What do you guys recommend for lift height and tire size for my off-road build?

Josh.JeepTJ

Josh.JeepTJ

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Cape Coral, FL
I’ve got a 2005 Jeep TJ with a 4.0L 6-cylinder that I want to turn into a hunting vehicle. Keep in mind as you read this, this is my first Jeep and first build of any kind. I want to be able to take it on trails, but I live in Florida so I feel like rocks will rarely be an issue. Usually mud and water will be the main issue. I’m having trouble deciding on whether I should go with a 6” lift or a 4” lift and whether I should run 37” tires or 35” tires. People have told me a 6” suspension lift with 37” tires is too much for a TJ, but I also want to make this thing as optimal as possible for the off-roading I’ll be doing. What do you guys think?
 
MaloStapalo said:
Imo, not optional even at 35s to upgrade those.

What's your budget? Running those tire size and lifts is not cheap done correctly.
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Honestly as much as I need to spend on it, realistically. Dana 60s might be too expensive at 5k or 6k but do you think I could get away with running 37’s on Dana 44’s?
 
MaloStapalo said:
That question is best for another to answer.

However, you generally want 5" of lift, commonly through 4" suspension and 1" body to effectively run 35"s.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/so-you-want-to-run-35-tires-on-your-tj.2428/
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Alright well how does this sound? If I hypothetically put on 35” tires, a 4” suspension lift plus a 1” body lift, with short arms and Dana 44’s, how would that all perform on Florida trails? I’m more worried about traction in mud than climbing so
 
Josh.JeepTJ said:
Alright well how does this sound? If I hypothetically put on 35” tires, a 4” suspension lift plus a 1” body lift, with short arms and Dana 44’s, how would that all perform on Florida trails? I’m more worried about traction in mud than climbing so
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Sounds pretty capable if you add in lockers. If you really have a high budget you can put 37s, that's just advice I cant help with.
 
Hard for me to imagine you’d need more than 31’s in FL. Are you planning on going bogging?

Even if you go to 33’s, if you lock it the Dana 35 is risky. Better to run a Super 35 or a Dana 44.

Best 4” lift. Currie.
 
IMO you will be fine with your stock axles and 35's if your only concern is mud. You shouldn't ever get enough traction to break an axle. I've been running 35's with a zone 4.25" combination lift for 3 years now on Dana 30/35, mud/hills/not a lot of rocks but some. If you're not going to abuse it and you still have open diffs, you should be okay, although a dana 44 would definitely be peace of mine. I'm from Indiana, I don't like mud but there's no avoiding it here; mud was always the biggest obstacle when my jeep was stock. 35's was well worth it to me since many guys run 33's. That slightly larger tire gets me through most ruts. I can almost go as far in 2wd with 35's as I could in 4wd with my stock tires.
 
Cornbread said:
IMO you will be fine with your stock axles and 35's if your only concern is mud. You shouldn't ever get enough traction to break an axle. I've been running 35's with a zone 4.25" combination lift for 3 years now on Dana 30/35, mud/hills/not a lot of rocks but some. If you're not going to abuse it and you still have open diffs, you should be okay, although a dana 44 would definitely be peace of mine. I'm from Indiana, I don't like mud but there's no avoiding it here; mud was always the biggest obstacle when my jeep was stock. 35's was well worth it to me since many guys run 33's. That slightly larger tire gets me through most ruts. I can almost go as far in 2wd with 35's as I could in 4wd with my stock tires.
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Give it a little time,,, It will break with 33's.
35's? I guarantee it will break. This is a my stock Dana 35, 3:73 with 33"-12.5 tires, pulling out of my driveway to go pick up my daughter.

20190630_154025.jpg


Sent this picture to my brother the day it happened, he replied with 4 words, "tires are too big".
 
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If I was on your shoes...
Dana 30 HP from a 99 XJ (you can gusset if that bring peace of mind) but the current Dana 30 work just fine.
Dana 44 swap in the rear. I hate the C clips style!
Lockers on both axle. Any type its just fine.
Keep the 231J transfer case, the 2:72 ratio is much need it for Mud bogging.
1.25" body lift (you will like to Tummy Tuck later...)
3.5" OME / JKS hybrid kit from DPG Offroad. this kit can allocate 35" tires with adjustable control arms if desire.
33" KM3 tires. This will gave you the traction you need.
 
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Hook_62 said:
Give it a little time,,, It will break with 33's.
35's? I guarantee it will break. This is a my stock Dana 35, 3:73 with 33"-12.5 tires, pulling out of my driveway to go pick up my daughter.



Sent this picture to my brother the day it happened, he replied with 4 words, "tires are too big".
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You may very well be right, I don't wheel near as often as I'd like to, maybe 5 times a year, my TJ sees 1500-2000 miles a year, 95% highway miles. It's not my daily driver either, if it breaks I fix it when I have time. I have more important things in life to spend my money on than axles right now, I figure when I break one is when upgrades will go in but so far I've been trouble free. Just curious if you had open diff's at the time of failure?

I still don't believe you'll break an axle in mud. I'm a hunter as well and the 35's work absolutely great for me. The larger tire size let's me idle through mud that with a smaller tire I'd be putting the pedal down hoping I'd get through. It's worth a lot to be quiet getting to a hunting spot and the 35's let me nearly idle to where I want to go. Everyone's situation is different and only you can know what you'll need in the end.
 
For what the OP is saying he wants to do with his rig, 37’s, 35’s and even 33’s seems WAY overkill. Hardcore JV wheelers like @Jerry Bransford run 35’s. 31’s or 32’s with a 2.5” lift would be all this guy could ever need IMHO.
 
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Josh.JeepTJ said:
Thanks for all the help. Any advice on what 4” lift kit is best?
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Best will have lots of opinions but I think you will find that currie and savvy lift components are going to be highly recommended. I do love mine I have from them. But again, if you're mudding the articulation and flex isn't your biggest factor. However, if you want a high quality lift that will serve you well for years, it still fits the ticket.
 
JMT said:
Hard for me to imagine you’d need more than 31’s in FL. Are you planning on going bogging?

Even if you go to 33’s, if you lock it the Dana 35 is risky. Better to run a Super 35 or a Dana 44.

Best 4” lift. Currie.
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I’m definitely considering curries, but are they worth the extra money for me over something like a zone lift kit?
 
Hook_62 said:
Give it a little time,,, It will break with 33's.
35's? I guarantee it will break. This is a my stock Dana 35, 3:73 with 33"-12.5 tires, pulling out of my driveway to go pick up my daughter.

View attachment 106081

Sent this picture to my brother the day it happened, he replied with 4 words, "tires are too big".
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Do you think I’d be fine by upgrading the rear axle to a 44? And should I just build up the front axle or swap it as well?
 
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