Which shops? There are some good ones in the area, and then there is 4 wheel parts.
Are you looking for a bumper like this style?
https://viciousoffroad.com/i-305150...er-tj-yj-classic-rear-bumper-pn-jtjrb002.html
Upgrades for a trail rig on a budget?
- Thread starter Photocycler
- Start date
Are you looking for a bumper like this style?
https://viciousoffroad.com/i-305150...er-tj-yj-classic-rear-bumper-pn-jtjrb002.html
I am new to Jeeps also, got an LJ back in February. Before I purchased I joined the forum and read a ton. From past experience with various vehicles, 3-wheelers, SxS's, etc and mods I knew I didn't want to buy somebody else's problems or create them for myself. I decided I wanted to find as stock as possible, which I did. Got some advice on here for my purposes and 31's with 2 inch lift seemed perfect. Got connected with @AndyG through here and he suggested RockKrawler springs, I could buy locally and quick so that's what I got and also Rancho shocks suggested here. I have zero vibrations, Jeep rides great, no issues whatsoever. That was my main goal. Get a little more clearance and most importantly do not create issues.
Are these shops fortune tellers? Some rigs vibe, others don't. Only one way to know if you'll have vibes on your jeep is to install the lift, make sure your driveline angles are good, and drive it. If it has vibes, SYE it is; if not, you're golden.
OP
I feel like it’s part being a salesman, part CYA and part some high end builder just see it as you need all of these ingredients to install a lift successfully.
Easily shocked huh? Yea it was about a year ago when I last looked at ss prices, but even still today there are some still asking $50-$200 per as you can see. Luckily many others are now offering a lower retail.$100 each??? Those must have been Covid toilet paper prices a year ago. I think they make antibacterial soft shackles for the new strains with a Jeep mask for only $200 more now.
You should consider tactical recovery equipment, $25/per. https://www.tacticalrecoveryequipment.com/product/3-4-soft-shackles-30000-lb-breaking-strength/
I just bought a 2 pack for $25, came in yesterday. Feel just as strong as my syn winch line. Hopefully they hold up
I can see that, yes. A shop pricing in a SYE from the start so they don't have to deal with come-back customers who have vibes. The same folks who are even more upset when the shop says "Well, now you need spend a few more hundred bucks to deal with these vibes we didn't mention you MIGHT have back when we priced the lift for you."
All the more reason to be be informed before you dive into a lift.
OP
After continuing my research I’ve decided to stay with 31s now. I will probably just upgrade to a more aggressive mud tire (yes mainly for looks) but also in the Pacific Northwest we have mud a good deal of the year.
I am still going with the 2.5 lift and will eventually do a SYE.
Bumpers continue to be hard to nail down. Was thinking I would go with Savvy but it seems it would require modification to run the stock away bar. It’s hard to justify a swayloc or Currie sway bar for a modest build.
I am still going with the 2.5 lift and will eventually do a SYE.
Bumpers continue to be hard to nail down. Was thinking I would go with Savvy but it seems it would require modification to run the stock away bar. It’s hard to justify a swayloc or Currie sway bar for a modest build.
The advantage of the OME springs is they are longer when uncompressed than all other springs that give the same lift height. That means that at full droop they will not unseat as earlier as a shorter spring that gives the same lift. Other than that, if the spring gives you the desired lift height, then it works.
OP
Something simple, well made and mid width for front and with a receiver for the rear. The Warn bumpers would be good but the front is a little wide. The Savvy look perfect but as mentioned, don’t play well with stock sways.
Hey, neighbor. No sure where you are located in Oregon, but I would recommend talking to the folks over at RJ Chassis Dynamics in Salem. Prices are very fair, and they are a Jeep specialty shop. Give them a call and tell them what you have in mind. I've done the same in the past and he has talked me out of spending more money than I needed to. They have consistently quoted work 25%-50% less than the shops up in Portland.
OP
Thank you, I will definitely give them a call. It seems everyone here goes to Jeep’s West or Bones and I would like to find another shop if possible.
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I may have a brand new front and rear Dirtworx bumper set for sale. Never mounted. Still raw. Not 100% sure I want to sell, but I may be talked into it, if you're interested...
OP
UPDATE: ordered the following
OME Spring 2933 front/2941 rear
Rancho 5000x Shocks
Rear Trackbar relocation kit
Questions:
OME Spring 2933 front/2941 rear
Rancho 5000x Shocks
Rear Trackbar relocation kit
Questions:
- Should I add the OME 10mm coil spring trim spacers, considering maybe adding to just the front to reduce some of the rake?
- Should I do the tranny case drop or leave it be and see if I get vibrations?
- I want to move to a more aggressive tire, I assume moving from my current 31s on my stock height to a 32 with the 2” lift won’t be a problem?
Yes on the OME spacers. I have the light duty OME springs and needed them in the front. I'd see where you are regarding vibes and go from there.
As for tires, check out General Grabber ATX. They run a true 31" tall and 10.6" wide where most are undersized. I just put a set on a few months ago and am really happy with them. Great ride, fairly aggressive at and they fill up the wheel well nicely so you don't rob power by going up to 32s, which are really 31.5ish.
Yes. Even if you are unsure, they go in an out easy enough.
Sure. Just be easy on it at first. Having a few spacers to test out heights on hand might lessen stress in the moment should there be any vibrations? Just a thought.
31's are ideal for a 2 inch lift. 32's will fit fine enough, I personally would just go for some nice 31's
Looks like you're actually sticking to a budget with a TJ (probably a first for anyone on this site!).
With the purchase of the above and your mud terrain tires, you may still have some room for a limited slip. Something like a lunchbox locker is cheap, but does come with some ratcheting noises.
I would go out on your trails after the lift and tires and see how you like it. If you feel you need more traction, then consider some sort of locker. I mentioned lunchbox, because you don't have to reset you gears to install it. It just replaces the spider gears in the carrier. Budget friendly. Others will have to weigh in on Detroit vs lunchbox or any others out there that don't replace the carrier.
With the purchase of the above and your mud terrain tires, you may still have some room for a limited slip. Something like a lunchbox locker is cheap, but does come with some ratcheting noises.
I would go out on your trails after the lift and tires and see how you like it. If you feel you need more traction, then consider some sort of locker. I mentioned lunchbox, because you don't have to reset you gears to install it. It just replaces the spider gears in the carrier. Budget friendly. Others will have to weigh in on Detroit vs lunchbox or any others out there that don't replace the carrier.
OP
I am trying to be reasonable which is somewhat new for me. Plus, I already dropped a ton on a new soft top, upgraded stereo and lights.
I figure this is a good way to dip my toes in the water and see how things go, how much I like the jeep and how much trail it will actually get.