Adding to the Jeep

[4bangerwrangler]

So I bought a 3.75 inch Old Man Emu lift kit a while back, and I'm trying to figure out what all I need to accommodate for that. Longer end links, brake lines, etc. Should I be looking at track bars or sway bars? If so, which one or do I need both? What else should I be looking at?


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[StG58]

What came in the kit? At 3.75", there is lots of stuff to look at to do it right, and to keep from having issues. Control arms, track bars, bump stops, slip yoke eliminator kit, brake lines... With a lift of that size, you are ususally talking about going bigger with your tires as well. That involves gearing and axle shafts, probably brakes. It depends on how picky you are and where you drive it as well. If the lift is for looks, you can get away with a lot less than if you are thrashing it out in the woods or on the rocks. We really need to know a bit more before we can answer your question.

 

[4bangerwrangler]

The kit came with new struts, springs, and the equipment to drop the transfer case. I'm not going to be thrashing it because it's still my daily driver, but I would like it to still be capable when I take it out. I know I need a new drop pitman arm, end links, longer brake lines. Do I need new track and sway bars? I am looking for new tires, but I don't see myself going any bigger than 31s or 33s


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[StG58]

DON'T do the drop pitman arm. You are just asking for trouble and it is unnecessary. Sway bar links would be a good idea. You'll probably need longer brake lines, check the "how to" section for a write up on using YJ brake lines on a TJ. Your axles will be offset side to side at 3.75" of lift, so adjustable track bars may be a good idea, and investigate track bar brackets as well. Suspension geometry will make or break a lift and effect safety and drivability. Dropping the skid plate to correct your drive line geometry is one way to go about it, but there are better though more expensive ways to accomplish that. Look into a SYE kit, small body lift and MML. With the SYE you are also going to need to look into at least adjustable rear upper control arms. When you drop the skid, check out the clearance on the front of your engine. Dropping the back raises the front and you may see interference with the fan and fan shroud. If you are installing the lift yourself check for correct bump stop length, or if a shop is installing make sure they check and adjust the bump stops.

Our fours are sensitive to gear ratio with larger than stock tires. Depending on where and how you drive, your jeep may turn into a dog with 31's and you'll definitely notice it with 33's. Look into regearing to 4.56 or 4.88 with a manual transmission. You may want to look into upgraded axles while you're in there.

Does that give you some stuff to think about? Some of the more expert suspension guys should be along any time now to chime in with more things to look for.