Hello everyone, for about 15-20 years I’ve always been interested in jeeps. Grew up in the Midwest and settled in LA. I’ve finally positioned myself into one. Super stoked! Decided to go to a bunch of different “off road” shops in the greater Los Angeles are, was really excited to buy a lift or leveling kit, new tires, other stuff etc. well after two days of traveling to different shops I’m pretty over the whole concept of upgrading anything. You would not believe the type of shit people have said to me and how ridiculed I’ve been for only wanting a 2” or less lift and stock rims with 33’s. I got the whole “wheel spacers will kill you” sign a waiver speech, I’ve been told “I’m not installing anything less then 3” it will look stupid”, I’ve been told the stock rims are ugly and break, and that basically every single part will cost more to install once they found out I have a new JL vs a JK. I was also told a set of 5 Bfg ko2’s (just the tires and mounting) will cost me $3200... no joke. this has been the worst experience. Anyone know any shops in LA that like money? Shops that don’t need to oppinion’ize upon your tastes? I’d just like to have a slightly lifted, leveled, wider stance street Jeep that will look a teensy less like a G wagon. I like the look and size of 33” tires (actual 33”). Really interested in finding a shop in LA that will give me any information and help me make the best choice without insulting me or my Jeep lol.
JKubiak
Shops hate newbs and having to explain things.
The only thing they hate worse than newbs are people that aren't newbs. They really hate them...
Here are my suggestions:
That said, what you're asking for is easy to DIY, buy the parts and a few tools then knock it out yourself. No better way to get to know your new Jeep.
Good luck! :thumb: and welcome to the forum :welcome: :wavey:
The only thing they hate worse than newbs are people that aren't newbs. They really hate them...
Here are my suggestions:
- IMO slow your roll and take some time to study and develop your own plan. Start by how you want to use your Jeep, then build to accomplish that goal.
- Read, read, read and read some more. This forum is a tremendous asset.
- Once you've studied then start asking questions here on the forum.
- Find a local club and go to their meets/rides and talk to them.
That said, what you're asking for is easy to DIY, buy the parts and a few tools then knock it out yourself. No better way to get to know your new Jeep.
Good luck! :thumb: and welcome to the forum :welcome: :wavey:
^^ Echo, Ibbit and Obsit....
DIY... as mentioned - Great way to get to know your Jeep in a very meaningful way. Easy to do too.
I may have missed which JL you got. Great Jeep. Congrats.
The JLR comes with 33's so I assume it's not that.
33 or 35 works nicely. My Jeep is lifted 2" w/35's IMO it does not look stupid. Opinions may vary but this was a DIY.
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DIY... as mentioned - Great way to get to know your Jeep in a very meaningful way. Easy to do too.
I may have missed which JL you got. Great Jeep. Congrats.
The JLR comes with 33's so I assume it's not that.
33 or 35 works nicely. My Jeep is lifted 2" w/35's IMO it does not look stupid. Opinions may vary but this was a DIY.
Baby Blue's advice is sound IMO. Take your time. I bought my first Wrangler in March and have done very little in changes. Since I have a white JK, this thread is a favorite of mine to browser through. https://www.wranglerforum.com/f354/show-off-your-white-jk-104929.html I have gotten quite a few ideas of what I want to do and what things would look like. When I lift my Jeep it will only be 2 inches because I am 5'1 and anything more would just be too much for me and my dog plus would effect the resale, if I ever sell.
A local Jeep meet is a great place to talk to people. Some folks I met were knowledgeable with first steps to take plus shared mistakes made and lessons learned. Almost every Jeep owner I have ever met was salt of the earth, good people. The shop people not so much because they are there to make money, not help.
A local Jeep meet is a great place to talk to people. Some folks I met were knowledgeable with first steps to take plus shared mistakes made and lessons learned. Almost every Jeep owner I have ever met was salt of the earth, good people. The shop people not so much because they are there to make money, not help.
The main point is to do as much research before you go to the shop as possible, the forums can be helpful, as well as on line reviews and local clubs. Decide what you want to do and find the shop that can do that. The only correct lift is the one you want, you are the one driving it. But understand mods come in all price points and just because one lift or another is expensive does not mean that shop is ripping you off, it is just more lift than you need. I have to admit there are two shops near me that I did not even try, because looking at the work they promote they were not the kinds of jeep I want. I wanted to modify mine from the first week I had it, I did not want to wait like I did with my landcruiser, so the first shop I used did ok with the work but there attitude and disorganization made me look for a different shop when I got into my latest mods. I am very happy with the shop I a using now, only problem is they are far from home.I have 2.5 lift with 35" tires on my JLUR
You guys are all right, great advice, but yea by the time I walked in these places I pretty much knew every part within a suspension, every place 3 different lifts and 4 different tire sizes could rub, everything about weight, materials, differentials etc. watched over 30 videos on how to install all the shit myself. I def do the research. That’s what made me so upset when I finally decided to go to a shop, people try to rob you or treat you like you’re dumb. Def great to read all your ideas and suggestions i really appreciate it 👍🏻👍🏻
2" with 33's looks great. Not everyone plans to rock crawl and mud bawl. That's a great look and will have good performance. If you can find one friend that is mechanically inclined with some decent tools, you have some good weekend projects that can be fun. You can order your tires and take them to a big box store, even Walmart for installation.
