Your Input Please

[4x4RN]

I just purchased a 2003 TJ with the Dana 44 rear axle for 9K. Very clean, no accidents, cleared title and appears to be well-maintained. My question for this amazing group is ... what size lift do I have 2.5" 3" ?
how do I measure my lift? I'm 5'9" and happy I have been in yoga through-out all of these years because I need to stretch to climb into the cab. As several of the threads recommended; I'm thinking about getting the Rancho RS 5000x shocks and their streeing stabilizer for under $200 on Amazon. My first question is will these shocks work for me: Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set - 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ with 2-3" lift kits My second question is: related to my brakes, my local mechanic after changing the oil and diff fluids with new gaskets, mentioned I probably should replace the brakes in about 1500 miles because they are < 20% is left on the pads. I'm not sure if the lift makes the breaking seem less than ideal and inadequate. A consern because I live in the Mountains I will upgrade to the Black Magic Brakes. Should I purchases their rotors and calipers too? Or just the pads and rotors (due to the 106K miles on the rotors looking at playing it safe for $235). Any inupt on the lift size, shocks, and brakes will be greatly appreciated. By the way the tires are 31 x 10.5. Thank you in advance!

 

[JMT]

Congratulations on scoring your new TJ, and with a Dana 44 to boot!

We can’t tell how much lift it is, but we can tell you how to measure it yourself in under 5 minutes. The stock front springs are 12” and the rear are 8”. Anything over that is the amount of lift you have. When you measure, measure the spring and any leveling spacer the previous owner might have used. Do not include the stock coil spring isolator at the top. Once you determine how much lift, then we can know which Rancho 5000X shocks will work.

All you need is the Black Magic Brake pads, and if your rotors are bad, new rotors.

 

[4x4RN]

Thanks for the fast responce JMT, are the leveling spacer attached to the top of the springs under the stock coil spring isolator at the top? if I measure from under the stock coil spring isolator including the spacer to the last coil on the spring it is 14.5'... I'm assuming I have a 2.5 lift on my jeep correct?

 

[JMT]

You got it!

Rancho 55239 and 55241. Rancho has a $50 rebate through July. Check with Allen’s Offroad. He’s an official Rancho dealer. $200 - the $50 rebate. You can’t go wrong.

 

[4x4RN]

Thank You! I have Amazon Prime, but the 50 bucks rebate is a Great Deal! Yes- I will check out Allen's Offroad.

 

[Chris]

That looks like a 2.5" lift to me, and based off your measurements, that is indeed correct.

One thing I can reccommend in terms of getting in and out of the vehicle are these things:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NP1PPG/?tag=wranglerorg-20

I have those on my TJ which you can see here:
My 2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ Rubicon: A TJ built for overlanding, exploring, and family fun

Those things are cheap, very durable, and they install in probably 15 minutes per side. They look factory, and they give you a nice step (and rock slider) in order to easily be able to get in and out of the vehicle. Again, highly recommended for the price. A lot of us run those same ones.

As for shocks, you'll want the Rancho 55239 and Rancho 55241 shocks, 2 of each.

As for brakes, the absolute best brakes you can get for your TJ are Black Magic Brake pads, which you can find here:
https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/Jeep-TJ-2000-2006_c44.htm

Nothing will beat those brake pads, period. I would suggest purchasing new rotors from them at the same time as well, though the calipers will be fine.

If you really wanted the BEST braking power you could get, you could buy their Vanco 16" big brake kit: https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/VANCO-15-Big-Brake-Kit-with-BMB-Pads-for-15-Rims-BBK-NDM15.htm

I had that kit on my old TJ, and it stops on a dime! It upgrades your calipers to dual piston, and the size of the rotors as well.

 

[Alex01]

Take some photos of the arms and springs. From the what I can see they look silver so you may have a rubicon express 3.5 inch lift.

 

[4x4RN]

Thanks JMT I just orderd Rancho 5000X from Allen's Offroad! I hope they will they send me the rebate info?

 

[4x4RN]

That looks like a 2.5" lift to me, and based off your measurements, that is indeed correct.

