Lift Help

ngreene9

Member
Original poster
Joined
Sep 28, 2019
Messages
42
Location
Connecticut
Hey all,

I currently have a stock 05 6cyl and I’m looking to start getting into working on doing a lift, but I’m not entirely sure what I will need, or won’t need. I'm looking to stay on a little bit of a budget, and ideally I'd like to be able to run 31s or 33s.

I was originally thinking about doing a lift like this:

https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-s...7s.html?find=2005-jeep-wrangler-tj-4wd-736476
If I am to do this, is there anything else that I would need to do? Or could I just install this lift and be good
to go?
 
Look man I'm just going to lay it out there... Rough country makes some strong components, but they save money in the wrong places... Primarily the connections.

By the time you buy their lift kit which looks like an economical do-all solution... And have to replace the sway bar links and control arm bushings within a year you could easily have purchased a Zone or better kit.

The components in a lift kit are basically coil springs that suspend the vehicle at your desired height and the system of control arms that enable a coil spring suspended vehicle to operate.

The way the vehicle works once you did the lift and how that works long-term gets down to the quality of components and knowledge behind the design of the lift, as well as the installation of the lift and adjustments made to keep the axle centered and have proper steering geometry.

My recommendation is that you stay on this forum and really understand what you're wanting to do and all the options that are available to you... Then work out a budget to do it the best you can afford ... Or a budget that is adequate for what you want to put into that vehicle.
 
Do yourself a favor and do not buy that lift. Start by reading this.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ting-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.733/#js-post-61211
https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-s...1c.html?find=2005-jeep-wrangler-tj-4wd-736476
do you think that a kit that is more like this which contains more components would be a better option?

I apologize that I am not entirely fluent in the knowledge of what goes into the lifts, even after reading that, i’m still a little unsure about what the best route to go would be.
 
Look man I'm just going to lay it out there... Rough country makes some strong components, but they save money in the wrong places... Primarily the connections.

By the time you buy their lift kit which looks like an economical do-all solution... And have to replace the sway bar links and control arm bushings within a year you could easily have purchased a Zone or better kit.

The components in a lift kit are basically coil springs that suspend the vehicle at your desired height and the system of control arms that enable a coil spring suspended vehicle to operate.

The way the vehicle works once you did the lift and how that works long-term gets down to the quality of components and knowledge behind the design of the lift, as well as the installation of the lift and adjustments made to keep the axle centered and have proper steering geometry.

My recommendation is that you stay on this forum and really understand what you're wanting to do and all the options that are available to you... Then work out a budget to do it the best you can afford ... Or a budget that is adequate for what you want to put into that vehicle.
Thanks for letting me know this about Rough Country. Ideally, i’m hoping to stay below 2.5 grand including rims and tires to complete the entire job. What do you think would be the best way to go?
 
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Thanks for letting me know this about Rough Country. Ideally, i’m hoping to stay below 3 grand including rims and tires to complete the entire job. What do you think would be the best way to go?
I'm taking it you may be younger and getting started...


Find a good set of used tires and wheels on Facebook market place , tires are used the minute you roll off the rack. It's easier to find them than you think, a 15" x 33" C range is great. Be sure they are in top shape and prepare to have them rebalanced. An All Terrain drives nice and is quiet.

Get a zone lift is a decent option..there are others $600

Get JKS adjustable track bars $500

Gets Rancho 5000x shocks $200 be sure to get the right ones for your lift

Get JKS Sway bar links $260

Get new bump stops or extensions $100

Save some money to freshen up the steering and fluids, brakes, etc.

Others will chime in.
 
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Reactions: JMT
I did this setup and am very happy. I was able to source many of the parts used and in perfect condition.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/codamans-2004-jeep-wrangler-rubicon.9347/#post-143609
Same here, have had this setup on my 06 Rubicon for 3 months or so and very happy with it. About to do the same setup on a buddies Jeep. I wouldn't do his the same as mine if I wasn't happy with it and hard to beat for the money. Like AndyG said, try and find some used wheels and tires. Tons of stuff out there at decent prices if you take the time to look. I bought a set of tires and wheels used, sold the stock ones off the Jeep and all said and done I was out roughly $400.
 
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This is easy.
You're trying to gain clearance for tires not traverse the Rubicon trail in 2wd with open differentials.

