Hey guys, I am new to this and would like some advice. I own a 2011 Jeep jk 70th Anniversary. I am currently conflicted on what to purchase for it next. I have a 2'' leveling kit on it now with 33" tires, but want more. I was looking at the quadratec 3.5 lift kit and the smitty bilt 10,000 lbs winch. I do not do any serious offroading and have not come across a time when I need to use a winch. Obviously I would be a little more daring if I had one, but I will pretty much try anything anyway. I know the quadratec lift isn't the best one, but I do not do any serious offloading that would call for a top of the line lift. I have done my research on both items and know mostly everything about them. I would just like some advice on what would be best at this time.
A lift would be nice but!!! I have owned three jeeps and the first thing that I bought was a winch. A lift can't get you unstuck. Get stuck once and you will understand. But it is your jeep I know its hard to pass up a lift they look good. Just my 2 cents.
I debated the same thing as you. I went with lift first since I didn't want all the forward rake that a winch would create. With your leveling kit, it might not be too bad.
Regardless, I say buy the best you can afford and be happy with it. Make sure to post pics when you decide!
I had this debate about a year ago when i first bought my jeep and it was a troubling debate in my head for about 3 months lol
I went winch and front bumper first yea its awesome to have and a needed thing for above average off roading, BUT considering your own words "won't be doing serious off roading" i would do the lift and tires first - y waste money on something you probably will never use and 9/10 times you go off roading someone will have a winch, unless you go solo.
But my vote is if your not going to do anything that needs a winch do your cosmetic things first and make it look like a beast - then worry about the other expensive things that will help you in those 1 or 2 times in your life.
everyone who loves their car/truck/jeep/etc does cosmetic work to it even though it has no actually bonus to it but the appearance, you still want your ride to look awesome
Which ever you decide. Know that your spring selection might change after your winch is installed. If nothing else you'll probably want to add a spacer to offset the compression from the winch weight.
Lift. The huge majority of people rarely use their winch, and it's even more rare to use a winch to pull yourself out unless you're wheeling hard. Most winch pulls are pulling someone else out, but your lift you get to use every single day you drive your Jeep. I'd suggest a high quality lift that will give you a great street ride like AEV or OME.
For me I went with the lift and tires simply because I off-road with others who have winches and what not for when I get stuck and I needed to keep up with them
I don't really understand what you're asking here. You seem to not need either a lift or a winch, so what are your reasons for getting either?
If you're wondering which would be more useful for you in a practical sense, then get the winch. You might find a use for that pulling someone else out of a ditch or something.
If you're only interested in which will make you look cooler while driving around town... well only you can answer that. Have you considered a flashy new paint job?
I'm not sure it would look ridiculous. I have a 2.5" with 33's and I personally like the gap between fender and tire. I doubt I'd notice a big difference with another inch in there.
Purchase price is more than reasonable, they have service and repair parts available
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