Set up for mild trail riding

imsofaman · 02-25-2005, 07:39 AM

I have a new Willys Edition. I am not going crazy with a serious lift/huge tires and that kind of thing. I would like a set up that won't make my Jeep too top heavy or easy to flip (My kids ride in my Jeep). I have 3.73 ratio on my axles. Should I just get some 31" tires and be done with it? Are they too big for my gear ratio? I think it would be OK but would like to get soem opinions....

As far as my waranty goes, they said that as long as any mod that I do to my Jeep does not cause anything to werar out prematuurely or the mod causes anything to fail....everything is still covered. I bought the extended warrenty and I would hate to mess up an axle or steering knucle and they say it was because of the large tires.....

So....any info would be great....

Dave

Sparty · 02-25-2005, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imsofaman

I have a new Willys Edition. I am not going crazy with a serious lift/huge tires and that kind of thing. I would like a set up that won't make my Jeep too top heavy or easy to flip (My kids ride in my Jeep). I have 3.73 ratio on my axles. Should I just get some 31" tires and be done with it? Are they too big for my gear ratio? I think it would be OK but would like to get soem opinions....

As far as my waranty goes, they said that as long as any mod that I do to my Jeep does not cause anything to werar out prematuurely or the mod causes anything to fail....everything is still covered. I bought the extended warrenty and I would hate to mess up an axle or steering knucle and they say it was because of the large tires.....

So....any info would be great....

Dave

31" will be fine with 3.73. You could even go up to 32" and a BB 2" lift, and a 1" BL. It wouldn't be that much of a problem with the tipping over, you'd just need some wheel spacers or new rims for the tires, and then your CG is almost back to normal because of the wider stance.

ieatchickens · 02-25-2005, 08:15 AM

If memory serves me correctly, Willy's Editions have the 4.0 engine. With that engine you really don't need to concern yourself too much about what gearing you have. With that being said, your 3.73 gear is great for larger tires. (much better than the 3.07)

I am in the same frame of mind as you regarding trail worthiness and capability. I am installing a 2" budget boost so I can get a little more clearence for my 31's. Also, with 2" of lift you don't have too worry about transfer case drops and aftermarket track bars etc. Just lift and go.

2" of lift is not really that much and it gives you a little more capability and gives your Jeep a more aggressive look. Take a gander at some of the 2" lifted Jeeps on this site for a better impression of how it looks:

http://www.jeepgallery.com/bb_bl_32s_33s.html

My .02

Rusty the Scoob · 02-25-2005, 08:15 AM

I personally think the best starting point by far is a set of front swaybar discos, 31" tires and a 2" lift. BB or coil lifts are fine, I prefer coils and have run both at that height on my jeep.

Then see if either your front or rear axles shifts to the right... most people's rear goes but a buddy of mine had the front go and the rear stay centered... odd. Whichever shifts, buy an adjustable trackbar and set it just a little longer.

It's a very simple setup, very streetable, warrantyable under most circumstances, and does very well on the trail for mild wheeling.

Rusty the Scoob · 02-25-2005, 08:16 AM

Oh, and I'm jealous you have the 3.73s... IMHO they are perfect for 31"s...

Dogman · 02-25-2005, 08:22 AM

I'm running 31s with 3.07s and it's fine. My 2 boys ride with me, my Jeep has become more a family car than the family car! They love it. If you're just doing mild trails, you shouldn't need to do anything else. Just wheel it and if the rig can't handle the trails you want to do, then consider more mods.

Have fun

**BigWaylon** · 02-25-2005, 08:28 AM

A lot of people will say wheel it first...

however, I like the following "beginner" setup:

2" Budget Boost (brand doesn't really matter)
1" Motor Mount Lift
1" Body Lift

total can be $350 or less...

you can install it all yourself with a jack, jackstands, and a basic socket set...

the MML and BL can be used for every mod you do in the future (and will even be required for some of them)...

you can even reuse the coil spacers in the Budget Boost, or sell them later...

if you want to keep your wheels, you can either run 31x10.50, or buy wheel spacers and run 32x11.50...

