More recent lift thread?

[bucketspeed]

Hello!

Jeep supernoob here. Just bought an 04 TJ and I've been reading everything I can before I start down the never ending road of mods. I'm looking for the same information about lifts I found in the post below, but wondering since it's a few years old if it's still the best answer(s) or if there's some more updated solutions/links/products out there that satisfy the exact same question from the OP.

My goals:
- Daily driver but trail friendly
- 33s
- Moderate budget 2-3k

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/best-4-inch-lift.5555/
Thanks for any pointers in advance! This site is awesome!

 

[Ante_Up]

I'm betting you'll still hear a lot of Currie and Metalcloak. I for one have the Currie set up, with the Johnny Joint CA'S... no complaints here

 

[Ante_Up]

And welcome to the group!

 

[bobthetj03]

A 4" SL lift is generally the go to answer for 33's. A 3" SL followed with a 1.25" body lift coupled with a 1" MML will get the job done and could possibly quell any drive line vibes without having to install a SYE/DCDS/adjustable arms. Rancho RS5000X shocks are budget friendly and are valved nicely for our TJ's.

 

[bucketspeed]

A 4" SL lift is generally the go to answer for 33's. A 3" SL followed with a 1.25" body lift coupled with a 1" MML will get the job done and could possibly quell any drive line vibes without having to install a SYE/DCDS/adjustable arms. Rancho RS5000X shocks are budget friendly and are valved nicely for our TJ's.

Thank you guys for the quick replies. I think this DPG option seems to satisfy most of my requirements.

https://dpgoffroad.com/product/old-man-emu-ultimate-tj-lj-wrangler-kit/
While it's budget friendly (for me), I'm understanding that adjustable CAs are not necessary for me since the coil lift is 2.5". Is that right? Does that mean my stock DS is ok? My TJ is an X btw. Also, the CAs that are on there now look like they are pretty well worn out. If I'd like to upgrade those, would the Core Tier 2 CAs be a good choice for this setup?

 

[bucketspeed]

Or...piece it together with most of the stuff from that kit, add CAs and Ranchos?

• Rancho RS5000X shocks
• OME Coil Springs 2"
• JKS “Quicker” Disconnects
• JKS 1.25″ Body Lift
• JKS 1″ Motor Mount Spacers
• JKS Adj. Track bar (front) JKS Adj. Trackbar (rear)
• DPG 2″ Extended Bump stops (Front & rear)
• JKS Adj Rear Swaybar End Links
• Replace all Control Arms?

I already ordered BrownDog MMs after inspecting mine early on. Haven't installed them yet.

 

[rasband]

Don’t do the JKS body lift, they squish so you won’t get the advertised height and even worse it can case issues in the torque box. Swap that out for any aluminum puck alternative (such as Savvy’s 1.25”, though there are others).

 

[bucketspeed]

Got it! Thanks!

 

[Chris]

Hello!

Jeep supernoob here. Just bought an 04 TJ and I've been reading everything I can before I start down the never ending road of mods. I'm looking for the same information about lifts I found in the post below, but wondering since it's a few years old if it's still the best answer(s) or if there's some more updated solutions/links/products out there that satisfy the exact same question from the OP.

My goals:
- Daily driver but trail friendly
- 33s
- Moderate budget 2-3k

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/best-4-inch-lift.5555/
Thanks for any pointers in advance! This site is awesome!

Everything still applies from 4 years ago. It all comes down to what you want to spend and how you intend to use it.

If you're seldom going to go on the trails and only plan to do exploring (not any serious rock crawling), I would suggest OME 2.5" springs, Rancho RS5000X shocks, and a 1.25" Savvy body lift. That will put you right where you need to run 33s, will drive great both on-road and off-road, and won't break the bank.

A Savvy 4" lift would be even better, but it will also cost a lot more, and it probably isn't absolutely necessary unless you plan to do some more serious off-roading and only want to spend the money once.

 

[bucketspeed]

Everything still applies from 4 years ago. It all comes down to what you want to spend and how you intend to use it.

If you're seldom going to go on the trails and only plan to do exploring (not any serious rock crawling), I would suggest OME 2.5" springs, Rancho RS5000X shocks, and a 1.25" Savvy body lift. That will put you right where you need to run 33s, will drive great both on-road and off-road, and won't break the bank.

A Savvy 4" lift would be even better, but it will also cost a lot more, and it probably isn't absolutely necessary unless you plan to do some more serious off-roading and only want to spend the money once.

