Newbie lift questions

[Cadillac Bob]

I just picked up a 2000 TJ that someone has clearly done some half assed work to in the past. It appears to be running a 4.5 springs with generic shocks, 1' transfer case drop, stock drive shaft, stock pitman arm, rotted out bumpstops stock track bar and 33' tires with sway bar disconnects. Of course it handles like shit, rides like shit and vibrates on acceleration like a Harley Davidson with solid engine mounts.

The plan is to have a nice beach cruiser with good on road manners, smooth ride and really minimal additional off road performance. Of course, doing it on a budget is helpful too.

Based on what I read so far in this thread I have ordered up some 2' OME springs, Rancho 5000 shocks, Energy Suspension 3/4 thick spring isolators and new 2' extended bump stops. This ideally will put me at 2.75 lift on smoother shocks and springs when done. I also just replaced all the ball joints and checked that all the other suspension bushings seem to be in decent shape. Also installed a set of brand new BF Goodrich tires. I know that with the 33's I am cutting it close and may have rub problems on heavy articulation, but since I dont plan to rock crawl with it this seemed to be a pretty reasonable balance for the money.

I know there are a ton of things like steering stabilizers, adjustable track bars, adjustable control arms, SYE, etc but considering my end goal Is there anything I should be doing different to get the best bang for my buck?

Thanks!

 

[xxdabroxx]

I just picked up a 2000 TJ that someone has clearly done some half assed work to in the past. It appears to be running a 4.5 springs with generic shocks, 1' transfer case drop, stock drive shaft, stock pitman arm, rotted out bumpstops stock track bar and 33' tires with sway bar disconnects. Of course it handles like shit, rides like shit and vibrates on acceleration like a Harley Davidson with solid engine mounts.

The plan is to have a nice beach cruiser with good on road manners, smooth ride and really minimal additional off road performance. Of course, doing it on a budget is helpful too.

Based on what I read so far in this thread I have ordered up some 2' OME springs, Rancho 5000 shocks, Energy Suspension 3/4 thick spring isolators and new 2' extended bump stops. This ideally will put me at 2.75 lift on smoother shocks and springs when done. I also just replaced all the ball joints and checked that all the other suspension bushings seem to be in decent shape. Also installed a set of brand new BF Goodrich tires. I know that with the 33's I am cutting it close and may have rub problems on heavy articulation, but since I dont plan to rock crawl with it this seemed to be a pretty reasonable balance for the money.

I know there are a ton of things like steering stabilizers, adjustable track bars, adjustable control arms, SYE, etc but considering my end goal Is there anything I should be doing different to get the best bang for my buck?

Thanks!

It might be beneficial if @Chris pulls this post out and makes you your own thread.

A new adjustable track bar like one from JKS or even metalcloak (currie would be best but costs the most) wouldn't be a bad idea, it will let you center the axle back under the jeep.

I'd also look into the upgraded tie rod from a ZJ along with a new drag link to freshen up the steering at the same time.

When you buy shocks make sure you measure to get the correct length as rancho shocks run long in general. Also make sure you get the "X" series.

If your vibrations don't go away you may need to put new joints in the driveshaft and/or add more spacers to the transfer case skid.

It would also be a good idea to cycle the suspension while you have the springs out to make sure you don't have any interference with fenders/ shocks, etc. to make sure your bumpstops are set correctly. You're going to have it apart anyways so you might as well do that extra little bit of work. @jjvw has a great build thread with some depictions of cycling the suspension to make sure it's working as good as it can.

 

[JMT]

I just picked up a 2000 TJ that someone has clearly done some half assed work to in the past. It appears to be running a 4.5 springs with generic shocks, 1' transfer case drop, stock drive shaft, stock pitman arm, rotted out bumpstops stock track bar and 33' tires with sway bar disconnects. Of course it handles like shit, rides like shit and vibrates on acceleration like a Harley Davidson with solid engine mounts.

The plan is to have a nice beach cruiser with good on road manners, smooth ride and really minimal additional off road performance. Of course, doing it on a budget is helpful too.

Based on what I read so far in this thread I have ordered up some 2' OME springs, Rancho 5000 shocks, Energy Suspension 3/4 thick spring isolators and new 2' extended bump stops. This ideally will put me at 2.75 lift on smoother shocks and springs when done. I also just replaced all the ball joints and checked that all the other suspension bushings seem to be in decent shape. Also installed a set of brand new BF Goodrich tires. I know that with the 33's I am cutting it close and may have rub problems on heavy articulation, but since I dont plan to rock crawl with it this seemed to be a pretty reasonable balance for the money.

I know there are a ton of things like steering stabilizers, adjustable track bars, adjustable control arms, SYE, etc but considering my end goal Is there anything I should be doing different to get the best bang for my buck?

Thanks!

Move the thread elsewhere and run 31’s will make it all better.