How should I build a Jeep Wrangler TJ?

[jacob13]

You can get vibes with 2” OME. If you do you can drop the transfer case ($10-15), get a 1” MML ($115), or do the whole SYE/DC thing ($550). I have 3” of lift and a 1” MML and no vibes.

You will not need control arms at 2”. YOu really have to be 3+ to need them.

You may need an adjustable front trackbar to center the axle ($200). Some people do, some people don’t. And a rear trackbar relocation bracket ($20)

Other than that, maybe some extended rear sway bar links ($25).

All this is in my build thread if you read through.

I am currently reading through your post, 45 pages is a lot. How do you find your 31 inch tires? Not much hitting the underneath of your jeep? It seems a lot easier to do 31's than 33's plus your jeep looks amazing with 31's.

 

[mots]

The US RME has a 4.0L and a Dana 44, weird they list it as an SE. Private seller though...looks decent if the frame is solid.

 

[JMT]

I am currently reading through your post, 45 pages is a lot. How do you find your 31 inch tires? Not much hitting the underneath of your jeep? It seems a lot easier to do 31's than 33's plus your jeep looks amazing with 31's.

31’s is much easier, and you can run them on stock springs, but its very likely that your stock springs are sagging. You could also run them with a 1” suspension lift you’d be in a good position. I ran them with the 2.0” OME HD and adjustable front track bar and rear relocation bracket, all in all which actually netted around 2.5”. It did look fantastic and I would have stayed there if my offroad needs didn’t require larger tires.

Just know that if you go the 2.0” OME route, you can easily jump to 33’s later. It’s all in my build thread. I might have gotten a little carried away, but I don’t regret it.

 

[jacob13]

31’s is much easier, and you can run them on stock springs, but its very likely that your stock springs are sagging. You could also run them with a 1” suspension lift you’d be in a good position. I ran them with the 2.0” OME HD and adjustable front track bar and rear relocation bracket, all in all which actually netted around 2.5”. It did look fantastic and I would have stayed there if my offroad needs didn’t require larger tires.

Just know that if you go the 2.0” OME route, you can easily jump to 33’s later. It’s all in my build thread. I might have gotten a little carried away, but I don’t regret it.

How did you find buying all the parts separately? Also how was doing all the work yourself? I can see myself basically following your exact build so far.

 

[JMT]

How did you find buying all the parts separately? Also how was doing all the work yourself? I can see myself basically following your exact build so far.

Everyone here will help you get a list of the parts you need separately.

Doing all the work myself has been really cool. Before this the most I ever did was change the car battery and the oil once, about 20 years ago. Since then I’ve done everything myself on the Jeep. Step by step, patience. Very rewarding. Lot’s of help from the folks here.

I can’t stress too much how rewarding it is building your rig the way you want it.

 

[AndyG]

Everyone here will help you get a list of the parts you need separately.

Doing all the work myself has been really cool. Before this the most I ever did was change the car battery and the oil once, about 20 years ago. Since then I’ve done everything myself on the Jeep. Step by step, patience. Very rewarding. Lot’s of help from the folks here.

I can’t stress too much how rewarding it is building your rig the way you want it.

Very cool.

 

[jacob13]

33s are a perfect fit on a budget. Knowing that try to find a TJ with 3.73s and save having to regear. TJs had a "Big Wheel" option which included the 3.73 ratio. And the TJ is so much lighter, more compact than the Ranger they will feel great. 35s will break the bank as you keep replacing broken parts. 32s are a good budget tire too.

Thank you. I am pretty confident I will be going with 33's but may need to stay with the stock wheel for a bit

 

[Tigger09]

The 2” OME HD springs (2933 and 2942) + a 1.25” Savvy BL, some Rancho 5000X 2-3” shocks and some bumpstops would get you set up for 33’s in the cheapest way possible with lots of options, a tried and true build. That would cost around $750 for the lift and $900 for the 33’s

This seems to be a popular and very affordable option here. I needed shocks so I did the 5000Xs, budget boost cups and bump stops a few weeks ago. When the weather breaks I'll go back and pull the BB and replace them with OME HD Springs. It's a little more work and the $50 for the BB is throw-a-way money but it was the week before Christmas and spending $250 on just the shocks at the time was better than having to drop the entire $800.

 

[jacob13]

Is there a reason why I can't find rear shocks or springs on the Canadian north ridge website?

 

[jacob13]

Everyone here will help you get a list of the parts you need separately.

Doing all the work myself has been really cool. Before this the most I ever did was change the car battery and the oil once, about 20 years ago. Since then I’ve done everything myself on the Jeep. Step by step, patience. Very rewarding. Lot’s of help from the folks here.

I can’t stress too much how rewarding it is building your rig the way you want it.

This may be a stupid question, but when you got your wheel spacers, did you get 3 inches per side or in total?

 

[JMT]

This may be a stupid question, but when you got your wheel spacers, did you get 3 inches per side or in total?

My wheels have 3.625” backspacing, so I never used wheel spacers. But 1-1.5” per side is good. 3” per side is too much

 

[Jeffreybomb]

I'm a little late to the thread, but I suggest wheeling (or whatever you plan to do) when you first get your TJ.

I really wish I'd taken my TJ off roading when I first bought it. I didn't hit the trails until I'd already dropped some money into upgrades, and that includes a lift and tires. That's not to say I'm not happy with my decisions — I definitely am. I just wish I would've been able to compare the "before-and-after" before the "after", if that makes sense.

 

[jacob13]

My wheels have 3.625” backspacing, so I never used wheel spacers. But 1-1.5” per side is good. 3” per side is too much

Ohhhhhhhhhh the actual rim is backspaced! That makes way more sense! Once I start to think I may actually know something, jeeps through a curve ball.

 

[jacob13]

I'm a little late to the thread, but I suggest wheeling (or whatever you plan to do) when you first get your TJ.

I really wish I'd taken my TJ off roading when I first bought it. I didn't hit the trails until I'd already dropped some money into upgrades, and that includes a lift and tires. That's not to say I'm not happy with my decisions — I definitely am. I just wish I would've been able to compare the "before-and-after" before the "after", if that makes sense.

That is a great idea. I will certainly test it out first but I am afraid I won't be able to do much with all this snow.

 

[DrDmoney]

Wheel it stock and it'll tell you what it needs. Or describe the terrain you'll be wheeling in. A 2" lift and 31's might be more than enough, or a 4" lift and 35's might just get you by.

I agree wheel it stock, you might not have to do anything at all......sounded weird saying that but it’s good advice.

 

[DrDmoney]

That is a great idea. I will certainly test it out first but I am afraid I won't be able to do much with all this snow.

Snow is a good test for what type of tire you need to run.