Shopping for a 3 inch lift

[BobK]

Some of you may have seen my build thread for my new (old) 2003 Jeep TJ - 2003 Black Wrangler X - Texas Jeep

I have been sitting here tonight planning out some of my build and given that engine work and brake work is planned for the next week or two, along with fluids flushed from every Jeep orifice, I thought I should start thinking about the lift I will use. In any case, I want a decent 3" lift kit that includes, coils, shocks, sway bar links, etc.

I'm not looking for a bargain basement brand that I will regret in a month, nor am I looking for a break the bank long arm kit. But I am looking for suggestions and recommendations. I've only used the Mopar 2" lift on my JLUR, so I've not actually used some of the brands that you guys might suggest. I'm open to your thoughts.

Bob

 

[Chris]

3" is an oddball size. The only 3" springs I'm aware of is Savvy.

The smart thing to do would be 2" springs with a 1" body lift. In that case I'd probably pair the OME springs with a good shock and then get a Savvy 1" body lift.

The body lift is nice because it sets you up down the road for a belly-up (tummy tuck) setup.

 

[BobK]

I may have mis-typed, I'm actually looking at the Rancho 3 1/2 short arm lift kit, although I just was looking at at TeraFlex 3" lift.

 

[Chris]

Ahhh, so what are you wondering in that case? Are you looking for input on those two lifts, or are you looking for alternatives (as in other 3" lifts)?

 

[BobK]

Those are just two I've spotted, but I prefer the TeraFlex of the two. But I am open to other brand suggestions.

 

[jjvw]

Why a 3" lift? What size tire?

 

[BobK]

Probably 33’s as I read a posting about what is required to get to 35’s.

 

[jjvw]

Then you want a total of 4" of lift. Either all spring or spring plus body.

 

[BobK]

So 3 1/2 lift (TeraFlex for instance) won't get me to 33" tires?

 

[jjvw]

So 3 1/2 lift (TeraFlex for instance) won't get me to 33" tires?

The closer to 4" the better. 33s require bump stop extension to keep the tires out of the front fender sheet metal. This necessarily reduces up travel. Up travel is then restored through a spring lift. Or you can chop away the body.

Your goal in modifying the Jeep to fit a larger tire is to at least maintain the factory 4" of suspension up travel.

 

[Chris]

Even with 3.5" of lift, you'd be smart to add a 1" body lift. You'll get more clearance, and thus be able to achieve more up-travel.

Besides, a 1" body lift is less than $150, so why not add it?

Yes, you can fit 33s with 3.5" of lift no problem, but if you intend on off-roading it, you'll really want that extra 1" body lift.

 

[jjvw]

Even for street use, I would encourage not reducing the suspension travel. Up travel is always good.

 

[BobK]

Even with 3.5" of lift, you'd be smart to add a 1" body lift. You'll get more clearance, and thus be able to achieve more up-travel.

Besides, a 1" body lift is less than $150, so why not add it?

Yes, you can fit 33s with 3.5" of lift no problem, but if you intend on off-roading it, you'll really want that extra 1" body lift.

Sounds like good advice. Once I find the kit I'm looking for adding this sounds like a no brainer. My only issue is that I do not have a lift in my garage, so I have to decide if I can pull it off with a hydraulic jack and jack stands.

 

[Chris]

Sounds like good advice. Once I find the kit I'm looking for adding this sounds like a no brainer. My only issue is that I do not have a lift in my garage, so I have to decide if I can pull it off with a hydraulic jack and jack stands.

You don't need a lift to install a lift.

The preferable way to install a lift is with the vehicle on the ground so that you can properly cycle the suspension and set your bump stop accordingly.

 

[BobK]

Don't you have to drop the axle to get the springs out?

 

[jjvw]

Most of us don't have a lift.

 

[jjvw]

Don't you have to drop the axle to get the springs out?

Jack stands.

 

[bobthetj03]

Check the JSPEC lift by JKS. Add a small body lift if you desire with 33's and you'll get by.

 

[Daz7]

2.5" OME kit is ok as long as you don't disconnect the front sway bar with 33's (depending on wheel offset). I have no rubbing as long as I leave the sway bar connected.

With 32's I'd just hit the top of the guard enough to bend the lip disconnected with no body lift and 2.5" OME kit. I have no added bump stopping.

I'd think that with a small body lift would be ok with a 2.5" lift with the sway bar disconnected.

I'm going through the same issue currently, last TJ had a 4.5" RE kit with 33's and it was more suited for 35's. Metalcloak 3.5" maybe?

 

[k-huevo]

BDS has a 3" kit with two shock options http://bds-suspension.com/kit-customizer?kid=424H

I only have the springs and rear drop links, so I can't vouch for the rest of the kit. Without heavy bumpers and winch the springs will provide a true 3 inch lift. I get 3.25 inch in front.

Be aware a 3 inch lift could be SYE and DC driveshaft territory.