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04 LJ lift ideas

6K views 33 replies 15 participants last post by  UnlimitedLJ04 
#1 ·
Ok, so just bought a stock LJ and looking at getting 33 inch tires for it. Looking to get at least a 3 inch lift but dont want to have to buy SYE or upgrade driveshaft. Like to get Bilstein 5100 shocks for it but not sure on springs and anything I would need. Dont wanna spend too much on lift but like to do it right.

Not gonna do a lot of offroading but don't want to mess anything up when I do go.

Thanks for any suggestions!
 
#3 ·
I see lots of folks recommend the Zone here and we have the Zone BB on my son's X. But it seems all (3 of them) local 4x4 shops recommend Rough Country. Mainly the 3.25 one.

Still undecided!!
 
#5 ·
But it seems all (3 of them) local 4x4 shops recommend Rough Country.
They only recommend it because of sponsorship and companies ties. Rough Country and it's likely rebranded cousin, Pro Comp, are all crap. Take what you would pay for the Rough Country lift and double it. That's what you'll pay within a year replacing shocks and making the lift tolerable. Pay once and be do it right, don't touch Rough Country.

Side note: Zone is a sub brand of BDS, who has a great reputation. Zone has a 3" suspension lift that will work fine for street use and mild offroad with 33" tires without the need of an SYE, if you would rather not deal with the body lift just yet. If you feel the need to have a little more clearance, add the 1" body lift down the road.

If you have a bigger budget, go on DPG and look at their OME lifts. Dirk is a great guy to talk with over there and definitely recommend giving him a call. Shoot, ask him his opinion of Rough Country, he'll be honest
 
#6 ·
Ok, RC is off the list!

So, the 3 lifts that Zone has for my LJ, would it make sense to go with the 4.25" combo one since I could add the body and motor mounts lift later on if I need it? It's only $70 more?

Also, I like the 4" one because it comes with lower control arms but it mentions something about having to rotate the rear pinion for proper drive line angles (what the heck does this mean).
 
#7 ·
Ok, RC is off the list!

So, the 3 lifts that Zone has for my LJ, would it make sense to go with the 4.25" combo one since I could add the body and motor mounts lift later on if I need it? It's only $70 more?

Also, I like the 4" one because it comes with lower control arms but it mentions something about having to rotate the rear pinion for proper drive line angles (what the heck does this mean).
Your stock control arms are far superior to the tubular fixed control arms found in inexpensive lift kits. Those fixed arms wear out bushings fast (best case) and have even been known to tear ca mounts off of frames and axles (worst case), because the only place they have the ability to flex is in the bushings. Unless you spend the $'s for johnny joint arms or duroflex joint arms, stick with stock. That is one reason the Zone combo lift makes so much sense.
 
#9 ·
Ok guys, thanks for the info! Looks like I;m gonna go with the Zone 4.25 combo and not install the BL and MML, if I think I need it will install later.

Now time to decide on tires and wheels!
 
#14 ·
RC and skyjacker and a few others are all in the same boat...Chinese parts with generally poor designs and little quality control that don't hold up long term. In the case of Rough Country, their shocks are the worst IMO. Several years ago, the first lift on my Jeep was a Skyjacker that lasted almost a year.

I would rather save up a little longer and buy some quality parts, especially when talking about suspension, steering, or drive train parts.
 
#18 ·
I see I can get the Zone 4.25 combo lift without Zone shocks. Thinking about doing this and buying the Bilstein 5100 shocks for $310 shipped. So for around $180 more, I could have Bilstein......this a good move?
 
#19 ·
It depends. 5100s have a mixed reputation but that's because a lot of people run them on lightly modified TJs with little extra weight so they run a little stiffer, they work better on a heavier Jeep. I ran them on my overweight TJ for 2 years and liked them a lot. If you have heavy bumpers and a winch or plan to make that a future investment, the 5100s will be a good move. Otherwise staying with Zone's shocks is better move for a TJ sticking trimmed on the weight.
 
#20 ·
I just had a Zone 4.25" combo lift put on my LJ last week. I'm putting 33" tires and new wheels on it. They are ordered but have not come in yet so right now I am driving a roller skate with the old 31" tires and factory wheels on it.

So far I am pretty pleased with the kit. The ride is not as cushy as the stock ride but it isn't bad at all. A little tad bit stiffer but it isn't what I would call bad at all. Of course my other ride is a 3/4 ton diesel pickup, so everything is relative. I had the whole kit installed. I have no vibrations at all, drives just as smooth as it did stock. I had to adjust the steering wheel to get it centered but that is a really simple adjustment. I'm probably going to need to adjust the toe in once I get my new tires in but again, not a big deal to do.

I'd recommend it. I bought it from Allen's Offroad who posts on this forum as AOR. I also recommend shooting him a PM and see what he can do for you.
 
#22 ·
2006 LJ - 3.25" of lift

I have the BDS 2" coil kit with a 1.25" JKS body lift and 1" MML. I am very happy. I did an adjustable track bar in the front (Rough Country) with some cam bolts to make sure everything would align appropriately. The ride is great. 33x12.50/15 on 15x8 with 3.5" backspacing.



 
#23 ·
I have the BDS 2" coil kit with a 1.25" JKS body lift and 1" MML. I am very happy. I did an adjustable track bar in the front (Rough Country) with some cam bolts to make sure everything would align appropriately. The ride is great. 33x12.50/15 on 15x8 with 3.5" backspacing.



Any bump stop adjustment or rubbing?
 
#24 ·
Ok, installed lift yesterday Zone 4.25 but didnt install BL or MML, figure I see how it looks with just lift first. Also got a JKS adjustable track bar but cannot get grease zerk installed, gonna contact vendor on Monday about it.

New tires and wheels are Pro Comp 7031 15x8 and General Grabber AT2 33.12.50x15. Wow these things are heavy!!

Thanks for everyone help for helping me get a decent lift!!

Here are before and after pics.
 

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#30 ·
No, forgot to take measurements. Well since I only had this Jeep couple weeks I cannot say if it drives much different but it does ride good!! No rubbing, although I been on flat ground.
 
#33 ·
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