Suspension Overhaul

Inherited-LJ

Inherited-LJ

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Aug 7, 2021
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26
Location
CT
I have an 04 LJ, and it’s in rough shape. I inherited it (hence the name) so I plan on keeping it for as long as I can keep it running.

The suspension is a bit wonky, so I’m thinking about a complete overhaul and lifting it. Maybe 3-4” lift, and sitting it on 33” tires.

I don’t plan on rock crawling, and would take if off road rarely. The lift and tires are for the look, so I’ll pause for the mall crawler comments….

Ok now that we’ve gotten past that, any suggestions on a quality lift kit that’s going to include everything suspension wise, but isn’t a rock crawling competition suspension that will cost 10 grand?

I understand you get what you pay for and willing to pay for quality, but knowing this is more of a Sunday driver, any suggestions on a kit that makes sense for my needs?
 
Here you go:

A recipe for an affordable but quality 2.5" lift

Do that with a 1.25" body lift and you'll be at 3.75" of total lift, done on the cheap, using quality parts, and just the right amount of room to clear 33s and maintain factory up-travel numbers.

That's how I would do it.

Normally I would suggest a 4" Currie or Savvy lift, but if you aren't rock crawling and don't want to spend the big bucks, then it's not necessary.
 
If it's wonky find out why. Time spent learning your suspension components and how to tell if they are bad is time well spent. Just replacing everything teaches you almost nothing.
 
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Hey @Chris - read through that whole thread and lots of great info. Question though: you said above that this DIY “kit” plus a 1.25” body lift will get me up 3.75”… but in the thread you tagged, it lists 2” springs and 1.25” body lift for a 3.25” total lift. To get 3.75”, should I get 2.5” springs? And if so, are those same Rancho shocks still going to work?

Looks like the Pro Comp springs are gone, but you recommend the 2.5” Rough Country springs later in the thread, so seems like that would work for me to get to 3.75”. Just wanted to make sure since I’m very new to this.
 
Look into BDS suspensions 2” coils. They are recommended much higher than RC on this forum. It’s reported that the rear nets 2.5” and the front around 2” depending on the weight of your Jeep. You can always add a small spacer to the front to level it out a little more.
 
Inherited-LJ said:
Hey @Chris - read through that whole thread and lots of great info. Question though: you said above that this DIY “kit” plus a 1.25” body lift will get me up 3.75”… but in the thread you tagged, it lists 2” springs and 1.25” body lift for a 3.25” total lift. To get 3.75”, should I get 2.5” springs? And if so, are those same Rancho shocks still going to work?

Looks like the Pro Comp springs are gone, but you recommend the 2.5” Rough Country springs later in the thread, so seems like that would work for me to get to 3.75”. Just wanted to make sure since I’m very new to this.
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That 2.5” lift is accounting for 1/2” coil spring spacers. If you can actually find 2.5” springs, that would be the better option 👍
 
Sort of hijacking this thread, but it’s mine so oh well…

At what point should I consider regearing?

Keep in mind, self proclaimed mall crawler, but I also plan on plowing my driveway with it…. Second pause for everyone to freak out at me….

Ok so back to the question at hand… 33” tires, 2.5” suspension lift, 1.25” body lift, on an LJ (Dana 30 in front, Dana 44 in back). Regear or should I be fine?
 
Inherited-LJ said:
Sort of hijacking this thread, but it’s mine so oh well…

At what point should I consider regearing?

Keep in mind, self proclaimed mall crawler, but I also plan on plowing my driveway with it…. Second pause for everyone to freak out at me….

Ok so back to the question at hand… 33” tires, 2.5” suspension lift, 1.25” body lift, on an LJ (Dana 30 in front, Dana 44 in back). Regear or should I be fine?
Click to expand...
Regear. We have a committee that meets once every 60 days to review applications to do that. Form FRGC -212A. Cutoff is the 10th of the second month. You’ll need to put in for the November meeting since you missed the August deadline.
 