You can buy just springs from whomever. Rough country springs are OK. So is pretty much every other mfg springs. They're just springs.

Personally I'd recommend you get 3 inch springs. There are a few companies that have them.

Get an adjustable track bar.

Get some jks sway bar links that disconnect.

Shocks. Do NOT get rough country shocks. They suck.
Rancho 5000x or Skyjacker Black Max will be good.

If you want a really FIRM ride...
Fox shocks...bilstein 5100's...are good
Rancho 7000.. were good for firm but are not being made at present because of Covid.

This leaves you with plenty of bread for wheels and tires.
Some good 15x8 aluminum (black or silver) with 3.75" back spacing is absolutely perfect for a 12.50 wide tire.

Then get a good 33x12.50 tire.

Go wheeling.

Get creative when purchasing and from where and you'll have enough coin left over for a playboy bunny mirror hanging air freshener.
 
Look man I'm just going to lay it out there... Rough country makes some strong components, but they save money in the wrong places... Primarily the connections.

By the time you buy their lift kit which looks like an economical do-all solution... And have to replace the sway bar links and control arm bushings within a year you could easily have purchased a Zone or better kit.

The components in a lift kit are basically coil springs that suspend the vehicle at your desired height and the system of control arms that enable a coil spring suspended vehicle to operate.

The way the vehicle works once you did the lift and how that works long-term gets down to the quality of components and knowledge behind the design of the lift, as well as the installation of the lift and adjustments made to keep the axle centered and have proper steering geometry.

My recommendation is that you stay on this forum and really understand what you're wanting to do and all the options that are available to you... Then work out a budget to do it the best you can afford ... Or a budget that is adequate for what you want to put into that vehicle.
Can't stress this enough!!!! The PO of my Jeep went cheap with the RC lift. I am slowly working on reconstructing it as I go, because I daily drive it!!
 
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Reactions: AndyG
Hey all,

I currently have a stock 05 6cyl and I’m looking to start getting into working on doing a lift, but I’m not entirely sure what I will need, or won’t need. I'm looking to stay on a little bit of a budget, and ideally I'd like to be able to run 31s or 33s.
For 31s, just do a 1.25" BL and be done. For 33s, get some Pro Comp or BDS 2" lift springs. Rancho RS5000X shocks and a 1.25" BL. I bought new wheels and 33" MT tires for $800 and sold my old ones for $325.
 
I'm taking it you may be younger and getting started...


Find a good set of used tires and wheels on Facebook market place , tires are used the minute you roll off the rack. It's easier to find them than you think, a 15" x 33" C range is great. Be sure they are in top shape and prepare to have them rebalanced. An All Terrain drives nice and is quiet.

Get a zone lift is a decent option..there are others $600

Get JKS adjustable track bars $500

Gets Rancho 5000x shocks $200 be sure to get the right ones for your lift

Get JKS Sway bar links $260

Get new bump stops or extensions $100

Save some money to freshen up the steering and fluids, brakes, etc.

Others will chime in.
yes, for sure. and where i’m from, off road is illegal so for the most part i will be driving on road.
 
Here in the South we consider it only illegal if you get caught 😃😩
 
  • Haha
Reactions: John Cooper
Everyone is going to have there opinion on Lifts but not all lifts are created equal an optional way of lifting is a cross manufacture component lift
Pick the components you like from the different manufactures and the ones you know are better than just Ok and build your jeep for a defined mission.

Coil Springs
Shocks
Adj Control Arms
HD Tie Rod Bars and ends
HD Drag link Bar and ends
Front Track Bar / Panhard bar
Rear Track Bar / Panhard bar
Shock Relocation brackets
Sway Bars and Disconnects
Tires
Wheels
Alignment
Gears / Lockers
Speedometer calibration Gear
Paint, Powder coat, Sandblast
Flex joints, Johnny Joints, Rubber Bushings
Tools
Armor, Bumpers, Tire Carriers Winch
Lights {remember lockers before lights for serious off roading )
Labor



Research Research Research Ask questions
Some of these parts can be used while your Jeep is at stock ride height
Don't overlook the everyday maintenance items like brakes, u-joints, ball joints, ect, I cannot emphasize this enough you will find things that will need to be addressed and it is a damn sight easier to make those repairs when you have it apart versus later
Don't buy junk dont buy cheap don't sacrifice quality because you want it right now
Do look for used and/or Second Hand new but never used /
 
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