One thing I can reccommend in terms of getting in and out of the vehicle are these things:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NP1PPG/?tag=wranglerorg-20

I have those on my TJ which you can see here:
My 2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ Rubicon: A TJ built for overlanding, exploring, and family fun

Those things are cheap, very durable, and they install in probably 15 minutes per side. They look factory, and they give you a nice step (and rock slider) in order to easily be able to get in and out of the vehicle. Again, highly recommended for the price. A lot of us run those same ones.

As for shocks, you'll want the Rancho 55239 and Rancho 55241 shocks, 2 of each.

As for brakes, the absolute best brakes you can get for your TJ are Black Magic Brake pads, which you can find here:
https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/Jeep-TJ-2000-2006_c44.htm

Nothing will beat those brake pads, period. I would suggest purchasing new rotors from them at the same time as well, though the calipers will be fine.

If you really wanted the BEST braking power you could get, you could buy their Vanco 16" big brake kit: https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/VANCO-15-Big-Brake-Kit-with-BMB-Pads-for-15-Rims-BBK-NDM15.htm

I had that kit on my old TJ, and it stops on a dime! It upgrades your calipers to dual piston, and the size of the rotors as well.

Thanks Chris, I have Currie rock guards steps very similar to your post photo. I just don't use them- as of yet. Thanks for the info on the brakes, the owner talk me out of the Vanco's 16.. I love a man that will turn down $1600, to make sure I don't spend my hard earned money, because my "lifestyle" does not warrant it but they were definitely a temptation.

 

[4x4RN]

Take some photos of the arms and springs. From the what I can see they look silver so you may have a rubicon express 3.5 inch lift.

Thanks Alex 1... Here ya go. I would love to know what type of lift and mods "Thelma" has on her.

 

[Thunderhead]

What size tires ? BMB are top notch for sure but depending new pads and rotors are just as good for less $

 

[4x4RN]

What size tires ? BMB are top notch for sure but depending new pads and rotors are just as good for less $

31x10.5

 

[Thunderhead]

Yea with 31’s a regular break job would suffice. BMB are best for 33 or 35 tires.

 

[Alex01]

I didn't notice that you already posted the measurements. 2.5 would make sense. (rancho makes a 2.5 kit with silver springs) The track bar looks just like my Rubicon express though. Do your current shocks have and identifying marks? Also, is that an aluminum radiator? Like @Thunderhead said regular breaks and rotors will be fine for your application but if you have the means then the bmb could add a bit more stopping power. Is it a manual or auto?

Looks like you found a great jeep at a very good price.

 

[4x4RN]

I didn't notice that you already posted the measurements. 2.5 would make sense. (rancho makes a 2.5 kit with silver springs) The track bar looks just like my Rubicon express though. Do your current shocks have and identifying marks? Also, is that an aluminum radiator? Like @Thunderhead said regular breaks and rotors will be fine for your application but if you have the means then the bmb could add a bit more stopping power. Is it a manual or auto?

Looks like you found a great jeep at a very good price.

Thanks, the Dana 44 was a big plus for sure, and the seller had no clue! Yes, it has a aluminum radiator. The shocks have made in Mexico stamp and numbers but other than that, no brand name. I have aftermarket pads and they seem weak. BMB are definitely on the radar for the next brake pads.

 

[JMT]

Thank You! I have Amazon Prime, but the 50 bucks rebate is a Great Deal! Yes- I will check out Allen's Offroad.

Thanks JMT I just orderd Rancho 5000X from Allen's Offroad! I hope they will they send me the rebate info?

The rebate instructions are here. You’ll need to use the receipt, et al that Allen sends you. Don’t forget to read front and back!
http://www.gorancho.com/promotions/

 

[Xposure]

What do you guys think about the Rancho steering stabilizer?

 

[Stockli]

What do you guys think about the Rancho steering stabilizer?

Not needed

 

[Xposure]

Not needed

No aftermarket steering stabilizer is needed, or specifically the Ranchero one is a waste of money?

 

[DA RUNT]

What do you guys think about the Rancho steering stabilizer?

There’s nothing gained by running an aftermarket stabilizer.