 31's kissed the flares at full stuff. I eventually put 1 3/4" coil spacers front and rear (along with adjustable front and rear track bars) and was able to run 33's with that same kiss (not enough to do any harm, but they did touch the flares. __________________ 95 yj, 4 cyl, auto trans, 4 1/2" Rubicon Express extreme duty lift, 33" BFG Muds, 4:88 gears, Detroit's front and rear, Dana 44 rear axle with disc brakes, heavy duty Dodge NP231,SYE, MORE sport cage. [COLOR=blue]Blue Jeep Club Member #61[/COLOR]