Is it worth it?

[CybrSlydr]

So after finding out just how much it would cost to run 33s on my Jeep, it got me thinking. What about just upgrading the shocks/springs at stock height so I can improve the ride quality until a couple years from now when I might have enough saved up to do everything needed for 33s?

Something like the Rancho 5000x. They're under $200 and you guys love them. Should they be paired with springs or would stick suffice?

This is just me spitballing.

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[Dawghouse]

If you are going to save until you have enough for a lift kit. I would just replace the shocks with stock ones for now. I don't see any logic in shocks and springs. Save your money and watch for sales on lift kits. Or even a budget build kit. Shocks and pucks

 

[Alex01]

X2. Check your local craigslist for someone who upgraded their jeep and selling the old pair.

 

[JMT]

You're stock springs are fine, shocks may improve your ride a bit, but not worth the $200 with your plans for the future.

You don't have to do everything to go to 33's at one time.

2.5 OME or 1.25 Savvy Body Lift first. In fact, rather than get new stock size shocks, do the body lift. Then you won't need to change shocks but you'll be making some headway toward your goal. $169. Simple....

See my essential build list below my posts and follow my build for some ideas about getting to 33's

 

[CybrSlydr]

Does anyone have pics of a 3.5" total lift with stock size tires?

 

[dan lee]

CybrSlydr
It really isn't that expensive if you want to run 33's
I went with a 2 inch spring lift, 1.25 JKS body lift and a 1"JKS motor mount lift, I did have to buy a JKS front track bar and a relocation bracket for the rear track bar. It was right around $1000 bucks plus the cost of the tires. I must say I like the look, especially on 15 inch stock rims. I decided to go with the 10.5 inch wide tires verses the 12.5 inch tire

 

[CybrSlydr]

CybrSlydr
It really isn't that expensive if you want to run 33's
I went with a 2 inch spring lift, 1.25 JKS body lift and a 1"JKS motor mount lift, I did have to buy a JKS front track bar and a relocation bracket for the rear track bar. It was right around $1000 bucks plus the cost of the tires. I must say I like the look, especially on 15 inch stock rims. I decided to go with the 10.5 inch wide tires verses the 12.5 inch tire

I've got an 06 Rubicon automatic. To run 33s, I'd get the 2.5" OME lift ($900), the 1" body lift ($150), the $1000ish for tires (mount, balance, dispose, tax) and then need to re-gear up to I think... 5.38? ($1500ish) so I'd not be chugging. That's about $3000-3500 including labor. Possibly more.

Getting to 33s properly is an expensive proposal and something I don't think I'll be able to tackle for a few years.

 

[Alex01]

I've got an 06 Rubicon automatic. To run 33s, I'd get the 2.5" OME lift ($900), the 1" body lift ($150), the $1000ish for tires (mount, balance, dispose, tax) and then need to re-gear up to I think... 5.38? ($1500ish) so I'd not be chugging. That's about $3000-3500 including labor. Possibly more.

Getting to 33s properly is an expensive proposal and something I don't think I'll be able to tackle for a few years.

Don't forget upgraded steering such as curry if your going to do any tough trails. Approximately $500 Also, you will probably want an adjustable front track bar. I just did a regear and paid 1800 otd 4.10 to 4.88. I bet your closer to the 4-5k range

 

[bobthetj03]

Do yourself a favor and don't dive down the 33" rabbit hole until you got the funds, and the patience to do it. It's a slippery slope sir. If you want to freshen up the ride quality throw some stock size Gabriel's on for $25 a pop.

 

[CybrSlydr]

Do yourself a favor and don't dive down the 33" rabbit hole until you got the funds, and the patience to do it. It's a slippery slope sir. If you want to freshen up the ride quality throw some stock size Gabriel's on for $25 a pop.

Yeah, that's why I said it's going to be a couple years.

 

[RustyCage]

I've had my essentially stock '01 TJ for a year. 5-speed manual with 3.07 gears. I thought about this issue long and hard for the last year while I got to know my rig. First thing I did was get an estimate/proposal for a 3" lift from the premier local 4x4 shop. To make my Jeep 33-ready (without the tires) with 4.56 gears was going to be $7,700.00 (done right and completely by a professional). A slippery slope down the rabbit hole indeed! So that answered that question.

I needed tires badly. The 31" Mickey Thompsons that come with the Jeep were worn bald. By pure luck and good timing I scored a barely used (<2000 miles) set of 31" BFG KO2s from a guy in the local club for $300.00. So that solved the tire issue for the near future. Also thought about how I want to wheel. First, I need to learn to wheel! Second, I want a capable sturdy trail rig (whatever that means), but I'm not particularly interested in rock crawling per se. I want to be able to get places and get back. Next, I needed new shocks badly. I discussed shocks here and elsewhere with the gang. Lot of Rancho 5000x/9000xl fans and a few OME and Bilstein 5100 fans (and haters) to be found here. I also determined that my factory springs were still at factory heights (no sag) 12" in front and 8" in back. Ultimately, I went with a 1.75" puck lift from Rubicon Express and new Bilstein 5100s. $435.00 and a full Saturday with buddies in the garage. Worked out perfectly and I'm very satisfied with the result. Achieved a modest lift and really improved the Jeep's stance and ride without breaking the bank or having to get into driveline modifications. If I had the gears, I could run 33s easily. I'll see where my wheeling takes me over the next couple of years and if I go bigger having spent the $435 now isn't going to kill me then. My focus is now on recovery gear and upgrading the front end steering. A new winch and the ZJ tie rod upgrade and a few other bits and pieces are en route as we speak!

Hard to appreciate the difference in photos, but it's significant in person - more so than I expected.
Before:

After:

 

[Erik V]

my Jeep when I first got it.

2'' Budget lift
33 X 10.5 BFG's

 

[TJ2]

So after finding out just how much it would cost to run 33s on my Jeep, it got me thinking. What about just upgrading the shocks/springs at stock height so I can improve the ride quality until a couple years from now when I might have enough saved up to do everything needed for 33s?

Something like the Rancho 5000x. They're under $200 and you guys love them. Should they be paired with springs or would stick suffice?

This is just me spitballing.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Keep going my friend, the itch will go away.
Worst thing is, you'll end up to a shop for a full blown lift.