05 Flame Red TJ Build

[JMT]

I want to also thank all of you for your help and expertise.

Especially @bobthetj03 for walking me through whole process. You're awesome! @Chris for much help making decisions in private thread and general info on the best Jeep forum in the world! And @VirtualRussel for so great on the fly help.

 

[JMT]

I removed 2"BB spacers from RE and replaced with 2"OME. Definitely got more than 2" though. I'll take measurements later tonight!

 

[bobthetj03]

Looks perfect sir!

 

[JMT]

Ok, so when I'm going up steeper hills I am getting driveline vibrations, usually in 2nd and 3rd gear. I didn't do the TC drop. Is this okay? I do not get them during normal driving.

And, another pic, bc I'm so happy with how it turned out.

 

[JMT]

Final measurements with the OME.

Stock @ F coil = 12", OME @ F coil = 14 3/4"
Stock @ R coil = 8", OME @ R coil = 11 3/8

That's 2 3/4" lift in the front and 3 3/8 in the rear. That sounds like a lot, but I have no extra add-ones like bumpers, winches, et al.

Another measurement that may be more telling is at from ground to lowest part of skid plate before (with a 1.75" BB was 11 5/8" and after was 13 1/8. I removed those 1.75" spacers, so I'm still netting 2.5" there with the OME.)

 

[xxdabroxx]

You dont want drive line vibrations. Id add washers until they go away if you dont have a SYE and DC driveshaft.

 

[bobthetj03]

Yep, throw a couple washers on the skid until the vibes are manageable. Looks good!

 

[JMT]

I was lying in bed thinking about geometry of drivelines (okay, I know I'm going crazy). Seemed like there were three or four ways you could go. I am just learning about all of this so correct me where you see errors.

1) SYE and DS (too expensive for right now)
2) 1"MML (doable at about $100 for a Brown Dog). Raises engine and front of TC which would lower the rear of the TC and make it straighter
3) Drop TC with washers (~$20).
4) Get 33's, that should raise the rear differential 1" (have to re-gear though).

Since I'm eventually doing a MML anyway, why not bypass the TC drop and go straight to MML? Will that eliminate the driveline vibes I'm getting now after the 2.5"OME?

 

[xxdabroxx]

Changing tire size will move the whole jeep up.

If you do a MML without a body lift you will have to at minimum modify your fan shroud. Not sure if anything else will hit.

 

[bobthetj03]

MML would be a good option. You'll have to adjust the radiator fan shroud so the fan doesn't hit it. I think most just hog out the mount holes to adjust it. Or you could put on a hideous body lift at the same time in which you won't have to adjust the shroud.

 

[JMT]

MML would be a good option. You'll have to adjust the radiator fan shroud so the fan doesn't hit it. I think most just hog out the mount holes to adjust it. Or you could put on a hideous body lift at the same time in which you won't have to adjust the shroud.

@bobthetj03 So you're saying you don't like body lifts?

 

[JMT]

I did the 2.5" OME with the rear trackbar relocation bracket. What should I do next? Am I gong to need adjustable sway bars? Mine look shot on the upper bolt. If so which do you recommend?

 

[PStov98TJ]

I did the 2.5" OME with the rear trackbar relocation bracket. What should I do next? Am I gong to need adjustable sway bars? Mine look shot on the upper bolt. If so which do you recommend?

Congrats on the new lift. The OME springs will settle out after a little while. When I first got mine in, I didn't have a tire carrier or spare on the back, and it rode very high. But after getting a bumper and driving a few hundred miles, it settled down to the advertised height and I've been very happy with it ever since. And you're gonna love those nitro sport shocks. At least I've loved mine so far.

For the sway bar links, if they are worn out, I'd go ahead and replace them. Remember that you have a sway bar in the rear too that could probably use some longer links as well.

As for a replacement, if I could do it all over again, I'd go straight to the Currie anti-rock, or save some cash and just get some regular extended links. I have JKS quick disconnects, and after about 3 years, they started popping when I drive over small bumps no matter how often I grease them. Not what I expect from a $100+ part. Also, it's a good idea to stay connected when offroad because it helps keep the Jeep level.

 

[bobthetj03]

@bobthetj03 So you're saying you don't like body lifts?

Yep, not a fan of body lifts. Hate the gap it puts between the body and frame, and can mess with the TC linkage and steering shaft ujoint angles. It's a necessary evil for those that want to tuck the TC skid as high as they can. Personally, I will do a TT without a BL and just tuck as high as I can and call it good.

 

[bobthetj03]

I did the 2.5" OME with the rear trackbar relocation bracket. What should I do next? Am I gong to need adjustable sway bars? Mine look shot on the upper bolt. If so which do you recommend?

If your factory front end links are toast, might as well upgrade. Currie AR would be my first choice, but it is pricey. I went with JKS quicker disconnects, but wish I would have got the AR. It's on my short list of things to get.

JKS discos...
http://jksmfg.com/i-13306773-wrangl...ct-fits-2-5-6-0-lift.html?ref=category:381020
For the rear sway bar, JKS makes adjustable end links so you can dial that one in.
http://jksmfg.com/i-8938523-wrangler-tj-1997-2006-adjustable-end-link.html?ref=category:381038

If you are ready to shell out the caps for an AR, look on CL or the forums for sale threads for used ones. Folks that upgrade to AR will often have there old disco for sale.

Metal Cloak makes some too. A bit less $$$.

http://www.metalcloak.com/TJ-LJ-Wrangler-Sway-Quick-Disconnect-10-Front-p/7018.htm

 

[JMT]

MML would be a good option. You'll have to adjust the radiator fan shroud so the fan doesn't hit it. I think most just hog out the mount holes to adjust it. Or you could put on a hideous body lift at the same time in which you won't have to adjust the shroud.

So the MML would solve drive line vibes and I could get rid of the TC drop? What MML do you recommend? I've seen most go with Brown Dog. I'd choose the rubber I think...

 

[JMT]

Congrats on the new lift. The OME springs will settle out after a little while. When I first got mine in, I didn't have a tire carrier or spare on the back, and it rode very high. But after getting a bumper and driving a few hundred miles, it settled down to the advertised height and I've been very happy with it ever since. And you're gonna love those nitro sport shocks. At least I've loved mine so far.

For the sway bar links, if they are worn out, I'd go ahead and replace them. Remember that you have a sway bar in the rear too that could probably use some longer links as well.

As for a replacement, if I could do it all over again, I'd go straight to the Currie anti-rock, or save some cash and just get some regular extended links. I have JKS quick disconnects, and after about 3 years, they started popping when I drive over small bumps no matter how often I grease them. Not what I expect from a $100+ part. Also, it's a good idea to stay connected when offroad because it helps keep the Jeep level.

Currie Antirock pricey no doubt! Maybe some extensions for now. Since you're not too fond of the JKS, which regular extended links do you recommend?

 

[Rob5589]

I would think any extended link would be fine. I have seen them on the Zone Off Road site.

 

[bobthetj03]

So the MML would solve drive line vibes and I could get rid of the TC drop? What MML do you recommend? I've seen most go with Brown Dog. I'd choose the rubber I think...

Yep, Brown Dog or MORE, and yes, rubber would be my vote.

 

[PStov98TJ]

Currie Antirock pricey no doubt! Maybe some extensions for now. Since you're not too fond of the JKS, which regular extended links do you recommend?

You could make your own with some all-thread and heim joints. Shouldn't be too pricey.