Nicely worded inquiry. Replying in order to follow this post. I have the exact same questions and experience with this.

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There are a ton of threads on this. I'm not being smart, I'm just informing you that you will have a wealth of information available to you if you search for similar threads.

The 3" kit from IRO is quality. The Bilstein shock upgrade is very popular. I run the bilsteins with my 3" lift and the ride quality is great.

As far as tire size, I'm running a 265/75/16 which converts to about a 31.5" x 10.5" tire. I'm on a 7" wide wheel with 4" of backspacing. My tires still rub on full lock turns. I have more trimming to do!

Overall for the price, I think it's hard to find a significantly better setup.

Other than the lift kit, I would recommend quick disconnect extended front sway bar links and the Addco rear sway bar.

 

Hey man, thanks for the info! In the future, I'll be sure to utilize the forum search before posting!

 

Great advice from judunty84 on the Addco rear sway bar and front quick disconnects for the front sway bar (I recommend JKS).

I'd also recommend you replace all the upper and lower isolator (they hold your coil springs in place). Old isolators can account for 3/4-1" sag easy.

I ran JK Take offs on a 2" BDS lift on Bilstein 5100's forever and loved it. I now have 33"s on the same lift and after some wheel well trimming no rubbing whatsoever.

If I had it to do over I would get softer shocks than the Bilsteins. They've given my ride a nice stiff and sporty feel but I've been over getting bounced around unnecessarily for quite some time.

 

Great advice from judunty84 on the Addco rear sway bar and front quick disconnects for the front sway bar (I recommend JKS).

I'd also recommend you replace all the upper and lower isolator (they hold your coil springs in place). Old isolators can account for 3/4-1" sag easy.

I ran JK Take offs on a 2" BDS lift on Bilstein 5100's forever and loved it. I now have 33"s on the same lift and after some wheel well trimming no rubbing whatsoever.

If I had it to do over I would get softer shocks than the Bilsteins. They've given my ride a nice stiff and sporty feel but I've been over getting bounced around unnecessarily for quite some time.

I do like the idea of a sportier feeling ride. I'll definitely look into getting some new isolators too! Thanks for the reply.

 

IRO makes a good product and plenty of people run em. I used to (still have parts here and there from them) and never had any issues but moved to Clayton when I went to long arms. I'm not a huge fan of IRO's coils, they don't have a very high spring rate compared to stock, but I prefer a stiffer coil so thats just me.

Just remember that if you get their basic 3 or 4 inch kit, you will still be using the stock control arms. This can play a huge role in handling and ride quality because you have no adjustability after changing the suspension geometry with the lift. IMO at least get front lower adjustable control arms. They will allow you to adjust your caster/pinion angle. I recommend Core4x4 arms, they are a better quality for a better price. Bilsteins are also 100% worth the extra money, and IRO sells them at a competitive price, especially if you get them with the kit.

The only other thing you need to consider is your front drive shaft. If you have Rzeppa joints, it will eventually fail after lifting it. What you eventually need after it fails is a Double Cardan drive shaft. Many options here, but the best is to find a WJ that came with a DC shaft from the factory in a junkyard and swap it right in. This runs about 50$ total and there are many write ups on how this is done.

3 inches will easily clear 31s and with trimming will fit 32s.

 

Hey everyone! Still pretty new to the forum. Just wanted to get y'all's thoughts on the IRO lifts in general? I quite like the fact that they're an American company. Currently, I'm looking at getting one from them at around three inches. They sell what is supposed to be a complete kit, and I would provide a link, but unfortunately I cannot post links yet on here.

Can anyone attest to the quality of their kit? I.E. ride quality, sagging, value for the price ($525)? Also, are the Bilstein Shocks worth all the extra money ($250)? Would I need or want any items beyond what is included in the kit?

