I'm another convert to the good shocks makes things better than they have any reason to be crowd, and I'm not even running my "good" shocks yet. My build has slowed down considerably the last couple years, but I did take steps to make the Jeep tolerable. I have tuned Fox performance series shock in their stock mounting locations. They are around 10" travel. The difference those made in my ride from Black Max shocks (and any other bolt in shock that I've tried...and I've tried most of them) can not be understated. I am also running the sway loc, Currie short arms, Factory rear track bar, Rock Jock 4" springs, and a Savvy Body lift. 17" Baja Boss MT's on Walker Evans Bead locks. The Jeep is calm and predictable. I can corner at speeds well over the posted limit. Body roll is controlled, bumps don't upset the chassis, and it feels connected. Even with my loose'ish steering box, I get proper feedback and know what is going on at the tires.
I think that is where the "drives like a sports car" comment comes from. Not because its as fast as a 911...but because the predictability and feedback are there. If you build, thinking about what you're doing and how you're accomplishing those goals, you can be amazed by what can be achieved.
Things like wheel spacing are more complex than just "does a wheel fit." Scrub radius is a thing and it pays to pay attention to it. Having shocks in the middle of their travel, setting up your steering properly, getting caster angle correct, etc. The hours you spend cycling suspension and taking careful measurements pays HUGE dividends in the final result.
The information is all here to build a REALLY good TJ. You just need to ask, listen, and be willing to put the time in. There is only one place I would trust to build a Jeep properly though...this is probably not a drop it off somewhere and expect it to be right situation. YOU need to put the time in, because someone billing by the hour won't take the time to do it until its correct.
