Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Jeep / July 2007

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

TJ LIFT KIT -- HELP PLEASE

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
Tracie - 30 Jul 2007 16:18 GMT
Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
manual tranny and A/C.  I want to lift my jeep, but I don't want to
spend a lot of money on replacing the CV driveshaft and SYE kit.  My
goal is to fit 33 X 10.5 or 33 X 11.5 tires on my jeep.  Here are the
two options I am considering:

1.  If I get a 2 inch suspension lift and 1 inch body lift, would I
need to replace the driveshaft and SYE?  Can I fit the above
mentioned
tires with that setup?

2.  I am also considering a 3 inch suspension lift and 1 inch body
lift.  Would I need to replace the driveshaft or SYE if I go this
route?  Can I still fit the above mentioned tires?

What parts do I absolutely need to have in the lift kits to prevent
future problems with either lift?  I do NOT plan on doing extreme
wheeling -- just a splash in the mud and some occasional trails.  This
is my daily driver, and I do a lot of highway driving.  Can someone
recommend a good reliable lift kit that includes both the suspension
lift and the body lift?

THANKS
twaldron - 30 Jul 2007 17:43 GMT
> Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> THANKS

Why do you want a body lift?

Most of the complete kits include a transfer case drop down kit that
will help with vibes avoiding the expense of the SYE/CV kits. The
downside is that you will lose 1" clearance under your transfer case.
The drop kit and having adjustable rear control arms help to 'dial in'
the pinion angle to quell driveline vibes.

The downside to the spacer lift is that you will not gain any
articulation that you would gain from replacing your springs with longer
ones. Same goes for the shock vs bracket question.

Some Jeeps experience driveline vibes with less lift than others, no
explanation for this. Harmonics, maybe. There are no guarantees. Go with
the tallest lift you think you will want, so you only do it once. For
33s, I like the 4.5" suspension lift, no spacers, no body lift.

tw
Tracie - 30 Jul 2007 18:46 GMT
> > Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> > times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

How is the quality of Rough Country 4" suspension lifts?
Tracie - 30 Jul 2007 19:11 GMT
> > > Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> > > times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 45 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Sorry for so many questions about these lifts, but I am really
clueless.  I know how much lift I want and what size tires I want, I
am just not sure how to go about getting the results I want.  There
are so many options out there, and I just want to choose the best one
for me.  Anyone know anything about the 3 inch Pro Comp lift kits that
have the four 2 inch spacers and four 1 inch spacers with the longer
shocks?  The 1 inch spacers supposedly stack on top of the 2 inch
spacers for a total of 3 inches of suspension lift.  How is the ride
quality of these kits vs. the kits that have the longer shocks AND the
longer springs (instead of spacers)?  TW mentioned the articulation
aspect....just wondering about ride quality too.
Jon - 30 Jul 2007 19:53 GMT
> > > > Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> > > > times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 59 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Tracie,

I think you'd be better served if you can talk about the anticipated
budget (not including tires & wheels) for this stage of modifications,
as well as your off road intentions....i.e. 90% street/10% off road,
"hardcore" trails vs. fire roads, speed factor (desert use versus
crawling).....etc. etc.

Jon
Jon - 30 Jul 2007 19:57 GMT
> > > > Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> > > > times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 59 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Er, never mind the "duty" rating half of my post -- I somehow missed
the "splash in the mud" statement...

....but the cost question still applies.
Jon - 30 Jul 2007 21:23 GMT
> > > > > Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> > > > > times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 66 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

I only ask because for any given dollar range, there's a best and
worst case scenario, but comparing outside that range is all about
apples and oranges....and already a few have popped up.

You should call up a few distributors and see where they steer you --
each company specifies spring length and rates (firmness) based upon
how much cargo/add-ons they anticipate and how that all plays into
ride quality.  Hardtops, racks, winches, bumpers, etc. etc. .... end
up making a big difference.  Here's a couple of threads I marked to
show the difference between mfrs ...

http://www.mpjai.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=51083&sid=a1998d39f50cc7d1fcc335ae4f
fea32b


http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=508279

For a Wrangler that will be 95% street, 5% offroad, I'd be hard
pressed to go beyond a spacer/body lift.
twaldron - 30 Jul 2007 23:20 GMT
>>>>>>Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
>>>>>>times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 84 lines]
> For a Wrangler that will be 95% street, 5% offroad, I'd be hard
> pressed to go beyond a spacer/body lift.

Not necessarily. There are many Jeeps lifted 4" or more that never see
dirt. That is just way too high for spacers. You have to decide the
height increase desired first, then the type of lift.

tw
Jon - 31 Jul 2007 00:12 GMT
> >>>>>>Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> >>>>>>times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 92 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Agreed.  "Value Engineering" has its limitations.

Jon
twaldron - 31 Jul 2007 00:24 GMT
>>>>>>>>Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
>>>>>>>>times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 96 lines]
>
> Jon

Yep, always a trade off.  So, Tracie...decide how you want your Jeep to
look (you've told us the intended use) and maybe we can help you get
there. Who is going to put the lift on?

tw
twaldron - 30 Jul 2007 21:05 GMT
>>>>Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
>>>>times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 57 lines]
> longer springs (instead of spacers)?  TW mentioned the articulation
> aspect....just wondering about ride quality too.

I think the 2" coils spacers are OK, but I would NOT stack spacers in
any form. The ride with the 2" spacers will be the same as stock,
depending on which shocks you use. Shocks can have a major impact on
ride quality, just as springs can. I'm not a fan of body lifts, so
unless there is a reason to do one, I'd take that right out of the
equation.

