TJ advice on where to start....

[Jeep9748]

Ok I am getting a loan to pay for a few things bill related on the home front. I have also pulled an extra bit of cash with it for my Jeep. I have a 97 Sahara stock that I am looking to improve. I will be pulling roughly 1000 extra for the jeep. So what are everyones opinions on what they improve if they were in this situation. what would you buy first...lockers, lift kits, lights (not me), tires and wheels, winch, etc. let me know your thoughts..
and GO....

 

[Rob5589]

What do you use it for? What do want to do with it? And what have you done so far?

 

[Jeep9748]

What do you use it for? What do want to do with it? And what have you done so far?

DD and Weekend warrior- Look and perform well- I mostly use my other TJ for hard off road trails.
I am leaning towards a 2in OME lift with a rear locker and or suspension upgrades depending on the deals I can find.

 

[Chris]

I strongly suggest the OME 2 lift. Pair that with a set of 32" tires and a winch, and you've got yourself a solid setup. Eventually add some lockers and axle shafts and you'll have a very capable rig. But I'd start with the lift of course personally.

 

[Rob5589]

The full OME lift will eat up that 1k with not much left. A rear locker is 500+ depending on what you want. A locker is a no go on a stock Dana 35, fyi. If you have the 44 then you are good to go.

For 1k: BDS 2" coils, Rancho 5000X shocks, bumpstops, maybe a front trackbar if needed (Currie or Metal Cloak are popular) will take care of the lift. For a DD a selectable locker is a great way to go unless you can deal with the clunkiness of a Detroit locker. Of course, either will put you over the 1k budget.

 

[Jeep9748]

Loving the advice, this 1k is the start and I would rather do things right. I have been looking at the OME lift kit on rocky road, but I have noticed that the 4 inch kit is cheaper than the 2.5 kit.

 

[lowranger]

I would start with a lift and tires...that should pretty much eat up your $1,000 and then some. Then add on from there.

 

[The Real Lxxtsy]

https://www.warn.com/assets/pdf/rebate/Truck-SUV_200_rebate_11-17.pdf

 

[Jeep9748]

I was thinking of buying a set of JK springs and then installing those on the TJ.

 

[Jeep9748]

so I have to ask even though I know it will cause a fluster of issues..... rough country lifts, reviews seem good at 4.8 out of 5 stars and the price would allow me to upgrade more on my TJ

 

[bobthetj03]

so I have to ask even though I know it will cause a fluster of issues..... rough country lifts, reviews seem good at 4.8 out of 5 stars and the price would allow me to upgrade more on my TJ

Don't go down that rabbit hole. Buy quality suspension parts. If you can't afford them now, save. Tires alone will just about eat up $1k.Just my 2 cents.

 

[Rob5589]

Pass on the RC. Go the route I mentioned if you want quality on a budget. Or spend the entire 1k on the OME kit. It has a stellar reputation and is high quality, which is always a good way to spend your hard earned dollars. The sad part is, 1K doesn't get you very far when you get mod-itis

 

[Jeep9748]

Rob5589 I think I will look into that route. The reason I am only going 1k on the TJ is I am spending a lot more on the willys resto. This is a DD that I just want to perform ever so better all around. If I am going to be off roading in a rough area I will use the other TJ for that, its designed to be beat up. Its also where I do my customizing and metal work. lets me try out new things in my shop. I was just searching the forum to see what others would do. But I think I will do a budget boost from Rocky road. the tires are all ready 31's. The rest of the items I want I will fabricate or scour the internet for.

 

[StG58]

Here's a wild thought. If $1,000 fell into my lap that I was paying interest on, I'd put that money into maintenance and repair items. There's no glory there, but it would make the TJ last a lot longer and maybe even drive a little better. You already have an off road rig to beat on.

 

[bobthetj03]

If you're going the BB route then just get some proper length shocks and call it a day. Rob, Jerry and I are both running the Rancho RS5000X shocks and have been pleased with their performance at half the cost of the more pricey options.

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

Here's a wild thought. If $1,000 fell into my lap that I was paying interest on, I'd put that money into maintenance and repair items. There's no glory there, but it would make the TJ last a lot longer and maybe even drive a little better. You already have an off road rig to beat on.

If it were me, I’d replace all things that break down over time right off the bat. Only had my TJ nearly two years and went through two batteries, one alternator, both radiator hoses, radiator, rear output housing seal, and still have to do the big 3 engine seals. $1000 will make sure that Jeep is well prepares for the elements!

OR, upgrade the tires . If it doesn’t get offroaded much, KO2’s are lovey.

 

[StG58]

<snip>
If it doesn’t get offroaded much, KO2’s are lovey.
<snip>

Hey! Wait a minute! I offroad the snot out of my KO2's! (Dang, doing it wrong again.)

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

Hey! Wait a minute! I offroad the snot out of my KO2's! (Dang, doing it wrong again.)

I want another set, but I know they don’t fare well with the georgia clay.

Still I think they are the best on/offroad tire on the market where it truly does both well .

 

[AtlWrangler99]

Can we get a pic of your Jeep?

 

[Jeep9748]

Trial Rig and Sahara (DD)