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Help. New to modifications!

691 views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  dcord 
#1 ·
Hey, Guys. I know I'll probably get my chops busted. But I'm really looking for insite, as I have NO idea what I'm doing. I have a 2014 wrangler unlimited oscar mike edition. It's stock as far as lift and suspension goes.
I really want to lift it a bit. I have a lot of trails nearby, but nothing serious. I just want to be able to take it into the woods and hit some mud puddles, nothing big. I also want it to look aggressive and nice.
Now I know NOTHING about lifts, cars or keeps in general, /so please explain like I'm a three year old. I'm basically looking for suggestions. I was thinking a small 2 inch lift with 33 inch all terrains. Will I need to change my gear ratio? Or do anything expensive in addition to the lift? Will it damage my jeep or make parts break prematurely. Again, I know nothing! Any help I'd greatly appreciate.
 
#2 ·
I was in your shoes not long ago...

I began my modding with a lift, and I don't regret it. I have a 2012 JK, with a 2.5" lift that I didn't do anything with the driveline. So far, it seems just fine.

However, reading through (after my modding), and it does make more sense from a trail perspective to actually look at a front bumper/winch combination. The stock JK/Us are really quite capable as is.

Right now, after most of the heavy modding has been completed, I have a 2.5" lift and I'm riding on 33x12.5 A/T tires. Overall, it seems like a pretty nice rig, and no major issues.

I think I've seen a lot of the JKU guys here have gone more towards the 3.5", but with the 2014 I think a 2.5" lift can give you up to a 35" tire and not need too many mods (besides lift/tires).
 
#3 ·
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/beginners-guide-to-lifting-your-jk-298665.html

This thread above ^^ has a lot of good information. While I don't claim to have all the answers, you need to have a budget in mind and maybe share it so guys can give some more "dialed in" advice. I have a friend who has a 12' JKU running 33's with no lift, it's a little tight, but it doesn't rub. He plans to put a leveling kit on soon. He does not do much wheeling though.

There are so many options, if your looking in the 2 inch and 33, even 35 range, re-gearing is not necessary. As to parts breaking prematurely, not really. It will cause some additional wear, think ball joints, brakes, etc. These items may need to be replaced sooner than with stock items, but not too bad. Welcome to the Jeep world, it's a fun place to be...
 
#4 ·
if is your DD and you are sure that light trails its the only thing that your jeep its going to see, i also recommend to get a good 2.5 inch lift and stay in 33's.
truly her's no need to go higher it's going to be a realy capable rig.

sure 3.5" and 35" look awesome and are more functional for more tecnical terrains but you have to spend a lot more money to make it work.
 
#6 ·
There is no need to even go 2.5 for 33s on a mild trail rig. I run 37s on 2.5 to rock crawl.

The least amount if impact to the mechanicals and driveline of your Jeep: trim Fenders or get flat fenders, trim air dam if it rubs, add new gears and 33 inch tires on wheels with proper backspace. Flat Fenders avoid driveline implications, steering issues, and opening up the wheel well make it "look" lifted even if it's not.
 
#5 ·
You should receive more response on this Technical Forum.
 
#9 ·
I've been running 33x12.5 for 2 years on my 15, small lift 2 inch maybe? Can't recall. Just get wheels with a low backspace so they don't rub on the stuff under the Jeep, stock are like 6" which tucks them under, I have 3.5 " and don't rub anything under. Also gives a wider stance look.
 
#11 ·
As mentioned above, hit the beginner's guide thread.

Personally, for a "light trail" Jeep, I think you're fine stock. I'd suggest a small 2-2.5" lift/leveling kit - or as mommymallcrawler suggested, flat fenders - when you upgrade tires for that "aggressive" look you're after.

Have you thought about doing something like a Jeep Jamboree? They'll take you out of your "comfort zone" and give you a little more insight into just how capable your Jeep is. I took my brand new '14 on the Gateway to the Cumberlands Jamboree in Kentucky a few years ago *completely stock* aside from an aftermarket bumper and I learned a TON about my Jeep's capabilities and off-roading in general.

Honestly, your Jeep's biggest limiting factor is the stock tires.
 
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