Last, can I hope to install a 31 inch tire after installing this kit? I hate to sound like such a noob, but this is my first time lifting a Jeep! Any help and all advice you can offer would be awesome and most appreciated. :newbie:

I have the IRO 3" lift on 265/70/17s roughly 31.5". I also have the bilsteins. I've never tried the other shocks besides the up country's so I can't really vouch for them but I like the bilsteins. A lot smoother ride than the factory shocks. I've had my kit on for about 5 years now and I still have 21.5" from hub to fender. I think factory is 18" on the front and 18.25" on the rear.

I'd recommend getting new spring isolators and check your front drive shaft to see ifs it's a double cardon or rzeppa. If it's not a double cardon you'll probably have to replace it at some point. Mine last about 2 years before it was destroyed. The cv style joint can't handle the angle change so they wear out quick. And make sure you get an adjustable track bar as well. Check with Kolak for pricing on everything. I got all of my stuff from him and he saved me quite a bit.

 

Agree check with Kolak on the IRO 3" and get a complete set of 8 isolators from him.
> Kolak@aol.com <

I had a 3" IRO lift with 265/75/16 with the DT8000 shocks. These shocks are fine if you need to save some bucks. Also add an adjustable track bar, jks quick disconnects, and some Bar Pin Eliminators. Then you will have a simple setup that can get pretty far.

 

If you're concerned about sagging, check out the OME HD springs as an option, they're a bit stiffer than IRO. @Kolak set me up with those, bilsteins, IRO trackbar, and IRO rear links. After breaking in (or getting used to it), the ride is very tight and can take a full load of cargo and people without issue. Haven't tried towing any serious weight yet, but I'm confident that between the OME springs and a load distributing hitch, it will take a full load without much issue.

As for tires, I'm running 31" (255/70R17) with zero issues.

Good luck in your decision making...

I have the IRO 3" lift on 265/70/17s roughly 31.5". I also have the bilsteins. I've never tried the other shocks besides the up country's so I can't really vouch for them but I like the bilsteins. A lot smoother ride than the factory shocks. I've had my kit on for about 5 years now and I still have 21.5" from hub to fender. I think factory is 18" on the front and 18.25" on the rear.

I'd recommend getting new spring isolators and check your front drive shaft to see ifs it's a double cardon or rzeppa. If it's not a double cardon you'll probably have to replace it at some point. Mine last about 2 years before it was destroyed. The cv style joint can't handle the angle change so they wear out quick. And make sure you get an adjustable track bar as well. Check with Kolak for pricing on everything. I got all of my stuff from him and he saved me quite a bit.

I went through Kolak for my IRO 3" lift with Bilsteins also. The ride is soft with the springs. If I had to do it again I'd go with a 4" LA kit or OME 3" springs with Bilsteins. Like others have mentioned, check your driveshaft. Also, go over your suspension. I replaced everything on mine:
Front upper and lower and rear lower adjustable control arms, front upper control arm bushings, JKS track bar with KOR bushings, extended rear sway bar end links, front Timken hub bearings, all five ball joints, rear A-arm, coil spring isolators, Moog Trail Boss steering stabilizer, Addco rear sway bar, front sway bar links and bushings, and Moog tie rod ends and adjusting sleeves.
As for tires, I running JK Moab's with the factory SRA's (32's). I did the Baja style trim to avoid rubbing.
I also upgraded to a DC front driveshaft.
It gets expensive real fast. Ha ha. Good luck!

Thanks for all the replies fellows! I really appreciate all the input a bunch! My WJ has fairly low mileage (140,000~), so I may try and get the rear swaybar from Addco, the JKS SBDs, adjustable front control arms, the isolators, and the three inch lift with the Bilsteins to start. I'm in college, so I'll have to do this a little at a time after the big initial investment. Like get a new driveshaft here, new A-arm there, etc.

Once again, thanks for all the input guys! I'm still a month or two (or three) out on this. But when I do get ready I'll be sure to get in touch with Mr. Kolak, I've been seeing his name pop up quite a bit on here. Thanks again!

