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need opinions for lifting TJ

2K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  IndianaBones 
#1 ·
New to the Jeep world. this is my 2nd post. Thanks to everyone who helped out on the first post (electrical issue)...what a GREAT place to share information!!!

I recently bought a 99 TJ, 2.5 automatic. i cant say it was my dream jeep...but the price was fantastic, and I know it has never been offroad. It is really just a toy for me...and not my daily driver.

runs great, and the body is in good shape.

I took it wheeling, and had a great time. The jeep came with 31x10.5 AT tires. I live in southern Indiana...and we have mud like it is going out of style.

the AT's did ok in the mud...but not really as well as I had hoped. I am really looking to improve the performance and looks of the jeep by going with a more aggressive tire. I am also considering a lift kit.

I have a couple of questions.

is a 32 or 33 inch tire too big for the 2.5. I don't plan to re-gear it. I think from what I have read that I will need to put a lift kit on it. I think 3" is what I need???? I am concerned I don't know all I should about the various components of a suspension lift kit.

With a 3" lift, are there any manufacturers I should stay away from? Will I need drop steering arms, etc? I have been looking at the rough country 641.20 3.25" lift kit. With the addition of the heavier front bumper and winch...will I have to do anything to level it back out?

is there anything not included in the kit that I will have to replace?

Has anyone put one of these on before (I am an average mechanic), how hard is it to install?

Are rough country products decent quality?

Is there a better way to go?

Thanks again for any help!!!:thumb:
 
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#2 ·
Do a search for lifts and you will find thousands of options, opinions and choices.
You're not too far away from Indy and we go wheeling quite often. Interlake, dirty turtle, redbird and badlands are a few to check out.
Be leery with rough country and cheap kits. You get what you pay for.
You can run a 2" budget boost and 1" bodily lift and easily fit 32's then look into quality lifts and research research research is your best friend.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the info.

I have been to the dirty turtle... what a great park... went in November for the big event... had a great time!
I live just north of Louisville ky...in Memphis Indiana.

I had a couple of people say to stay away from the body lift on a tj???
Have also heard both praise and condemnation on roughcountry lift kits

I think 32's are the biggest tire I would run...2-3 inches seems to be the consensus for lift to clear that tire size.

Anyone know if you have to install a slip yoke eliminator for that height?

I don't see me doing much rock climbing.... but mud and trails are definitely in my future

Also curious if others disconnect the sway bar... or just leave it connected??
Ditto about installing the quick disconnects?

Thanks
Jim
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the info.

I have been to the dirty turtle... what a great park... went in November for the big event... had a great time!
I live just north of Louisville ky...in Memphis Indiana.

I had a couple of people say to stay away from the body lift on a tj???
Have also heard both praise and condemnation on roughcountry lift kits

I think 32's are the biggest tire I would run...2-3 inches seems to be the consensus for lift to clear that tire size.

Anyone know if you have to install a slip yoke eliminator for that height?

I don't see me doing much rock climbing.... but mud and trails are definitely in my future

Also curious if others disconnect the sway bar... or just leave it connected??
Ditto about installing the quick disconnects?

Thanks
Jim
Body lifts have their place. A tummy tuck (lower profile transfer case skid, provides more clearance) is a good reason. Also is a cheaper way of adding up to 1.25 inches of lift.

I don't know where you have heard praise for rough country lifts. The ride they provide is, well, rough to say the least.

If you are going 32" tires, yes 2-3" if lift is fine. If it were me, I would do 2". An SYE isn't needed, but you MAY have minimal drive shaft vibes. A small transfer case drop would solve that. But that comes with a price (the opposite of a tummy tuck, less clearance for the transfer case skid)

Many do disconnect their sway bars for more articulation while off road. Not advised for on road
 
#6 ·
If you go over three, then you need the sye kit. I just read a post from Dextreme and he had said rough country is made from Chinese steel and sags really easy. I put the zone 3" on and I love it. Rides really good.
 
#8 ·
after talking to another jeep owner (runs a local big o tire store)...I think I am going to go with a 3" supreme suspensions lift kit. shocks, spacers, and a transfer drop kit. after that a new set of 32" tires.

has anyone used supreme suspensions before? most of the reviews look good.
 
#9 ·
after talking to another jeep owner (runs a local big o tire store)...I think I am going to go with a 3" supreme suspensions lift kit. shocks, spacers, and a transfer drop kit. after that a new set of 32" tires.

has anyone used supreme suspensions before? most of the reviews look good.
Is that the 3" spacer kit? If it is then that would be Ill advised. Any person experienced with lifts will tell you not to go more that 2". It can cause over-compression on the springs, which can damage them.

Cheapest way to go 3" is 2" spacer and 1" body lift

Again: 3" spacers are not a good way to lift your jeep.
 
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