A Story of Indecision and Frivolous Spending
- Thread starter Chris
- Start date
OP
Here's some photos I took today. This is the way I bought it from the previous owner. I haven't done a single thing to it yet, but that's about to change, because I've got a ton of parts sitting in my garage!
What size lift do you think that is?
What size lift do you think that is?
Starrs
TJ Guru
Starrs
TJ Guru
OP
I think it's 3". Those are 31" tires, and it's got a Fabtech lift with aftermarket control arms and everything, though he lowered the transfer case with washers instead of getting a double cardan driveshaft.
So there's some little things like that I need to make right, but it's a clean, low mileage, original owner TJ, so I'm happy.
I can post that winch on Craigslist. It's a Badlands 12,000 lb. winch with automatic load-holding brake.
OP
The frame is spotless. That is the only area that has some surface rust on it (the area you pointed out). Once I put a new rear bumper on, I'll sand that down and respray it with some paint for sure.
Not sure who makes that rear bumper / tire carrier.
BendLarry
TJ Addict
Starrs
TJ Guru
The lift looks good. Do you think you need to change the lift out? Maybe just throw some 32" duratracs on it and be done. The stance looks great to me.
OP
It's got a drop pitman arm and a front track bar relocation bracket. Just ordered up a new stock pitman arm, so that will be replaced ASAP. Obviously it was part of the lift that is on there.
Those Duratracs are technically 31.7", but yes, I like the stance. I may be able to keep these springs and maybe just get some nicer shocks and some adjustable track bars.
Those Duratracs are technically 31.7", but yes, I like the stance. I may be able to keep these springs and maybe just get some nicer shocks and some adjustable track bars.
From what I can see on their website, 4" is the shortest lift they have for a TJ. And it looks like the kit includes the evil dropped pitman arm.
http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/J...-Jeep-TJ-2004-06-Jeep-LJ-Unlimited-p2254.html
http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/J...-Jeep-TJ-2004-06-Jeep-LJ-Unlimited-p2254.html
OP
Yep, I noticed that as well. Stupid dropped pitman arms. What were these lift manufacturers thinking? So I've got a new stock pitman arm coming this week, and then I guess in order to get rid of this lift I'll need new control arms too, because it's got control arms that are fixed length and not adjustable (grrrrr!). So ultimately if I go with a 2" suspension lift, I'll need either stock control arms or something adjustable like Currie or Savvy. I should probably get some adjustable control arms though that allow for mis-alignment incase of any flexing. Not sure how good the stock arms are at flexing before they break something (like a control arm bracket).
OP
Good point you make there! I'll maybe just buy the Crown replacement stock arms that come with bushings already in them. Only like $250 for the full set I believe!
FYI, consider this interesting idea in place of a bumper, I might do it if I didn’t need to pull a trailer. A rear crossmember that doubles as a bumper and has weldable d-ring attachments. I think very cool and gives awesome clearance on the rear end.
https://www.motobilt.com/jeep-tj-rear-cross-member.html
You can pay me later @Motobilt
OP
Who knows. They developed it for super clearance. It also would not limit the size spare you could run since it would be flush (assuming Exogate or the like). Just a thought, and an interesting product. I ran with just the crossmember one day and thought it looked good. Certainly an advantage with 31’s, bc your ass end will likely hit sooner or later
I wouldn't go all crazy changing control arms just yet. They might work fine at 2 inches. No sense spending money you don't need to. Measure them up. I can measure my stock ones, and let you know if they are different.
OP
Sounds like stock control arms are the way to go. This one has the stock uppers but aftermarket lowers.