Thanks Chris, that's exactly what I was asking for. If I didn't still have interior and audio t budget for, I'd go Currie/Savvy after reading everything I have. I totally get the approach.

What do you think about adding some upgraded CAs? Worth it for performance/driveability? And do I need a MM lift with that setup to keep the stock DS angle right? Also, stock steering gear "ok" for now?

 

[Chris]

Thanks Chris, that's exactly what I was asking for. If I didn't still have interior and audio t budget for, I'd go Currie/Savvy after reading everything I have. I totally get the approach.

What do you think about adding some upgraded CAs? Worth it for performance/driveability? And do I need a MM lift with that setup to keep the stock DS angle right? Also, stock steering gear "ok" for now?

See, that's where it gets tricky.

If I was going to update control arms, I would undoubtedly go with Savvy arms, as they are the best as far as I am concerned. The Johnny Joints will hold up to years and years of serious abuse before even needing to be rebuilt, and when you do rebuild them, it's easy to do.

In fact, if I was going to upgrade control arms, I wouldn't use anything but a control arm with Johnny Joints. Of course that won't be cheap to have Johnny Joints on both ends (a set of all 8 Savvy arms is $1300). And at that point, if I'm buying the Savvy arms, I'll just buy the entire Savvy lift

The stock steering setup is just fine. If and when you want to upgrade it, see this thread: What is the best steering for my Jeep Wrangler TJ?

 

[bucketspeed]

See, that's where it gets tricky.

If I was going to update control arms, I would undoubtedly go with Savvy arms, as they are the best as far as I am concerned. The Johnny Joints will hold up to years and years of serious abuse before even needing to be rebuilt, and when you do rebuild them, it's easy to do.

In fact, if I was going to upgrade control arms, I wouldn't use anything but a control arm with Johnny Joints. Of course that won't be cheap to have Johnny Joints on both ends (a set of all 8 Savvy arms is $1300). And at that point, if I'm buying the Savvy arms, I'll just buy the entire Savvy lift

The stock steering setup is just fine. If and when you want to upgrade it, see this thread: What is the best steering for my Jeep Wrangler TJ?

Makes sense! Thank you!

 

[bucketspeed]

Makes sense! Thank you!

BUT....the curry setup is straight 4" coil lift right? Then I'd be looking at needing a SYE/DS as well right?

 

[bobthetj03]

OME springs are a good, predictable spring. The ranchos pair nicely with them. The factory arms actually do a pretty good job, so you could feasibly just replace them with some Crown or Moog replacements. If you do decide to get adjustable arms, get double adjustable uppers. They will pay for themselves 10 times over when you need to make pinion angle adjustments down the the road.
The Moog ZJ steering upgrade is great choice. Currie steering may not clear for a 2" lift.

 

[Fouledplugs]

BUT....the curry setup is straight 4" coil lift right? Then I'd be looking at needing a SYE/DS as well right?

Yes, absolutely.

 

[bucketspeed]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Super helpful. I think I have enough info to keep me busy. Last question...(unlikely)...

If I go the 2" + 1.25" route, do I need a MM lift? Or does the stock transmission mount and mm keep things right?

 

[Fouledplugs]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Super helpful. I think I have enough info to keep me busy. Last question...(unlikely)...

If I go the 2" + 1.25" route, do I need a MM lift? Or does the stock transmission mount and mm keep things right?

You should be fine. Every Jeep is differnet and handles vibes differently when lifted, even 2 inches.

Just be prepared to purchase the MML and hope you are not forced too.

i will say, it wouldn't be a bad thing to throw it in anyways. It would only help for future upgrades.

 

[bucketspeed]

You should be fine. Every Jeep is differnet and handles vibes differently when lifted, even 2 inches.

Just be prepared to purchase the MML and hope you are not forced too.

i will say, it wouldn't be a bad thing to throw it in anyways. It would only help for future upgrades.

Thanks! 1" spacers with a normal Browndog mount would work fine?

 

[IPerkWVU]

Thanks! 1" spacers with a normal Browndog mount would work fine?

If you haven’t installed the brown dog mounts you should check to see if you can exchange them for the 1” raised.

 

[Fouledplugs]

Thanks! 1" spacers with a normal Browndog mount would work fine?

Yes. Or the 1 inch raised engine mounts would be a bit more beneficial if there are vibes post lift.