2000 TJ Sport lift questions

2000tjsport

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Just bought it, it’s pretty much fully stock other than bumpers. I’m putting 33” all terrains with 15” wheels on it and need to know what kind of lift to get. I’m considering the rough country 2.5 in that is basically just springs and shocks. Do I need to get the steering stabilizer as well? Or the track bar bracket? New bump stops? Rework my gears?Consider me clueless. It’s going to mostly be a daily but I don’t want to have to worry about rubbing or anything should I hit a deep mud puddle or lightly bumpy trail.
 
Just bought it, it’s pretty much fully stock other than bumpers. I’m putting 33” all terrains with 15” wheels on it and need to know what kind of lift to get. I’m considering the rough country 2.5 in that is basically just springs and shocks. Do I need to get the steering stabilizer as well? Or the track bar bracket? New bump stops? Rework my gears?Consider me clueless. It’s going to mostly be a daily but I don’t want to have to worry about rubbing or anything should I hit a deep mud puddle or lightly bumpy trail.

I don’t know much and am nowhere near as knowledgeable as the people who will be replying to this soon, but I do know that just about everyone will say no to rough country
 
I don’t know much and am nowhere near as knowledgeable as the people who will be replying to this soon, but I do know that just about everyone will say no to rough country

What’s wrong with rough country? I should mention that I’m working with a pretty small budget so I’m trying to just get what I need to get by and not anything fancy
 
What’s wrong with rough country? I should mention that I’m working with a pretty small budget so I’m trying to just get what I need to get by and not anything fancy

I don’t have experience with it, but it’s cheaper for a reason. I’ve heard that ride quality and durability isn’t great. You get what you pay for. It’s just low quality compared to other brands. I have rancho shocks with stock springs and love them.

Additionally, you asked about regearing. Once again, I don’t know much about it, I’m learning about all this as well. But I’m almost positive that you will want to regear for 33s. The power with stock gearing just won’t be enough to turn the tires efficiently, the jee will feel slow.

And you don’t have to go at everything all at once. I’m very low budget as well. I’m a student who works probably only every other weekend. I don’t make much money. Give it some time to save up money and figure out what you really need rather than what you more-so want. Make those things a priority. I know others here with probably say something similar to that as that is what they told me!
 
I don’t have experience with it, but it’s cheaper for a reason. I’ve heard that ride quality and durability isn’t great. You get what you pay for. It’s just low quality compared to other brands. I have rancho shocks with stock springs and love them.

Additionally, you asked about regearing. Once again, I don’t know much about it, I’m learning about all this as well. But I’m almost positive that you will want to regear for 33s. The power with stock gearing just won’t be enough to turn the tires efficiently, the jee will feel slow.

And you don’t have to go at everything all at once. I’m very low budget as well. I’m a student who works probably only every other weekend. I don’t make much money. Give it some time to save up money and figure out what you really need rather than what you more-so want. Make those things a priority. I know others here with probably say something similar to that as that is what they told me!

Thanks for the advice!
 
I too am on a budget, so I purchased the Rough country 2.5 lift, I also got the transfer case drop to eliminate the WoWo noise after I installed lift. The lift was actually over 3 inches and I haven't had any problems with the RC stuff. I run 33's and have 3.73 gears ,4.0 and manual trans. I have no problem in dirt . I like 3.73 for gas mileage and interstate driving.
Try just lift kit and if it makes alot of noise and drop kit.
 
I can't imagine a RC lift kit being much more affordable than buying 2" lift springs from OME and pairing that with some Rancho shocks and Daystar Spacers in the front (.75" to level out the rake). I had this lift with 33s and it was fine. See this thread for a budget friendly quality lift:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/a-recipe-for-an-affordable-but-quality-2-5-lift.41687/

I did this and added a few washers between the frame and skid plate to lower the TC case a bit to get rid of the slight vibrations I had (For some rigs not even necessary). This was of course before I ended up doing adjustable CA's, SYE, Adjustable Track bars and the list goes on.....