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AndyG said:
Regear. We have a committee that meets once every 60 days to review applications to do that. Form FRGC -212A. Cutoff is the 10th of the second month. You’ll need to put in for the November meeting since you missed the August deadline.
Click to expand...
Im a bit confused. You have a committee that regears for this TJ community? I’m in CT and looks like your in Alabama, so how would that work?
 
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Inherited-LJ said:
Sort of hijacking this thread, but it’s mine so oh well…

At what point should I consider regearing?

Keep in mind, self proclaimed mall crawler, but I also plan on plowing my driveway with it…. Second pause for everyone to freak out at me….

Ok so back to the question at hand… 33” tires, 2.5” suspension lift, 1.25” body lift, on an LJ (Dana 30 in front, Dana 44 in back). Regear or should I be fine?
Click to expand...
Is it manual or auto? 3.73 gears?
 
Chris said:
Here you go:

A recipe for an affordable but quality 2.5" lift

Do that with a 1.25" body lift and you'll be at 3.75" of total lift, done on the cheap, using quality parts, and just the right amount of room to clear 33s and maintain factory up-travel numbers.

That's how I would do it.

Normally I would suggest a 4" Currie or Savvy lift, but if you aren't rock crawling and don't want to spend the big bucks, then it's not necessary.
Click to expand...
Hey @Chris - what’s your opinion on running 35” tires with this “budget kit”? I know I would not have factory up travel numbers at that point, but other than that any concerns? I also assume I’d probably need to look into flat fender flares or something…

Second question (third really, but who’s counting): with 35” tires, would you recommend getting 3” springs/shocks with this “budget kit” or at that point am I opening a whole other can of worms with needing extended brake lines, adjustable control arms, etc.

Keep in mind I have an LJ, so I don’t think I’ll need the SYE/driveshaft combo with either of these routes.

thanks!!
 
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Inherited-LJ said:
Hey @Chris - what’s your opinion on running 35” tires with this “budget kit”? I know I would not have factory up travel numbers at that point, but other than that any concerns? I also assume I’d probably need to look into flat fender flares or something…

Second question (third really, but who’s counting): with 35” tires, would you recommend getting 3” springs/shocks with this “budget kit” or at that point am I opening a whole other can of worms with needing extended brake lines, adjustable control arms, etc.

Keep in mind I have an LJ, so I don’t think I’ll need the SYE/driveshaft combo with either of these routes.

thanks!!
Click to expand...
3" lifts always sound like a good idea, but don't work out in the end. The shocks don't work out very well, and you end up with a bunch of compromises. If you want 35s, go with a 4 inch lift, 1.25 body lift and you'll find shock selection really opens up.
 
Mike_H said:
3" lifts always sound like a good idea, but don't work out in the end. The shocks don't work out very well, and you end up with a bunch of compromises. If you want 35s, go with a 4 inch lift, 1.25 body lift and you'll find shock selection really opens up.
Click to expand...
Doesn’t Rancho make a 5000 series for 2-3” lifts? And from everything I’ve read the Rancho shocks run a little long so with a 3” spring (if I can find that), would work out fine?
 
AndyG said:
Regear. We have a committee that meets once every 60 days to review applications to do that. Form FRGC -212A. Cutoff is the 10th of the second month. You’ll need to put in for the November meeting since you missed the August deadline.
Click to expand...
Take your time with this application. When I did my regear, I submitted all my paperwork as required, but had a typo and spelled gear as “geer“ and was denied by @AndyG. You then can’t reapply for 6 months!
 
Inherited-LJ said:
Doesn’t Rancho make a 5000 series for 2-3” lifts? And from everything I’ve read the Rancho shocks run a little long so with a 3” spring (if I can find that), would work out fine?
Click to expand...
If you go with the Ranchos, get the 5000X not the 5000.
 
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