2-2.5 Lift: Rancho, OME, or something else?

Speedphreak

New Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2018
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3
Location
Toronto, Canada
Hello everyone,

Since picking up my '06 Sport Manual TJ (w/ Dana 44) last August I've been keenly reading up on the forums here - it's been a huge help with all of the work I've done (up until now mostly maintenance, new track bar, sway bar links, trans mount, replacing old tailgate hinges and sound system). After spending some time with the Jeep being fairly stock, I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on a lift.

Currently, I'm running 32x11.5 KO2s @ stock height (taboo, I know - but the tires when I bought is desperately needed replacing and I knew I'd be lifting it soon) and realistically, I don't ever see myself going bigger than that (famous last words I'm sure :p) since I figure even with the 6 speed, 33s are testing the limits of drivability w/ the 3.73 gearing. My TJ has seen a lot of miles - currently it's sitting at just over 200K miles and while I don't have any reason to think I'll have catastrophic issues anytime soon, I don't think she's the best candidate for a really high end lift either - if I was ever in a position to build my dream Jeep, I'd probably look for something that's in a little better shape as a starting point.

As far as I can tell, despite all the miles it still has factory shocks and coils - at first I shrugged off the excessive brake dive as a jeep thing, but after noticing it doesn't take much lock up the tires braking my plans for new shocks are just as much about safety. My guess is that is the shocks and coils are still original, the control arms and bushings are probably old too.

So here is where I'm at:
- Option 1, which is currently my frontrunner is going with the Rancho 2.5" Sport Lift (RS6503B) and RS5000X shocks. It seems like there is a lot of love for the RS5000Xs here, and the 2.5" kit includes new LCAs, a TC drop and bump stop extensions. I'll probably do a MML in time to eliminate the TC drop, but this rig will spend 98% of it's time on road and the off-roading is logging trails to access a cabin, not serious wheeling so that's not urgent.

- Option 2 is to go with the OME 2" kit. I figure that by the time I get replacement factory-style control arms, the difference in price would not be that much and this also is well reviewed as being a quality lift.

In either case, long term I'd want a proper adjustable track bar and I'd like to avoid/eliminate the TC drop long term - even if it means going with a SYE since I understand the '06 with the 6 speed is probably the most prone to vibes when lifting.

So, my question to anyone out there with experience with either kit is which is the better way to go? I've got an 8 week old daughter now so between her and work I have less time to tinker than I ever have - so I'm hoping to go with a "set it and forget it" solution that will be reliable. I don't want to spend a fortune, but I appreciate getting what you pay for I'm trying to find the sweet spot somewhere in the middle. Would BDS be worth looking into? Are some of the more expensive Rancho shocks worth the premium? the RS9000XLs are probably overkill for me, but what about the 7000s?

I can't find much on the new Rancho control arms but on paper they sound like they fit the bill for me - better than stock, less maintenance than some of the higher end stuff and still maintain good road manners.

Any help or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Mark
 
I have the OME on my LJ. I love it and it rides great. Can be a little bumpy at times, particularly when it's cold out. Paired it with JKS adjustable track bars. I have heard great things about pairing OME springs with the Rancho shocks though. I did not get a full 2" in the front so there is some considerable rake. The rear was more than 2 inches. I'll add a spacer up front later to level it out.
 
X2^^^ with the spacer. I have the 2” OME with Rancho5000X shocks and a 1” spacer up front, so I am netting 3” up front, rig is level. With the 1.25” body lift I’m running 33’s. 6-Speed, 4.56 gears
 
I think I'll try out the Rancho's when these need replacing.

X2^^^ with the spacer. I have the 2” OME with Rancho5000X shocks and a 1” spacer up front, so I am netting 3” up front, rig is level. With the 1.25” body lift I’m running 33’s. 6-Speed, 4.56 gears

Do you think you could have ran 33's with yours after you installed the spacer up front without the body lift? Seems like a lot of usable space to just run 32's on mine currently without the body lift or spacer in the front. About to pull the trigger on new tires in the spring.
 
I think I'll try out the Rancho's when these need replacing.



Do you think you could have ran 33's with yours after you installed the spacer up front without the body lift? Seems like a lot of usable space to just run 32's on mine currently without the body lift or spacer in the front. About to pull the trigger on new tires in the spring.
You can but you’ll need more bumpstop and probably some steering stops to keep the tires from rubbing the control arms.

You really need more than 3.5” overall to run 33’s. 4” is ideal.
 
I run 33" 285/70/17 tires on my TJ, I use spacers on my wheels to accommodate the width of the tires. They work fine for me.

You may want to consider Rock Krawler suspension. They are located across the border in New York, You may be able to save on some shipping. I have there 2" Sport Mod kit and it is working well for me.
 
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I am looking to add 2” to my extremely stock 4.0l hardtop TJ. I have been thinking about OME with Rancho RS5000X shocks.

Any opinions on the heavy duty vs light duty OME springs? I prefer a firm ride but don’t want to end up with a bouncy ride when I take the hardtop off in the summer.

Since I have the extra weight in the rear, has anyone tried light duty up front and heavy duty in the rear?

Thanks
Brian
 
I am looking to add 2” to my extremely stock 4.0l hardtop TJ. I have been thinking about OME with Rancho RS5000X shocks.

Any opinions on the heavy duty vs light duty OME springs? I prefer a firm ride but don’t want to end up with a bouncy ride when I take the hardtop off in the summer.

Since I have the extra weight in the rear, has anyone tried light duty up front and heavy duty in the rear?

Thanks
Brian

Hard top weighs roughly 120lbs. Do you keep a back seat in there?
 
What Ranchos did you pair with the 2inch coil spring lift? I am looking to use BDS coils and I have read differing opinions on which shock to purchase. Thanks!

Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set compatible with 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ​

OR

Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set compatible with 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ with 2-3" lift kits​