33x10.50 will fit on the stock wheels, but you will need to make sure your front bump stops keep the tires off of the fenders...33x12.50s will need new wheels or wheel spacers...

with 3.73 gearing you could run 31s or 32s with no problems...I ran 33s with 3.73s for a year and it is livable...

Greg

**Jay-Mac** · 02-25-2005, 08:30 AM

Don't worry about your CG with 31 OR 32 inch tires. It will not make any difference to worry about. Id do exactly what sparty said do a BB (which is a 2inch coil spacer lift and new shocks, extended bumpstops, cost is 200$ shipped to your door)it can be done in one short afternoon with pretty basic tools. If your worried about lifting your vehicle the just stick with a good set of 31inch tires (bf goodrich all terrrains are a great choice for a DD and are good on the trails) and you'll be able to have plenty of fun offroad

hope this helped

imsofaman · 02-25-2005, 08:59 AM

OK...the Mod Newbie has another question.....what is the easiest lift just for tire clearence and I will not have to worry about a new pitman arm or any other thing that may give me problems later?

Any special tools for the coil spacers?

What is better....body or suspension lift?

ieatchickens · 02-25-2005, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ieatchickens

If memory serves me correctly, Willy's Editions have the 4.0 engine. With that engine you really don't need to concern yourself too much about what gearing you have. With that being said, your 3.73 gear is great for larger tires. (much better than the 3.07)

I am in the same frame of mind as you regarding trail worthiness and capability. I am installing a 2" budget boost so I can get a little more clearence for my 31's. Also, with 2" of lift you don't have too worry about transfer case drops and aftermarket track bars etc. Just lift and go.

2" of lift is not really that much and it gives you a little more capability and gives your Jeep a more aggressive look. Take a gander at some of the 2" lifted Jeeps on this site for a better impression of how it looks:

http://www.jeepgallery.com/bb_bl_32s_33s.html

My .02

Reread this post. It answers your question. 2" or less you have no problems. Go higher and you are looking at shocks, track bar, transfer case drop (washers will do fine)

**BigWaylon** · 02-25-2005, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imsofaman

OK...the Mod Newbie has another question.....what is the easiest lift just for tire clearence and I will not have to worry about a new pitman arm or any other thing that may give me problems later?

Any special tools for the coil spacers?

What is better....body or suspension lift?

no special tools, other than T-55 torx bit to remove the sway bar links in order for the axle to droop enough so you can get the spacers in...coil spring compressors are another option, but not required...

suspension lift is "better" for the most part...you actually gain ground clearance...a body lift basically just gives you tire clearance...

you don't need a dropped pitman arm for any of those lifts...you can run up to a 4"-5" lift with the stock arm...

Greg

imsofaman · 02-25-2005, 09:18 AM

Thanks bro!

imsofaman · 02-25-2005, 09:20 AM

THAT was what I wanted to hear!!!!

imsofaman · 02-25-2005, 09:37 AM

Just thought of one more question I had as I was looking at my rims this morning. I noticed that the actuall rim loading of the wheel is centered on the spindle. So, if were to buy different rims, like some aftermarket rock crawlers, the tires would stick out of the side by about 2 1/2". Will a wheel like that prematurely wear out my axle bearings because the load is so far out? I hope you can understand what I am trying to say......

Rusty the Scoob · 02-25-2005, 09:51 AM

What you're talking about is backspacing, and you can get black rockcrawlers with any number of configurations, from sticking way out to tucked under the flares just like stock.