You could also probably search around and find some used quality springs from someone's take off. I sold my OMEs for like $220 to some guy when I moved up to my current 4" Curries and the Ranchos are very affordable.

In terms of gearing, I ran 33s and the stock 3.07 gears for about 6 months. It sucked, but you are going to have this issue (unless you already have 4.10s) regardless of what lift you do. I would suggest you decide if you will stay at 33s before you regear. I moved to 35s quickly (did not plan on this, but one thing leads to another) and now am again under-geared and not looking forward to another regear expense.
 
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I too am on a budget, so I purchased the Rough country 2.5 lift, I also got the transfer case drop to eliminate the WoWo noise after I installed lift. The lift was actually over 3 inches and I haven't had any problems with the RC stuff. I run 33's and have 3.73 gears ,4.0 and manual trans. I have no problem in dirt . I like 3.73 for gas mileage and interstate driving.
Try just lift kit and if it makes alot of noise and drop kit.

I also am running 33's with 3.73 gears, manual tranny and the 4.0 engine. I have no complaints. I don't expect it to be fast.
 
Take it from someone that bought that kit… the springs are fine but the shocks are not, buy the springs without the shocks and buy you a set of Rancho shocks and a 1.25” body lift and you will be golden for the 33”… thats my setup and no vibs… you won’t NEED anything else… down the road you may WANT adjustable track bars, longer sway bar end links and a regear…. my .02 worth…

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Just bought it, it’s pretty much fully stock other than bumpers. I’m putting 33” all terrains with 15” wheels on it and need to know what kind of lift to get. I’m considering the rough country 2.5 in that is basically just springs and shocks. Do I need to get the steering stabilizer as well? Or the track bar bracket? New bump stops? Rework my gears?Consider me clueless. It’s going to mostly be a daily but I don’t want to have to worry about rubbing or anything should I hit a deep mud puddle or lightly bumpy trail.

Many folks will tell you to steer clear of Rough Country. The truth is there are certain items from RC that work just fine, especially when you're on a budget. I started (many years ago) with the same 2.5" budget lift you're considering. The springs are just fine, the shocks are OK too - not great, but fine for the first step in your build. Just don't be expecting an incredible ride out of them. Go with the basic shocks and be prepared to spend a little more on another brand when they wear out.

The 2.5" lift alone will not be enough for 33" tires. You're going to need a 1.25" body lift to pair with the 2.5" spring lift. You don't necessarily need the steering stabilizer from RC. It's typically less than $40 on it's own and it works just fine (I'm on my second or third one now). If your existing stabilizer is still in good shape then you can skip the RC version and just keep what you have.

I'd recommend getting the rear track bar relocation bracket. You're rear axle is going to be off center when you install the lift springs. It will be off enough that you'll notice it visually. I think I remember measuring .25" - .375" difference side to side. The bracket is fairly cheap and is worth purchasing. You will want to spend some decent money on a new adjustable track bar for the front. Do some homework because there are a few good options out there. I'd steer clear of the track bars offered from RC (don't ask).

You're going to need to modify your stock bump stops. You can make you're own extensions and re-use your existing bump stop cans and jounce bumpers to save some coin. I'd recommend waiting on those until you install the new shocks and can check clearances with the larger tires. This step will also be easier (more consistent) if both your axles are centered left to right.

Which transmission do you have? What is your current axle gear ratio? I wheeled 33s on the stock 3.73 gears with the AX-15 for a long time. It was bearable - not great though. If you have an auto, I'm fairly certain you're not going to be happy for very long if you drive at freeway speeds. Either way, I'd recommend starting to save now for a re-gear project. You'll be very happy you did, there's really no substitute for correcting the axle gearing. It's some of the best money you'll spend on your Jeep - trust me.
 
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I am shocked that no one has mentioned Tons and Fodeez.

😎

Good advice you are getting here, OP. Especially from @SvtLdr. And his approach won’t break the bank. Call that round one, and be saving up for a regear.

… and then, of course, Tons and Fodeez 🙂.
 
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