[pat85]

Just completed some suspension work. Wasn't looking to go big yet, just a little extra to get me by. Went with Up Country springs, new isolators, .75 Rough Country front leveling spacers. After that, felt that it looked a touch rear heavy so I put in OME 10mm spacers in the rear. Really like the stance now. I have 245/65/17 tires on there now but I think I could go to a 265/65/17 pretty easily. But these tires are new so they'll have to do for now.

Wanted to post this because the more I search the old threads the more I see guys looking for something under the 2in budget boosters.

Also, wanted to show off the bumper trim!

 

[pat85]

Thanks! Didn't think to check. I'll let you know.

 

[pat85]

Did you have to trim with the lift and tire/wheel combo or was it for a future lift?

I did that before the suspension work for a couple reasons. I up sized the tires because I couldn't find factory sized ones that I liked and they rubbed the bumper. Also, until the bigger lift comes, I wanted the least amount bumper in front of my wheels. Lastly, I just really like the look.

 

[pat85]

looks nice. got any pics of it before the rear spacer? looks like it has a little rake now

Thanks! No, I didn't take any before the rear spacers. I hate taking pictures when I'm not 100% on the results. I know should, the journey is important. Yeah, it does have a little rake now, which I was wanting. Factory rake is excessive on almost any 4x4 IMO, but I like a little for when I'm loaded up.

 

[pat85]

I did the exact same bumper cut as you, just be prepared for an increase in highway noise

Worth It!

 

[pat85]

You say for people who want something under a 2 in budget boost but you are not! You might as well have fitted a two inch bb surely. You added an inch with uc, another three quarters with the first spacer plus three eighths with the 10MM spacer so you are up slightly higher than a bb! A bb would have less spacers too as I personally don't like more than one per spring.
Looks good though!

Sent from the Dark Side using only the Force.

I believe you're mistaken. Correct on the one inch from the UCs. But the 3/4 spacer is alone in the front and 10mm is alone in the rear. So I am still under the 2 inches. It seems that some have reservations towards 2inches of spacers whether its too tall for their liking, not trusting that much poly, or fearing poor ride quality. I think this setup is just right for those with that mindset.

 

[pat85]

My mistake. I misread that as 0.75 spacers front and rear! Looks taller than that!

Sent from the Dark Side using only the Force.

That happens. It does look like there's more to it that what's actually in there but I am still anticipation a touch of settling. This was all done within the last week.

 

[pat85]

Hey Pat, I found this thread by checking out your profile after you posted over in the other thread going on right now about UC springs. What shocks do you run? Also, looks like you carry a bunch of gear on those UC springs. Do they seem to hold up to added weight well? I'm thinking down the road if the bug ever bites me for a front hitch and/or sliders would these springs hold up to that sort of loading. Annnnd one more question...which RC spacer did you get? I can only seem to fine one for a JK on their site. Thanks man, love the Storm Trooper!

Thanks Man!

I'm currently running KYB shocks. I put them in before I had any intention of turning this into a project and the OEMs were shot. They're holding up fine so far but Bilsteins or Doesch Techs are in my future. Just waiting for these to pop so I can justify it.

I don't think I'm carrying that much gear! But the UCs are handling it just fine, even when I've got the wife, two pups, and luggage...though I don't hit the back roads that loaded.

This is the RC spacer I have in the front:
http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-1060.html

 

[pat85]

And I know posted this in the other thread but in the interest of keeping this thread up to date, here is a more current pic of the setup. Fitted 265/65r17 Duratracs. Only rub when front sway bar is disco.

 

[pat85]

Very nice build! This is almost exactly what I'm looking to do to my WJ. I really love what you did with the bumper.

Thanks! It's not as capable as I'd like it to be yet but it still gets me where I need to go. I'll run it like this for a while and then look at going taller.

 

[pat85]

Wow. That looks really nice. I REALLY like the silver lip on your wheels. Who makes them? Will your current wheels accept 265's once you get the 245's worn out?

Thanks! They are MotoMetal Wheels. Unfortunately, they are discontinued. I can't even get one more for a spare, had to go with a steel equivalent. They do take 265's, with ease. I am running 265/65R17s right now.

 

[pat85]

Wow, pat85, your Grand looks sick! :drool: I love the white/black combo!

Sorry about the n00b questions, but I got a bit confused with all these springs/spacers - how much approximately you lifted from stock?

And another question - how to tell if you have Up Country springs? As I understand those already provide 1" of additional lift?

I'm not sure if my WJ has the UC springs, but I'm thinking of putting 245/70/R17s (30.5"), so not sure if I need a BB or not.. (if necessary I'd go with as minimum as possible, 1" or so).

Thanks man! All said and done, by the book I should have achieved 1.75in in the front and about 1.5in in the rear. I didn't take measurements, just going off of the measurements of the parts installed. I have had to do a decent amount of trimming in the front to clear my tires with the front sway bar disconnected (265/65R17s=30.6x10.7). I doubt just the UC springs will allow you the 245/70R17s, unless you keep the sway connected and maybe do some trimming.

 

[pat85]

Hey Pat, Back with another question...where did you get your UC springs? Were they new or used, MOPAR or aftermarket? Roughly what did they set you back?

They were Moog. Front Moog part #80976 & Rear Moog part #80873. I honestly can't remember how much I spent on them.

 

[pat85]

Well I got my stuff ordered! Pretty much an exact setup (copy?- thanks for the inspiration!) of what you're running. Monroe Reflex monotubes (Upcountry suspension), Raybestos springs (Upcountry suspension), 3/4" front spacer, 3/8" (10mm) rear spacer, and new isolators at all four corners. I also ordered a front JKS bar pin eliminator too. Also found another similar lift for reference:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f197/2001-wj-kolaks-help-1470859/

Thanks again for the information and inspiration haha :tea:

Awesome! It's a decent little setup, and it's more capable than one would think. I recently went to an OHV park, one of the higher regarded ones in my area (5 hours away), and I was able to do a good amount of the intermediate trails. I did crunch one of my rocker panels and rub my rear bumper on some declines but nothing I couldn't spray more bedliner over, ha. Definitely got the itch to go bigger though. All in good time, or at least that's what the wife tells me.