 

If you're concerned about sagging, check out the OME HD springs as an option, they're a bit stiffer than IRO. @Kolak set me up with those, bilsteins, IRO trackbar, and IRO rear links. After breaking in (or getting used to it), the ride is very tight and can take a full load of cargo and people without issue. Haven't tried towing any serious weight yet, but I'm confident that between the OME springs and a load distributing hitch, it will take a full load without much issue.

As for tires, I'm running 31" (255/70R17) with zero issues.

Good luck in your decision making...

 

I went through Kolak for my IRO 3" lift with Bilsteins also. The ride is soft with the springs. If I had to do it again I'd go with a 4" LA kit or OME 3" springs with Bilsteins. Like others have mentioned, check your driveshaft. Also, go over your suspension. I replaced everything on mine:
Front upper and lower and rear lower adjustable control arms, front upper control arm bushings, JKS track bar with KOR bushings, extended rear sway bar end links, front Timken hub bearings, all five ball joints, rear A-arm, coil spring isolators, Moog Trail Boss steering stabilizer, Addco rear sway bar, front sway bar links and bushings, and Moog tie rod ends and adjusting sleeves.
As for tires, I running JK Moab's with the factory SRA's (32's). I did the Baja style trim to avoid rubbing.
I also upgraded to a DC front driveshaft.
It gets expensive real fast. Ha ha. Good luck!

 

Thanks for mentioning me everyone

Lots of good specials on IRO, OME and Bilstein for the 4th of July so be sure to PM me here on the forum or email me at kolak@aol.com and we'll chat.

IRO is less expensive than OME and great quality. Like people mentioned above, OME is excellent for towing and carrying lots of cargo.

 

Sir, I have been seeing your name a lot on here. When I get ready, I'll be sure to send you a PM or a email to check with you on pricing and the best way to go setup-wise! Thank you for your time replying to my post!

 

How's the WJ coming? Here's some pictures for inspiration if you're still thinking about it. I did what people above have recommended

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Lots of great answers here. I bought a 99 Limited almost fully loaded for a really good price. I knew it had spit a rocker out the valve cover. Well 2 heads later, radiator, water pump, timing chains, etc. my IRO lift budget got sucked up. But this tread answer a lot of my questions . Thanks

 

Sorry to hear that

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One thing I did notice is only one person who replied in this thread is running the Doetsch tech shocks. Why is that. I remember they were a very good shock. Like I mentioned my budget got sucked up on heads but I think I have enough to do the 3 inch lift with the D.T shocks. Or as Kolak recommended procomp 9000.

 

I did them too. I went with them because they are said to flex more and have a built in bumpstop. They're ok but a little stiff. But I don't think that's all their fault. I do wish I would have done Bilstein but I don't really regret it. I think a lot of people just decide to go all in, they a great brand, and Kolak gets a good deal on them. I do wish I'd have given him the business

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How's the WJ coming? Here's some pictures for inspiration if you're still thinking about it. I did what people above have recommended Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

It's going slowly, but it's going! Thing had some issues when I got it, but I'm running out of stuff to replace, so it'll become reliable eventually.

I recently did start doing some minor upgrades. I mounted new fogs, headlights, a factory hitch, installed a new water pump, radiator, and a junkyard tranny. I've been meaning to post some pics, but I just haven't gotten around to it. I'm currently hunting a weird idling problem, and a phantom water leak. When I find those and fix them it'll be like brand new.

I'm hoping to lift and get bigger tires in between semesters, probably just after Christmas. My brother also just bought a JK Rubicon, and he's donating his wheels when I get ready to lift! I may post some pictures in this thread when I get it all done.

Thanks for the reply man! Great looking Jeep!

 

The Rubicon takeoffs will be great! I'm hoping to buy my buddies Rubicon tires eventually. [emoji106] I hope it all goes well man. Those nagging issues can really suck

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