Upgrade Priority

[Corbinb2]

New to the forum, looking for a bit of advice on upgrade priority. I bought a 2005 sport about a year ago and it has basically just sat in the garage with no new upgrades for the last year. I bought the jeep to daily drive (about 25-30 miles a week) and then build out once I got the time. I have decided to start slowly building but I need some advice on where to start. Previous owner had a 4 inch Zone Offroad lift installed and currie bumpers. Outside of that I see no other upgrades.

I recently put on new 33x12.5.15 Cooper STT Pro's after finding 4 nails in my toyos. Looking to get back into offroad. Previously built a JKU Rubicon which was driven off road pretty hard but this is my first Tj and I know the build is a lot different. Outside of that I would like to do these upgrades but not sure what the priority would be:
-SYE
-3 inch lift (the 4 inch is to high and the Zone Offroad lift is terrible)
-New Shocks (current ones are pretty worn out)
-CurrectlyNC steering
-Upgrade the brakes

Any suggestions on where to start would be great. I have my first kid on the way to doing it all at once is not an option financially. Also brand suggestions or other upgrades you think are important would be great.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rickyd]

New gears. Black magic brake pads and rotors. If it vibrates badly i might do an sye asap too. It all depends on what problems it has and which is the worst

 

[L J]

New to the forum

First, welcome to the forum.

looking for a bit of advice on upgrade priority.

I place the highest priority on the safety components. Steering, brakes and tires. You've got the tires so I'd recommend getting a set of Black Magic Brakes brake pads from mrblaine. You mention the RockJock4x4 Currectlync but you could start with the much less expensive V8 ZJ tie rod upgrade. It will serve you well with 33s. The next thing I'd look into spending money on is shocks. The caveat is that you should have your suspension sorted so you can measure correctly for shock lengths. I'll let others comment on and make recommendations for the SYE and suspension setup. As Rickyd mentioned, a regear is usually money well spent but it is a significant investment.

 

[inkedrose]

4" lift I would guess the SYE is already done? Put the new tires on, wheel it. The Jeep will tell you what it wants done next

 

[TheBoogieman]

Wheel it, break it, upgrade it.

 

[Corbinb2]

First, welcome to the forum.

I place the highest priority on the safety components. Steering, brakes and tires. You've got the tires so I'd recommend getting a set of Black Magic Brakes brake pads from mrblaine. You mention the RockJock4x4 Currectlync but you could start with the much less expensive V8 ZJ tie rod upgrade. It will serve you well with 33s. The next thing I'd look into spending money on is shocks. The caveat is that you should have your suspension sorted so you can measure correctly for shock lengths. I'll let others comment on and make recommendations for the SYE and suspension setup. As Rickyd mentioned, a regear is usually money well spent but it is a significant investment.

Thanks LJ, I think I will start with the black magic brakes you and @Rickyd suggested and go from there. I know a regear is a needed upgrade but it's hard to justify right now since I drive so little daily and hardly ever on the interstate. Appreciate the help.

 

[Corbinb2]

4" lift I would guess the SYE is already done? Put the new tires on, wheel it. The Jeep will tell you what it wants done next

You would think, but it’s looks like it doesn’t.

 

[Rickyd]

You would think, but it’s looks like it doesn’t.

View attachment 468171

People like the super short slip yoke eliminators for tj's.you definitely need it asap.

Are you wanting to lower it because it drives poorly? There are a few things that make tjs drive well.
-Proper alignment and enough caster(makes a huge difference)
-tight suspension and steering joints(this can be harder to verify than you might think)
-factory pitman arm and front trackbar mounting points
-both sway bars connected
-good shocks

 

[LONGJP2]

Does your current 4" lift include a body lift?
Also, your tailpipe hanger is not connected.

 

[Corbinb2]

People like the super short slip yoke eliminators for tj's.you definitely need it asap.

Are you wanting to lower it because it drives poorly? There are a few things that make tjs drive well.
-Proper alignment and enough caster(makes a huge difference)
-tight suspension and steering joints(this can be harder to verify than you might think)
-factory pitman arm and front trackbar mounting points
-both sway bars connected
-good shocks

Mainly ride quality and better geometry. I also plan on keeping 33s long term so I don't see a ton of use in a 4inch lift.

 

[Corbinb2]

Does your current 4" lift include a body lift?
Also, your tailpipe hanger is not connected.

Thanks haha, I noticed that yesterday when I climbed up under there. Also no body lift.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

Other than the V6, the added electronics and a somewhat larger overall size there ain't too much difference in how they work which makes me ask, What modifications did you do to your JKU and how did they work out for you?

 

[Corbinb2]

Other than the V6, the added electronics and a somewhat larger overall size there ain't too much difference in how they work which makes me ask, What modifications did you do to your JKU and how did they work out for you?

I was mainly referring to the SYE and the small axles on a TJ sport.

 

[Corbinb2]

I was mainly referring to the SYE and the small axles on a TJ sport.

Other than the V6, the added electronics and a somewhat larger overall size there ain't too much difference in how they work which makes me ask, What modifications did you do to your JKU and how did they work out for you?

My JKU came standard with lockers, and Dana 44s so after some currie steering, custom drive shafts and a rock krawler lift I thought it worked well. Not the most built JKU possible but was fine for the trails in NC

 

[Rickyd]

Mainly ride quality and better geometry. I also plan on keeping 33s long term so I don't see a ton of use in a 4inch lift.

What shocks do you have? Those play the biggest role in ride quality. Skyjacker blackmax and rancho rs5000x are nice riding options. Bilstien,and a few others will jolt you around.

 

[LONGJP2]

Also no body lift.

4" of lift is not too much for 33s.
Most will run a minimum of 3" SL with a 1" BL.

 

[LONGJP2]

You would think, but it’s looks like it doesn’t.

View attachment 468171

I'm guessing it also has a transfer case spacer drop?

 

[Rickyd]

4" of lift is not too much for 33s.
Most will run a minimum of 3" SL with a 1" BL.

4" SL is more stable offroad too. More travel means the tires are planted better and less teetering and flopping.

 

[LONGJP2]

I was mainly referring to the SYE and the small axles on a TJ sport.

Those differences are because you had a Rubicon, not because it was a JK.

 

[Corbinb2]

What shocks do you have? Those play the biggest role in ride quality. Skyjacker blackmax and rancho rs5000x are nice riding options. Bilstien,and a few others will jolt you around.

I am going to upgrade the shocks. I have the shocks that came with the lift and they are no good.