I've had the LJ for about a year now. Life has been too busy for any major modifications yet so I'm still on 33 x 12.5s and the previous owner's 2-3" spacer lift; everything else is stock. I've hit enough trails to know what I want out of it and I'll have some time soon to work on it.
My main goals are to:
1) run the 33's I have for moderate obstacles; no interest in larger tires or rock crawling.
2) avoid vibes and wonky suspension/driveshaft issues. I have a lot of highway miles to drive to access the trails. I'm happy with the current handling (although the shocks seem way to stiff and will be replaced).
Budget is not a severe limitation, although saving $ will make the lockers and re-gear happen sooner.
It would be a bonus if I can keep the stock control arms, but that's not necessary.
I've read many build threads (A recipe for an affordable but quality 2.5" lift) including Chris's classic guide (several times) and am still unsure:
With a 2-2.5" spring (e.g. OME), I may not have enough clearance for 33's. That's about what I have on my spacers and I've stuffed the tire too far into the rear well a couple times. Maybe that just means I need bump stop (I think I have no more than stock and the jounce bumper is toast). Maybe it means I need the body lift (but I've seen threads where that displaces the shifter on the NSG370 into the console so the body lift isn't recommended unless paired with TT, which I'm not up for).
With 4" (Currie, Zone) I'm worried about vibes. I don't want to change the drive shaft or go with SYE.
Which leaves something in the middle like JKS 3" dual rate springs.
Hit me with the advice!
My main goals are to:
1) run the 33's I have for moderate obstacles; no interest in larger tires or rock crawling.
2) avoid vibes and wonky suspension/driveshaft issues. I have a lot of highway miles to drive to access the trails. I'm happy with the current handling (although the shocks seem way to stiff and will be replaced).
Budget is not a severe limitation, although saving $ will make the lockers and re-gear happen sooner.
It would be a bonus if I can keep the stock control arms, but that's not necessary.
I've read many build threads (A recipe for an affordable but quality 2.5" lift) including Chris's classic guide (several times) and am still unsure:
With a 2-2.5" spring (e.g. OME), I may not have enough clearance for 33's. That's about what I have on my spacers and I've stuffed the tire too far into the rear well a couple times. Maybe that just means I need bump stop (I think I have no more than stock and the jounce bumper is toast). Maybe it means I need the body lift (but I've seen threads where that displaces the shifter on the NSG370 into the console so the body lift isn't recommended unless paired with TT, which I'm not up for).
With 4" (Currie, Zone) I'm worried about vibes. I don't want to change the drive shaft or go with SYE.
Which leaves something in the middle like JKS 3" dual rate springs.
Hit me with the advice!