No need for wheel spacers with 33's (285's). You can turn lock to lock fine on the stock wheels.
I ordered my tires (sale w/ free shipping @ 4wp) and had them put on at a smaller local shop. They charged $100 to install all 5.
I have the 2-2.5" skyjacker kit on order to upgrade the suspension, but again, 33's fit the sport without issue stock. Skyjacker also has a 1.5" that would be a good match. Or there is a 3/4" fr & rear spacer that would bring the fender gap back to stock.
I went with 2.5 because other upgrade parts seem to be more available at that height. Shocks, control arms, sway disconnects, etc. I tried to talk myself into something shorter, but I want better than stock suspension.
I ordered my tires (sale w/ free shipping @ 4wp) and had them put on at a smaller local shop. They charged $100 to install all 5.
I have the 2-2.5" skyjacker kit on order to upgrade the suspension, but again, 33's fit the sport without issue stock. Skyjacker also has a 1.5" that would be a good match. Or there is a 3/4" fr & rear spacer that would bring the fender gap back to stock.
I went with 2.5 because other upgrade parts seem to be more available at that height. Shocks, control arms, sway disconnects, etc. I tried to talk myself into something shorter, but I want better than stock suspension.
The key is knowing what your use is going to be. I get crap at work from a couple of the other Jeeper mechanics I work with because I have no interest in going full rock crawler.
I have a purpose and a vision for my ride and that's what I am building towards.
SoCal is a funny place for vehicle culture and I remember back in the day when I was into mini trucks and the same shit went on, it never changes only the vehicles.
Try the regional portion of this forum and flush out shops that way.
I have a purpose and a vision for my ride and that's what I am building towards.
SoCal is a funny place for vehicle culture and I remember back in the day when I was into mini trucks and the same shit went on, it never changes only the vehicles.
Try the regional portion of this forum and flush out shops that way.
Option A. Move back to the midwest. It’s cooler here.
Option B. Stay away from big 4wd shops. They want to top rope everything.
More than likely your stock cheap tires are about 32 1/2 inches tall and it will fit a 33 inch tire on it stock as long as you don’t get a crazy offset wheel. Find a small shop out of the city and tell them exactly what you want and come in with your own parts. I would imagine they will install them for you and not give a damn about what they are just getting paid. I’m not a huge fan of wheel spacers either, you can buy brand new wheels so cheap nowadays that there really isn’t a point for them, but remember if you’re only trying to lift your jeep 2 inches and put 33 inch tires on it and wheel spacers you may rub into clearance problems when you turn the wheel. Go with like a -12 offset and jump up to 3 inches, the kids then come with shocks and are a little better built. No matter whatfriend says, 1 inch isn’t going to make that big of a difference in your life. No matter what your girlfriend says, 1 inch isn’t going to make that big of a difference in your life. As soon as you put a 2 inch lift on, you were going to wish you did three or four so just go with 3 inch and call it a day. As far as the prices that you got for tires, depending on the size that you picked that’s really not crazy especially in LA. You could always buy a pre-mounted kit and have them sent to your house or buy the tires from tire rack and they have a list of installers in your area
Option B. Stay away from big 4wd shops. They want to top rope everything.
More than likely your stock cheap tires are about 32 1/2 inches tall and it will fit a 33 inch tire on it stock as long as you don’t get a crazy offset wheel. Find a small shop out of the city and tell them exactly what you want and come in with your own parts. I would imagine they will install them for you and not give a damn about what they are just getting paid. I’m not a huge fan of wheel spacers either, you can buy brand new wheels so cheap nowadays that there really isn’t a point for them, but remember if you’re only trying to lift your jeep 2 inches and put 33 inch tires on it and wheel spacers you may rub into clearance problems when you turn the wheel. Go with like a -12 offset and jump up to 3 inches, the kids then come with shocks and are a little better built. No matter whatfriend says, 1 inch isn’t going to make that big of a difference in your life. No matter what your girlfriend says, 1 inch isn’t going to make that big of a difference in your life. As soon as you put a 2 inch lift on, you were going to wish you did three or four so just go with 3 inch and call it a day. As far as the prices that you got for tires, depending on the size that you picked that’s really not crazy especially in LA. You could always buy a pre-mounted kit and have them sent to your house or buy the tires from tire rack and they have a list of installers in your area
This place in LA has been making a big name for themselves lately. Did you try them? Let us know how they treated you. I have no affiliation.
DCD Customs
Address: 9520 De Soto Avenue Chatsworth, CA 91311
Phone: (818) 838-1100
Email: info@dcdcustoms.com
DCD Customs
Address: 9520 De Soto Avenue Chatsworth, CA 91311
Phone: (818) 838-1100
Email: info@dcdcustoms.com
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