I have the Rubicon Express susp. lift and am very happy with it. Prior
to that, I had a 4" Teraflex lift. Both rode and performed well.
Personally, I would save my pennies and get a suspension lift for
anything over 2". I think 33s with the 2" lift would be too tight even
for moderate offroading.

tw
ULB - 31 Jul 2007 04:58 GMT
> Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> THANKS

Go with what TWaldron is stating.  I have the Rubicon Express 4.5"
short arm with OME nitro chargers, 33x12.5 (3.75" back space).  Loving
it.  Of course I do have the double cardan shaft.  Its only a few
hundred more, worth the money IMHO.  Drop in the bucket when looking
at wheels and rims.  :)

don't go with body lift.

No worries on the ride quality, mine is way better than stock other
than cornering.  I currently have 4.11 gearing.  No idea what you have
but keep that in mind.  You don't want a dog on the road.  Anyway,
take care,
Tracie - 31 Jul 2007 16:05 GMT
> > Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> > times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 35 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

OK.  I have decided to go with a 4 inch suspension lift with springs
not spacers.  The only reason I would like to add a 1 inch body lift
on top of the 4 inch suspension lift is to be able to clear 33 X 11.5
X 15 tires.  Will I be able to do this with just the 4 inch suspension
lift without the 1 inch body lift and not have to worry about
rubbing?  My only concern is when I go with the 4 inch suspension
lift, do I also need to replace the CV driveshaft and the SYE?  I am
only willing to spend about 500-600 dollars on a lift kit (prior to
labor expense), and I have a wonderful knowlegeable mechanic that is
very inexpensive who will put the lift on for me ($45/hr).  The reason
I want the lift is mainly for looks.  Stock look is just not doing it
for me.  I like the "beefy" stance, hence the lift and bigger tires.
As for spring rate, I am not going to load down my jeep, and I do not
have a hardtop.  I have the soft top.

Now....the question I have is this:  Will a 4 inch suspension lift and
33 X 11.5 X 15(or even 10.5) tires make a big difference in the
overall look of the jeep?  The tires I want are the BF Goodrich All
Terrain Mud Tires.  According to some info I found on the internet, I
shouldn't have to buy new wheels as my stock are 15 X 8, and the 33 X
10.5 X 15 will fit anything from a 15 X 7 to a 15 X 9 rim.  Can
someone tell me what brands of lift to stay away from?
Tracie - 31 Jul 2007 17:01 GMT
> > > Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> > > times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 60 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

OK....well as far as budget goes, I am able to spend more than I
originally thought.  I can go as high as $700.
twaldron - 31 Jul 2007 18:25 GMT
>>>>Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
>>>>times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 63 lines]
> OK....well as far as budget goes, I am able to spend more than I
> originally thought.  I can go as high as $700.

Yes, a 4" lift is perfect for 33s. Now, you also have to take wheel
BACKSPACING into consideration when mounting larger tires. A good
backspacing for 33x12.50s is about 4", give or take a quarter inch. Most
of the Jeep factory wheels have about 5-5.25" which is too much for the
12.50s. 10.50s will buy you an inch, but the skinny look is not
appealing to me. Lifting is never a cheap endeavor, it's a can of worms. :)

tw
Tracie - 31 Jul 2007 19:02 GMT
> >>>>Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
> >>>>times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 74 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Skinny look is not appealing to me either.  Now how about the CV
driveshaft and the SYE....will they need to be replaced with the 4
inch suspension lift?  As previously mentioned, 95% of my driving will
be highway.  I have been told that I will NOT need to replace them if
I am NOT doing any extreme off-roading.  Then, others that I have
talked to have told me I will need to have them replaced.  Any light
on this topic?
twaldron - 31 Jul 2007 19:57 GMT
>>>>>>Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
>>>>>>times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 82 lines]
> talked to have told me I will need to have them replaced.  Any light
> on this topic?

Offroading has _NO_ affect on whether or not you need a CV driveshaft or
not. What happens when you lift the Jeep up is that it pulls the body,
motor, transfer case, etc. away from your axles and increases the angle
of the driveshaft which creates vibrations when it rotates (driving). CV
shaft are specifically designed for this acute angling and are the best
method of eliminating this issue. Whether or not you will need one will
depend on your specific Jeep. Odds are you will need one above 2". Now,
some people get away with lowering the transfer case to lessen this
angle, and you can try this first, but do not drive with these vibes as
your driveshaft will decide on it's own when it will let go from your
Jeep. Plan on the expense.

I think your choice in the 4" lift & 33s is a good one. I think it is a
very nice look for the TJ. Cutting corners may cause you problems down
the road, but some Jeepers get lucky. Expect vibes on any lift over 2"
and don't be surprised if they rear their ugliness at 2" as well.

Again, my advice is to save your pennies and don't get into a rush to
lift. Do it right, do it once.

tw
Old Crow - 31 Jul 2007 11:10 GMT
>Hello all.  I know you've probably heard this question a million
>times, but here goes.  I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
>THANKS

http://7slotgrille.com/tech/zjtjlift/index.html
--
Old Crow                "Yol Bolsun!"
'82 FLTC-P "Miss Pearl"
'95 YJ Rio Grande    
BS#133, SENS, TOMKAT, MAMBM                  
                           

Signature

Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2008 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.