[Chewie4299]

I've been trying to forge a pretty solid plan for my TJ for quite a while and am finally pretty certain of what I'd like to do.

First off, I would like to clear 33x12.50x15 Procomp MTs on a 15x8 rim with 3.75" backspacing.

I looked hard at the Rough Country 2.5 inch lift to which I would add a rear track bar bracket, bump stops, 1" MML (in hopes of not needing the T-case drop), and 1" BL. I would, however, prefer to avoid a body lift. I'm not that fond of how it looks.

I also looked at the RE 3.5" Standard Lift and the Full Traction 3" Economy Lift. I felt that of the two the Full Traction lift was a bit more complete in that it comes with an adj. front track bar and rear track bar bracket as well as front disconnects and brake line extension brackets. Only thing I would add outside of shocks would be 1" MML.

So it looks as if I will be going with the FT lift but would like to hear opinions on the FT 5100 series hydraulic shocks, FT M-Force mono tubes, and OME shocks. I know OME shocks are some of the best and have no problem going with them but if either of the FT shocks can compare I would rather stick with FT for the shocks as well as the lift.

My other question was in regards to the control arms. I would like to know if I would be just fine with the stock arms or if I will notice a big difference but upgrading them soon after the lift.




Because it may influence advice on lift/shock combo future mods will include:
1. 4.56 gears for D30/D35 combo + OX locker in D35 + 30 spline superior axle shafts (I know this has no bearing on lift/shocks but this may even come before the lift or at the same time otherwise I'll wanna commit suicide in 6th gear with 3.07s)

2. Rocker guards, gas tank skid, other misc armor
3. Front bumper
4. Winch
5. Rear bumper with tire carrier

Thanks in advance for any input.

[rubidriver]

IMHO, I do not think you will like the FT Econ. kit no matter what shocks you use, they are known for premature sagging, and more than likely uneven sagging side to side as well as front to back.

Ft has a horrible reputation for customer service as well as warrant claims. I think your worried about piecing a kit together, which in most cases is a good idea.

If you got the RC kit, did the 1" BL and MML (wont look bad, wont even notice the gap), got some quick discos from someone like JKS, a front track bar from someone like JKS and an OME rear bracket, you would be happy. Dont forget the RC kit comes with a slight rake so get a 1-1.5 spacer for up front.

[Chewie4299]

Originally Posted by rubidriver

IMHO, I do not think you will like the FT Econ. kit no matter what shocks you use, they are known for premature sagging, and more than likely uneven sagging side to side as well as front to back.

Ft has a horrible reputation for customer service as well as warrant claims. I think your worried about piecing a kit together, which in most cases is a good idea.

If you got the RC kit, did the 1" BL and MML (wont look bad, wont even notice the gap), got some quick discos from someone like JKS, a front track bar from someone like JKS and an OME rear bracket, you would be happy. Dont forget the RC kit comes with a slight rake so get a 1-1.5 spacer for up front.

I appreciate the input. This is, however, the complete opposite from what I've read elsewhere in this forum. I've read that the RC kit levels the rather extreme rake the TJs have stock and that Full Traction gets a lot of good reviews. If what you're saying is true about the sagging then I'll need to keep thinking about the lift. I might end up piecing the whole thing together if I have to. Possibly use the RC progressive springs with spacers to reach 3 inches and OME or RC's 2.2 shocks.

[rubidriver]

Im going to try and find a few post that I have seen with the FT kit. Heres a few

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/3-full-traction-lift-issues-597251/
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f15/ft-3-lift-sagging-right-346133/
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f96/junk-full-traction-suspension-your-jk-not-advised-617323/

The RC kit definatley needs about a 1" spacer on the front to level it, which is totally no big deal.

[mike0110]

Originally Posted by rubidriver

IMHO, I do not think you will like the FT Econ. kit no matter what shocks you use, they are known for premature sagging, and more than likely uneven sagging side to side as well as front to back.

Ft has a horrible reputation for customer service as well as warrant claims. I think your worried about piecing a kit together, which in most cases is a good idea.

