new to the jeep world, many questions.

jimG16 · 03-04-2008, 02:34 PM

Just recently turned 16 and got my first car. A black 2002 jeep wrangler X, its manual. The tires on the jeep now are 31"s or "were" 31"s. They are way worn down and I just bought some 33 inch maxxis bighorns, so everything works out. Now, my jeep already has a 2-3 inch lift, not completely sure and everyone I've asked said exactly "2-3 inches." Which should leave me with just enough lift, I think. Will me buying a 2" body lift be to much total lift for my jeep with 33"s on it? It will give me great clearance but I'm worried that having a lot of space in the wheel well will look ugly. Opinions please
thanks.
-jim

**Benderff** · 03-04-2008, 02:39 PM

Welcome to jeep ownership. Hope you have a good after school job to pay for all the stuff you will want, and "need". haha Most people only do a 1'' body lift as anything more looks lame, and other issues. With a 2'' lift and a
1" bl you will be fine for runnning 33's. I'm sure you will have some rubbing off road though.

jimG16 · 03-04-2008, 02:47 PM

Ha indeed I do, have money saved and what not. Its burning a hole in my pocket, but I don't want to buy something completely unnecessary. With body lifts I've read that you have to buy new a/c lines, gas tank filler tubes, radiator drop down brackets, etc. Will I run into any similar problems with a 1" bl?

**jb4** · 03-04-2008, 02:48 PM

with a 1" BL there should be enough slack in the hoses. I'm not totally sure on the fan shroud though.

sbulla · 03-04-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimG16

Just recently turned 16 and got my first car. A black 2002 jeep wrangler X

Well, the FIRST thing you have to learn is...it's not a "car"...it's a Jeep! ;-)

Just thought I'd warn you before too many postings here.

Welcome and good luck with the new money pit!

Sonny
'06 Unlimited

mall0y · 03-04-2008, 02:53 PM

Try to take some pictures of the suspension and body. That way we can figure out what kind of lift that you have. If it had 31's on it I'm going to lean towards a 2"BB. Pictures would be really helpful though

jimG16 · 03-04-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbulla

Well, the FIRST thing you have to learn is...it's not a "car"...it's a Jeep! ;-)

I gotcha, you won't catch me making that mistake again. ;-)

jimG16 · 03-04-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mall0y

Try to take some pictures of the suspension and body. That way we can figure out what kind of lift that you have. If it had 31's on it I'm going to lean towards a 2"BB. Pictures would be really helpful though

Ill go out right now, hold on. Ill have them up in like 15-20 minutes.

Crashnburn80 · 03-04-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimG16

With body lifts I've read that you have to buy new a/c lines, gas tank filler tubes, radiator drop down brackets, etc. Will I run into any similar problems with a 1" bl?

You do not have these problems with a 1" BL, the only thing that need adjusting is the radiator fan shroud and possibly your Tcase linkage. Greater than 1.25" and it looks fugly and more things need to be tinkered with.

BigPoppaG · 03-04-2008, 03:01 PM

Getting ready to do that to mine. With a 2BB" lift and a 1.25"Body lift the 33's" will be fine.

You are one of the lucky ones to Get a Jeep for your first Vehicle. Have fun with it!

TimBrown · 03-04-2008, 03:04 PM

I have a performance accessory 1 inch BL and it is great. The kit came with the necessary parts to relocate the fan shroud and also a new bracket for the transfer case. I didn't actually have to use the parts for relocating the fan shroud. I had more than enough clearance with out it. The TC bracket was a little tricky. You might have to adjust the 4wd shifter once you get it installed to make sure you comfortably can get into 4hi and low. There is an adjustment screw on the linkage and it is real easy to do. Welcome to the wonderful world of jeep. Be ready to spend a lot of money but it is all worth it. Can't wait to see the pics.

DaOne · 03-04-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crashnburn80

You do not have these problems with a 1" BL, the only thing that need adjusting is the radiator fan shroud and possibly your Tcase linkage. Greater than 1.25" and it looks fugly and more things need to be tinkered with.

x eleventy billion

ToyTJ · 03-04-2008, 03:09 PM

[QUOTE=jimG16;4901217]It will give me great clearance but I'm worried that having a lot of space in the wheel well will look ugly. Opinions please
thanks.

Take a look at my gallery to see what 33" Big Horns look like on a black TJ with a 4" suspension lift. No body lift. I did spray the frame and inner fender wells with Rhinoliner because of the gap - looks good, I think.

PS. Click on the thumbnails for a larger view.

gily25 · 03-04-2008, 03:11 PM

www.quadratec.com www.4wd.com www.jcwhitney.com you'll need those once you start breaking stuff...ha!

gijoeyb · 03-04-2008, 03:25 PM

welcome, try and look through this http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/what-does-my-tj-look-like-lift-46712/ for other pics as well. i would also recommend you see if there is local club in your area. once you get to know the members AND if you are nice, you might be able to see their rides up close and possibly take a test ride with them. i'm not a fan of the body lift, but i have seen 33s on a stock jeep and depending on what you want to do with the jeep, that may or may not be a healthy combo... until you go with a larger lift/tire. another easy way to tell for yourself, is check out a stock jeep and eyeball suspension parts. again, welcome and hope you have fun with your jeep