New TJ owner--lift/tire & other questions

**Imped** · 02-10-2008, 03:46 PM

Hey guys, this is my first post on the forum, and I'm stoked to FINALLY own a Wrangler. I just bought a black/black 04 TJ sport w/ 49,800 miles, i6, 5 speed, d30/d35 and soft top. I've just been trying to soak up as much information as possible and this forum has been the best source of information I have found. So far, all I've done is add some heavy duty floor mats, a thick steering wheel cover, and a monsterknob. I also ordered some Raggtopp cleaner since I want to take care of my top and windows properly. Now, I would like to add a small suspension lift and 31" BFG A/T's, but I would like to get your opinions first. I've looked at the 2" Procomp/Fortec kit on ebay, and the price seems right. I've also looked at the Rustys 2" kit. What would you guys recommend between those two kits, or would you recommend something else? I do think I want to do a full coil/shocks kit, not just spacers, but again, I'm just not too sure. Along with the lift, I would like a set of BFG A/T's or possibly M/T's. The thing keeping me away from the M/T's is the longevity factor--I can get so many more miles out of A/T's than M/T's. Is that really true or could I pull 60,000 +miles out of M/T's? What are your experiences with both? I will be doing highway driving but I will also be taking it offroad frequently. I think I will be quite capable with a small lift and A/T's, but should I consider something else? Gas mileage and the ability to continue using my stock gears and axles are 'somewhat' important, and I really don't want to have to make the adjustments required after a 3"+ lift. But, like I said, I'm pretty uneducated on lifts, so that's why I'm asking. Sorry for the long post, but I'd rather knock several questions out in one post than make many. So guys, what should I do? Thanks in advance!

randonlee25 · 02-10-2008, 03:53 PM

Welcome!!!!!! From what I've learned is what you're using it for? The Pro Comp lift for the price is great. Tire wise... If you are looking for the longevity aspect, go with ATs. However, Pro Comp has the Xtreme Terrains and they have a 40,000 mile life guaranteed. I have a 2" lift on my 2000 TJ and have 33" Pro Comp MTs but I don't go offroad (only twice) Like other Jeepers have told me about lifts, it's all about what you'll be using it for. Have fun and get ready to spend some money!

**Imped** · 02-10-2008, 04:09 PM

Thanks random! I'll be using it, like I said, for mostly road. But, I want it to be capable off the road. I'll be taking it to badlands this summer and will likely mostly explore rough trails with dirt, mud, and rock around here. I would love to be able to go crazy in nasty muddy developing areas (neighborhoods and other developments that haven't begun yet, among other places), but I'm not too sure if my jeep would be able to handle that or not. I am a 21 year old college student with a decent job, so price is a big factor. But, so is quality. So that's where I stand.

TOP HVY · 02-10-2008, 04:37 PM

Coming from another new Jeep owner, I can say that you should be perfectly happy with just a spacer lift. The Jeep that I just purchased has a 2" spacer lift on it and so far, I haven't found any faults with it. I would like to add another 1" to it though. Not sure if I'll add it in spacers or a body lift.

Another thing it came with was 31" Dunlop Mud Rovers. They have some miles on them but still seem to be an ok tire. I will probably go with either some 32" or 33" BFG AT's when they're due for replacement.

**Imped** · 02-10-2008, 05:39 PM

Alright thanks man. Any more opinions? Also, what's so bad about the D35 rear? Yeah, I wish I had a D44 but will a D35 be alright for moderate off road use? What should I worry about with it?

Motes · 02-10-2008, 06:08 PM

I have recently put on a 2" spacer lift on my 02 TJ, thinking my coils should still be in okay shape. The ride is good and enjoy it along with A/T tires from BFG. Eventually will go to a coil lift, looking at OME, or BDS or Rustys to supply the coils.

sweetguardian00 · 02-10-2008, 06:26 PM

apparently the M/T's are a pretty capabile on road tire? also, they throw up some nice mud from what ive herd.

a spacer lift should do you nicely, especially if you dont mind a "quick fix" to bigger tires, also, a 1 inch body might help you out, ive herd nothing but good from body lifts of moderate size

its a jeep thing, be proud of it

krawler510 · 02-10-2008, 06:42 PM

I say do a spacer lift because it's cheap but still a quality thing because there isn't much to it. You still keep your smoother factory springs and can fit 32s. There isn't much if anything more that a jeep a 2" coil lift vs one with a spacer lift could do.

