A Beginners Guide to Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler TJ

You don't really need track bars at 2-2.5". I ran my OME lift without track bars, and the axles like Rob said were maybe 1/4" off, not enough to even notice.

That also won't hurt the vehicle at all if they're off center.
 
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I think a trackbar with 2-2.5" lift is another one of those things where the Jeep can be picky. Some need it, some don't...I'd say don't get it at first, but if you start to have evident bushing wear, get one....
 
I ran the stock TB after installing my OME 2.5" lift and ran it like that for 4 years until the stock TB ball joint finally wore out, then replaced it with a JKS adjustable one. My front axle was off center almost 3/4". Only issue you might encounter is if you disco and flex out the jeep. One end might rub the coil bucker because of the shift.
 
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Trent said:
What is the need for shock relocation brackets in a 4 or more lift?
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So it doesn't rub your coil springs. With some shocks I think you can run them upside down and clear. Correct me if I'm wrong guys!
 
Trent said:
What is the need for shock relocation brackets in a 4 or more lift?
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When you lift it that high, you're pushing the coil spring and bucket further back (kind of like a small arch) and that's causing the lower spring perch to come in contact with the shock.

I went to go look under my vehicle one day and the rear shock had very visible damage to where it was hitting the axle.
 
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Chris said:
What is the need for shock relocation brackets in a 4 or more lift?
Click to expand...

When you lift it that high, you're pushing the coil spring and bucket further back (kind of like a small arch) and that's causing the lower spring perch to come in contact with the shock.

I went to go look under my vehicle one day and the rear shock had very visible damage to where it was hitting the axle.
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So if I wanted to go with Bilstein reservoir shocks and RE spring both 4.5 what would work best?
 
Trent said:
So if I wanted to go with Bilstein reservoir shocks and RE spring both 4.5 what would work best?
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You have two options, spring perch relocation using something like this:
https://www.claytonoffroad.com/tjlj_lower_shock_relocation_kit

Or lower shock relocation brackets:
https://www.claytonoffroad.com/tjlj_lower_shock_relocation_kit

I prefer the former, as I think it's a better idea to change the angle of the spring perch, so that way your spring is nice and straight again (as it should be).
 
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Chris said:
You have two options, spring perch relocation using something like this:
https://www.claytonoffroad.com/tjlj_lower_shock_relocation_kit

Or lower shock relocation brackets:
https://www.claytonoffroad.com/tjlj_lower_shock_relocation_kit

I prefer the former, as I think it's a better idea to change the angle of the spring perch, so that way your spring is nice and straight again (as it should be).
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Thank you for your reply and very nice write up and forum! Helped tremendously.
 
Trent said:
Thank you for your reply and very nice write up and forum! Helped tremendously.
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No problem at all, I'm happy to help.

Any competent welder can easily cut your old brackets or spring perches off and weld those new ones on for you. When I had mine done the guy charged me for an hour of labor and had it done in just about an hour. Very simple job.
 
Trent said:
What is the need for shock relocation brackets in a 4 or more lift?
Click to expand...
There is also the fact that at 4" of lift you start needing a SYE and CV driveshaft. That causes you to raise your pinion angle to accommodate the CV driveshaft which in turn rolls your rear shock mounts under the axle tube. The shock relocation brackets move your lower shock mounts out and up to correct for that.
 
Good point, I forgot to mention the part about raising the pinion angle. That's one more reason!
 
This may have been mentioned/asked already but what is your opinion on "budget boosters" or coil spacers? Do they actually add any offroad capability or is it mostly for mall crawling?
 
Chris S said:
This may have been mentioned/asked already but what is your opinion on "budget boosters" or coil spacers? Do they actually add any offroad capability or is it mostly for mall crawling?
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Not quite as much flex as longer coils. They definelty work fine for off-roading. Not any less flex than stock coils. If you have the money get coils if not get spacers. I've seen more mall crawlers with longer coils than spacers.

There is totally nothing wrong with spacers, you just don't get the added benefit of more flex with longer springs.
 
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