02 TJ suspension advice

[AKTJ02]

Hey yall. First post on here and first jeep i’ve owned. I bought a 2002 TJ Sahara (136Kmiles) with the dana 44 in the rear, dana 30 up front. 4.0 motor (10kmiles) , 5spd manual (mileage unknown).

Suspension and ride quality were issues from the getgo, but never driving a jeep I didn’t know what to expect. the stock wheels and tires (30s) were causing a wobble at 45-50mph. I soon replaced them with 33x12.5s on the original rims. Wobble went away, and ZERO rubbing. even at max suspension articulation. But then the noises started. broken sway bar end-link, and some other mysterious come and go sounds. Next up; rear shocks replaced, i broke the bolts off and could NOT get them out, even with welding studs to them. So i drilled the frame and added grade 8 bolts for new mounts after modifying the shocks. After that, front struts. Rides smooth, but still some clunking and whatnot.

ANYWAYS long winded i know, But what other parts are prone to failure that I should replace regardless of condition?

AND is my jeep lifted? the internet says 33s will not fit without rubbing, but i’ve had no issues.

 

[Chris]

Looks to me like you've got a 2" lift there. 33s wouldn't fit without a lift.

For 33s you want 4" of lift. Without 4" of lift you are giving up factory up-travel which is going to result in worse ride quality.

Given the age of your vehicle I would replace all the suspension components. Sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, ball joints, shocks, etc. I'd probably replace the tie rod end links as well as track bar bushings as well.

 

[TheBoogieman]

33s with no lift look like this.

 

[macleanflood]

Measure your springs.

-Mac

 

[AKTJ02]

Looks to me like you've got a 2" lift there. 33s wouldn't fit without a lift.

For 33s you want 4" of lift. Without 4" of lift you are giving up factory up-travel which is going to result in worse ride quality.

Given the age of your vehicle I would replace all the suspension components. Sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, ball joints, shocks, etc. I'd probably replace the tie rod end links as well as track bar bushings as well.

Thanks for the info. If i was going to spring for a 4 inch, any brands you’d recommend? I assume a lift of that hight, aftermarket suspension components would be required.

This is also my daily, and I do live in Alaska. so control and safety on the road in the winter is a necessity. Will a 4 inch compromise anything? if done correctly, it shouldn’t.. right?

 

[TheBoogieman]

https://www.rockjock4x4.com/products/suspension-kits/97-06-tj-lj-suspension-kits/tj-wrangler?page=1

 

[Chris]

Thanks for the info. If i was going to spring for a 4 inch, any brands you’d recommend? I assume a lift of that hight, aftermarket suspension components would be required.

This is also my daily, and I do live in Alaska. so control and safety on the road in the winter is a necessity. Will a 4 inch compromise anything? if done correctly, it shouldn’t.. right?

You can't go wrong with RockJock, that's for sure. That's a top tier, quality lift.

Nothing will be compromised with a 4" lift, especially if you were to run a SwayLOC which would be a great upgrade as well.

 

[macleanflood]

If you're going to run 4" springs consider relocating your spring perches (outboarding shocks too but much more complicated.)

Those spring perches are not held on with much and are easy to relocate. Gets the banana bend out of your spring.

-Mac