Finally getting around to making a build thread for the “Unicorn.” I wanted to do some more research before I ask too many already answered questions in my first build post.
The LJ has been a long time want for the wife and I so we finally pulled the trigger last week. 2004 wrangler unlimited with 82k miles hard top and a soft top 98% stock. Is has 32’s on factory suspension height with just wheel spacers. We like the look but know it won’t handle the wheeling we want to do as I’m already scared to flex on a curb and crunch a fender.
Our long term plan for this thing is 35’s (built correctly) and trailering it behind a 1 ton with a truck camper on it. This is a 5-10 year goal though so I really mean long term goal for 35’s!
I want to move to 33’s within the next 6 months though as the current 32’s look to be rather old but still have lots of tread depth. Cannot locate the date code on the tire(BFG AllTerrain Ko2). I want every upgrade/decision to be focused on the 35’s years down the road so that is always in my mind.
We love the Jeep as it is but we also know where we plan to go means it needs some mods.....
Our plan as of now is to get it on 33’s and flat tow it behind my f-150 to the Ozarks and Colorado throughout the next few years before we have kids. This is a third car/toy/weekend warrior.
We want to flat tow it behind my truck with a roof top tent over the bed of the truck, this will allow us to have a base camp and then branch off onto some trails and such. I know this runs the risk of breaking something hundreds or thousand of miles from home but if that happens we’ll just rent a uhaul trailer and tow it home.
Now we get to the build questions I have....
My first hurdle is a lift. While I know the OME and a 1.25 body lift would be great for 33’s I feel myself leaning more towards a currie 4 inch set up. My rookie mind has made this decision as I feel this will fare much better for 35’s years down the road while also avoiding the immediate tummy tuck requirement as I feel the OME 2.5 and BL would require.
I know I can do high line fenders and get the travel I need but I think the 4 inch is best as it would help immensely with the break over angle.
I don’t want to be the cheapest build but I do want to keep a budget in mind so I am wondering what if any driveline changes will I need with the 4 inch Currie since this is the longer wheelbase? I know stronger steering and brakes are highly recommended with anything over stock tire size but I want flex for the current tires and 33’s first. Since I am not daily driving it I feel I can wait a little longer on the brakes.
As I know this post is nothing without pictures here are some pictures of the Jeep!
The LJ has been a long time want for the wife and I so we finally pulled the trigger last week. 2004 wrangler unlimited with 82k miles hard top and a soft top 98% stock. Is has 32’s on factory suspension height with just wheel spacers. We like the look but know it won’t handle the wheeling we want to do as I’m already scared to flex on a curb and crunch a fender.
Our long term plan for this thing is 35’s (built correctly) and trailering it behind a 1 ton with a truck camper on it. This is a 5-10 year goal though so I really mean long term goal for 35’s!
I want to move to 33’s within the next 6 months though as the current 32’s look to be rather old but still have lots of tread depth. Cannot locate the date code on the tire(BFG AllTerrain Ko2). I want every upgrade/decision to be focused on the 35’s years down the road so that is always in my mind.
We love the Jeep as it is but we also know where we plan to go means it needs some mods.....
Our plan as of now is to get it on 33’s and flat tow it behind my f-150 to the Ozarks and Colorado throughout the next few years before we have kids. This is a third car/toy/weekend warrior.
We want to flat tow it behind my truck with a roof top tent over the bed of the truck, this will allow us to have a base camp and then branch off onto some trails and such. I know this runs the risk of breaking something hundreds or thousand of miles from home but if that happens we’ll just rent a uhaul trailer and tow it home.
Now we get to the build questions I have....
My first hurdle is a lift. While I know the OME and a 1.25 body lift would be great for 33’s I feel myself leaning more towards a currie 4 inch set up. My rookie mind has made this decision as I feel this will fare much better for 35’s years down the road while also avoiding the immediate tummy tuck requirement as I feel the OME 2.5 and BL would require.
I know I can do high line fenders and get the travel I need but I think the 4 inch is best as it would help immensely with the break over angle.
I don’t want to be the cheapest build but I do want to keep a budget in mind so I am wondering what if any driveline changes will I need with the 4 inch Currie since this is the longer wheelbase? I know stronger steering and brakes are highly recommended with anything over stock tire size but I want flex for the current tires and 33’s first. Since I am not daily driving it I feel I can wait a little longer on the brakes.
As I know this post is nothing without pictures here are some pictures of the Jeep!