If you got the RC kit, did the 1" BL and MML (wont look bad, wont even notice the gap), got some quick discos from someone like JKS, a front track bar from someone like JKS and an OME rear bracket, you would be happy. Dont forget the RC kit comes with a slight rake so get a 1-1.5 spacer for up front.

i've had my FT 3in eco kit for about a year now and i haven't noticed any sag, and i was quite happy with there customer service. i went with the OME shocks and there just at good as everyone says. i have 33/12.5/15 with 15 by 8 rims and i don't have any rubbing. i could show you some photos of my set up if you would like.

[Chewie4299]

Originally Posted by mike0110

i've had my FT 3in eco kit for about a year now and i haven't noticed any sag, and i was quite happy with there customer service. i went with the OME shocks and there just at good as everyone says. i have 33/12.5/15 with 15 by 8 rims and i don't have any rubbing. i could show you some photos of my set up if you would like.

Please...that would be great. I just read through Three 1-2 page threads of horror stories with FT...then a huge thread of praise.

So I don't know. I like the kit and the price.

IF the springs sag I have no problem replacing them with a different brand.

[never monday]

get 15x8 instead

[Chewie4299]

Originally Posted by never monday

get 15x8 instead

...that's what I meant anyway. Was looking as something when i was typing that that recommended 15x10.

[mike0110]

[rubidriver]

Originally Posted by Chewie4299

Please...that would be great. I just read through Three 1-2 page threads of horror stories with FT...then a huge thread of praise.

So I don't know. I like the kit and the price.

IF the springs sag I have no problem replacing them with a different brand.

Get some quality springs up front, that way you only pay once.

[-Rudy-]

Originally Posted by rubidriver

IMHO, I do not think you will like the FT Econ. kit no matter what shocks you use, they are known for premature sagging, and more than likely uneven sagging side to side as well as front to back.

Ft has a horrible reputation for customer service as well as warrant claims. I think your worried about piecing a kit together, which in most cases is a good idea.

Originally Posted by rubidriver

Get some quality springs up front, that way you only pay once.

Not this BS, again.

FT kit has been on my jeep for about 7-8 months, and it's still doing fine. I went with Skyjacker Hydros (OH NOEZ A CHEAP SHOCK!!1!one), and guess what... they're also jussttttt fine. The ride is better than stock, and while I am sure there are more complete kits out there, the FT kit is competitive and not something that I regret purchasing. For someone on a budget, it's hard to beat (although the RC2.5 kit looks promising as of late.)

When I get back from basic, I'll probably be bumping up to an RE long-arm kit and going to 35's, but that's the only way the FT kit will ever leave my jeep. I really like it that much.

One thing, that I will openly admit to (as well as most others), is that the FT disconnects are pains in the *** to use. Other than that, everything is top notch and the customer service (I got mine with David @ northridge 4x4, so he helped lots) was good too.

For something that is "known" or has a "horrible reputation", I really don't see many of those cases stepping up. I can safely say that at least 98% of all people I have ever talked to in person or on the forums, have all been more than pleased with thier results.

[Chewie4299]

Originally Posted by mike0110

That looks GREAT. My TJ is yellow too, looks just like I want mine to. What kind of seats are those? They recline?

[-Rudy-]

Originally Posted by Chewie4299

That looks GREAT. My TJ is yellow too, looks just like I want mine to. What kind of seats are those? They recline?

I think he has the thread in this forum, I believe the title was, "Sitting in the cheap seats." You could look it up in search for more information.

[mike0110]

Originally Posted by Chewie4299

That looks GREAT. My TJ is yellow too, looks just like I want mine to. What kind of seats are those? They recline?

there some cheap seats off JCwhitny (170 shipped for both, BOGO sale that i think ended). yes they do recline, and i like them a lot! only problem is the backs of the seats are slowly fading from the florida sun, but other then that i couldn't be happier with them. thanks i love my jeep

[Chewie4299]

I just hate you for having a 44 in the back....I gotta drop some dough for a super 35 kit locker and c-clip eliminator. Destroyed my spider gears twice from wheeling it.


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