02-25-2005, 08:15 AM	#4
Rusty the Scoob Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 907 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I personally think the best starting point by far is a set of front swaybar discos, 31" tires and a 2" lift. BB or coil lifts are fine, I prefer coils and have run both at that height on my jeep. Then see if either your front or rear axles shifts to the right... most people's rear goes but a buddy of mine had the front go and the rear stay centered... odd. Whichever shifts, buy an adjustable trackbar and set it just a little longer. It's a very simple setup, very streetable, warrantyable under most circumstances, and does very well on the trail for mild wheeling. __________________ 2001 TJ Sport 2" coil lift, 31" TrXus, swapped in 3.73s, ORFab cage, Aussie front locker, A to Z Fab rocker skids, JeepMedic Oil Pan Skid, JeepMedic LCA skids, Alloy USA D30 Seals, Warn Diff Skids, Cobra 75wx CB, Jeeperman prototype front bumper, 9.5ti, custom rear bumper, Rokmen frame tie-in kit.

02-25-2005, 08:16 AM	#5
Rusty the Scoob Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 907 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Oh, and I'm jealous you have the 3.73s... IMHO they are perfect for 31"s... __________________ 2001 TJ Sport 2" coil lift, 31" TrXus, swapped in 3.73s, ORFab cage, Aussie front locker, A to Z Fab rocker skids, JeepMedic Oil Pan Skid, JeepMedic LCA skids, Alloy USA D30 Seals, Warn Diff Skids, Cobra 75wx CB, Jeeperman prototype front bumper, 9.5ti, custom rear bumper, Rokmen frame tie-in kit.

02-25-2005, 08:28 AM	#7
BigWaylon tubework is cool... Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 7,646 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	A lot of people will say wheel it first... however, I like the following "beginner" setup: 2" Budget Boost (brand doesn't really matter) 1" Motor Mount Lift 1" Body Lift total can be $350 or less... you can install it all yourself with a jack, jackstands, and a basic socket set... the MML and BL can be used for every mod you do in the future (and will even be required for some of them)... you can even reuse the coil spacers in the Budget Boost, or sell them later... if you want to keep your wheels, you can either run 31x10.50, or buy wheel spacers and run 32x11.50... 33x10.50 will fit on the stock wheels, but you will need to make sure your front bump stops keep the tires off of the fenders...33x12.50s will need new wheels or wheel spacers... with 3.73 gearing you could run 31s or 32s with no problems...I ran 33s with 3.73s for a year and it is livable... Greg __________________ 2001 TJ 60th Anniversary Edition (details in Profile) www.carolinarockshop.com All the pics I have...including a Table of Contents

02-25-2005, 08:30 AM	#8
Jay-Mac Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Wallingford, CT Posts: 525 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Don't worry about your CG with 31 OR 32 inch tires. It will not make any difference to worry about. Id do exactly what sparty said do a BB (which is a 2inch coil spacer lift and new shocks, extended bumpstops, cost is 200$ shipped to your door)it can be done in one short afternoon with pretty basic tools. If your worried about lifting your vehicle the just stick with a good set of 31inch tires (bf goodrich all terrrains are a great choice for a DD and are good on the trails) and you'll be able to have plenty of fun offroad hope this helped __________________ 2000 Sport Amber Fire, 5 Spd, A/C, dual tops.... Where has all the money gone....... REBB and rubi springs chopped tube bumpers warn m8000 optima yellow top 31X10.5 BFG'S MT'S Near Future Mods: Garvin wilderness rack and basket Arb Snorkel Safari/duster/windjammer combo sealed? Famous Last Words "Hold onto your panties!.....SH*T"

02-25-2005, 09:51 AM	#15
Rusty the Scoob Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 907 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	What you're talking about is backspacing, and you can get black rockcrawlers with any number of configurations, from sticking way out to tucked under the flares just like stock. __________________ 2001 TJ Sport 2" coil lift, 31" TrXus, swapped in 3.73s, ORFab cage, Aussie front locker, A to Z Fab rocker skids, JeepMedic Oil Pan Skid, JeepMedic LCA skids, Alloy USA D30 Seals, Warn Diff Skids, Cobra 75wx CB, Jeeperman prototype front bumper, 9.5ti, custom rear bumper, Rokmen frame tie-in kit.