I have no experience with the BFG mud terrains but the all terrains last forever and are quiet on the road. They are also awesome in snow and on sand. They lack a little in the mud department but still better than stock.

**Imped** · 02-10-2008, 07:49 PM

Alright, thanks so far guys. Maybe I'll do a spacer lift, not sure yet. With a 2 inch spacer lift/suspension lift, could I fit 32's and still get full spring articulation? And, would I need to regear the axles? That's why I'm planning on 31's, since it would be 'just right' without needing new gears and still giving me offroad capabilities.

sweetguardian00 · 02-10-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imped4now

Alright, thanks so far guys. Maybe I'll do a spacer lift, not sure yet. With a 2 inch spacer lift/suspension lift, could I fit 32's and still get full spring articulation? And, would I need to regear the axles? That's why I'm planning on 31's, since it would be 'just right' without needing new gears and still giving me offroad capabilities.

like was said earlier, the spacer lift vs. the 2 inch suspension lift is like pepsi and coke.
and yes, 32's will fit, depending on the tire will tell you if your going to get rubbing
you shouldnt need to re-gear the axles unless you are planning on going offroading alot, i know people with 33's that have stock gearing and have no problem, plus, you always have 4L.

and as a money saver.....see if you can find a Rubicon set of wheels, its a cheap set of 245 r16's

$0.02, rock on

**Imped** · 02-10-2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetguardian00

like was said earlier, the spacer lift vs. the 2 inch suspension lift is like pepsi and coke.
and yes, 32's will fit, depending on the tire will tell you if your going to get rubbing
you shouldnt need to re-gear the axles unless you are planning on going offroading alot, i know people with 33's that have stock gearing and have no problem, plus, you always have 4L.

and as a money saver.....see if you can find a Rubicon set of wheels, its a cheap set of 245 r16's

$0.02, rock on

Thanks man. What would the rubicon wheels give me? I'm either sticking with the stock wheels I have now or will get the black cragar wheels on quadratec. I think they look sick and the price is great. Also, would I need the 4.5" or 5.5" bolt pattern?

Another question--what 2" spacer kit would you guys recommend? And, are there any common problems or precautions with them?

sweetguardian00 · 02-10-2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imped4now

Thanks man. What would the rubicon wheels give me? I'm either sticking with the stock wheels I have now or will get the black cragar wheels on quadratec. I think they look sick and the price is great. Also, would I need the 4.5" or 5.5" bolt pattern?

Another question--what 2" spacer kit would you guys recommend? And, are there any common problems or precautions with them?

the rubi wheels would give you 16 inch rims, on a ~31" tire, and you can run it stock, and i believe all TJ's are 5x4.5

and skyjacker makes a 2" kit thats pretty nice, also, you could probably squeze 31's with a 1 inch body lift and no spacers, or even 32's with all

morningwood1429 · 02-10-2008, 11:34 PM

well brand wont matter if you are only getting a lift with the spacers, when the lift includes shocks, control arms, transfer case drop, etc. then brand becomes more of an issue. you should get the M/T tires for a few reasons, 1. they look better 2. even if you only occasionally go they SIGNIFICANTLY incerase offroad ability. 3. a cheap set will cost less than BFG A/T's

once you start offroading you wont want to stop and be glad you bought them!

P.S. i got about 40k out of a set of BFG M/Ts

krawler510 · 02-11-2008, 09:27 AM

Rubicon Express's spacer lift is nicely priced and most people love their stuff. With 32s you'd be able to flex your suspension out fine but you would hit the control arms when you turn the wheels to full lock with stock rims.

Look into some cheap steel wheels, I think they look good and can prevent that problem.

sweetguardian00 · 02-11-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morningwood1429

well brand wont matter if you are only getting a lift with the spacers, when the lift includes shocks, control arms, transfer case drop, etc. then brand becomes more of an issue. you should get the M/T tires for a few reasons, 1. they look better 2. even if you only occasionally go they SIGNIFICANTLY incerase offroad ability. 3. a cheap set will cost less than BFG A/T's

once you start offroading you wont want to stop and be glad you bought them!

P.S. i got about 40k out of a set of BFG M/Ts

hell yeah they look better, and kudos on the name