Lowest lift to run 35s?

jkowitz

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I'm currently trying to figure out what is the minimum lift required to run 35's on my 2006 rubicon 6spd manual. I want to keep the drivablitiy somewhat decent as it is my daily driver, but I want to be able to tackle some moderate to difficult trails. I am not very fond of replacing the factory fenders, but flat fender flares would be okay and I don't want to do any extreme bump stops. Is it possible to do a combination of a 3.25 inch suspension lift with a 1 inch body lift or anything similar? How are you running 35's and how does it drive on and off road?
 
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To run 35s effectively you need a 4" suspension lift and a 1.25" body lift.

The setup you're talking about will work, it just won't be as ideal as the setup I previously mentioned.
 
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Without extreme bumpstopping and and without replacing factory fenders you arrive very near my build. It is very common among folks on this site and works well on and off road.

4" currie / savvy spring lift
1.25" savvy body lift

315/75 R16 MTRs

Some good reading :)

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/so-you-want-to-run-35-tires-on-your-tj.2428/
Thank you for the advice! I will definitely check out that article it looks like some good information. How does the jeep drive compared to stock? My main concern would be the steering as I used to drive a jeep xj with a 4.5 inch lift and it ruined the around town driving experience
 
My personal recommendation for 35's is 5"... a 4" suspension lift plus a 1" to 1.25" body lift. That combination works extremely well with 35's both street and trail.
Thank you! Do you know if you can do a belly up skid plate with just a 1" body lift?
 
Thank you for the advice! I will definitely check out that article it looks like some good information. How does the jeep drive compared to stock? My main concern would be the steering as I used to drive a jeep xj with a 4.5 inch lift and it ruined the around town driving experience
Get the Currie currectlync for steering and you will be the same if not better than stock. It’s the only one recommended.
 
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I run a 4.25" zone combination lift for my 35's and love it. IMO this is the minimum clearance you'd want if you do much wheeling.
X2 The zone combination 4.25” is the most budget friendly option for 35s, there are better quality one (Currie, savvy) but the zone is great for the price.
 
The Zone Combo is still an inch short for 35s.
 
Would putting 1" spacers above the front and rear coils on the 4.25" combo lift be suitable?

The combo kit alone is really pushing the limits of what can be done with stock arms.
 
Would putting 1" spacers above the front and rear coils on the 4.25" combo lift be suitable?
It will very likely cause driveline vibrations/issues. The best thing about the zone lift is that all the components compliment one another to make a complete well thought out lift kit. If you think the zone is not the correct height then I would go a different route. I personally have had my 35's only rub for one reason, and that is from not enough backspacing on my JK wheels. I use the bump stops that came with my kit and my tires do not rub at full bump stop. 35's can vary quite a bit between brands, my experience may be different than others but I wouldn't want any more lift.
 
It will very likely cause driveline vibrations/issues. The best thing about the zone lift is that all the components compliment one another to make a complete well thought out lift kit. If you think the zone is not the correct height then I would go a different route. I personally have had my 35's only rub for one reason, and that is from not enough backspacing on my JK wheels. I use the bump stops that came with my kit and my tires do not rub at full bump stop. 35's can vary quite a bit between brands, my experience may be different than others but I wouldn't want any more lift.

Thank you, I was just wondering because I bought the zone kit about a year ago when I thought 35's were not doable for me. I settled for 33's but now I'm much more knowledgeable and seeing as I need to buy new tires soon + a regear I'm considering 35's. I'm am going to upgrade steering and everything else needed for 35's, I just don't want to swap my kit out for 4" springs if I don't have too
 
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I ran 35’s comfortably on just 4” all spring. Stock fenders and flairs for a few years

i did as well. Then I moved to southern California from Illinois and discovered rock crawling. It wasn’t long before I did a 1.25” bl and tummy tuck and really enjoyed the benefits of another 1” of up travel.