Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

2012 4 door JK Sahara:

I have now installed my rear bumper with tire carrier, front bumper with winch plate, and have purchased 2 sets of KC offroad lights, tubular half doors and am looking for advice on:

1. What lift to go with if I want to go 35" wheels . . . is 2.5" lift big enough? I don't like the look when they are raised tooooo much . . .

2. What tires? So far my favourite options are ---- Cepek - Mud Country or Mickey Thompson Baja MTX - I want something with aggressive tread/look and good for moderate mudding and offroading (no rock crawling or anything extreme) and that are still decent on asphalt and gas mileage. . . . ? Here I'm just looking for pics of what you guys have done maybe and/or suggestions. Any brands to stay away from?

THANKS! :)

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

There are many thoughts on this. You could do a 2.5"lift with a bump stop extension and be ok. RK Max Flex kit is a real good one aparently....but pricey.

I have a 2"spacer lift with bump stop extension and still rub my rear fenders.
I am putting on a 1" Daystar body lift. Some people don't like bodylifts and some do. It causes issues for the 6 speed JK shifting into the lower gears 2, 4, 6 R. I ordered a leather shift boot from Redline to fix this issue along with the stiff rubber shift boot in the winter. Its a real cheap way to go up in two tire sizes.

Total cost for me to fit the 35's under the Jeep is about $550

Get a 3" lift and your golden, but a good one will run ya about 2G.

Get some flat fenders or cut up your stock ones with no lift and you can run 35s as well.

You have a rear bumper so your clear for the spare.

Gears...your going to want gears, If you have a 6 speed then you have 3.21 most likely and the 35 will make it feel like a bigger dog on the highway than it already does.

I have 4.88s for mine but not installed yet, I still have my 3.21 in and I rarely see 5th on the highway let alone 6th.

Tires....all depends. I went with Goodyear Duratracs, the best all around tire I have ever owned. I have had all kinds and BFG AT KO are a close second. All the brands you listed seem to have bad tread life from what I have seen. I had Mickey T Baja Claws and loved them but not for a daily driver.

Going to need wheels or wheel spacers to run your stock wheels. I sold my stock wheels and tires to offset the cost of my new wheels.

Here is a pic of mine.

https://www.jeepscanada.com/attachme...ine=1353535791

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

- 2.5" TeraFlex lifts either spring lift or budget boost is the most complete and best bang for the buck. The bumpstop extensions in these kits are enough to stop the rub. In my case I later had to swap in 3.5" front springs instead of the factory front springs and spacers, to remove the factory rake. Personally not a fan of body lifts.. Total lift cost $550.. Been 4 years no issues..
- Duratracs are the best all-round tire, but I prefer a more aggressive tire so I run PitBull Rockers (true 35")..
- Wheels, well lets just say there are many styles to choose from. I suggest stick with a 17" with 4.5" backspace.

http://jtphoto.ca/webimages/1 jeep/JTP1_12_7462web.jpg

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Since the beginning of the year we've done alot of JK's and each person is looking for something different. When we know the customer is going to do light to medium off-roading and wants to do it on a budget this is the winner
click here >>> Jeep JK Wrangler Suspension Lift
https://www.jeepscanada.com/attachme...ine=1353996439

This kit in my opinion is the best bang for you buck and looks PERFECT on 35's!
The only thing I would add is a double steering stabilizer (chronic wobblers them JK's) and you are going to be a very happy camper. We have installed dozens of these kits and not one customer has had a negative comment about it.

Tires... in 75% of the above installs, the tire of choice was the Fun Country II, The next tire would be the Mickey Thompson MTZ and lastly the boring looking Durabrick. You can throw the MT ATZ in there because it's really not a bad tire either. Most folks that DD their truck 99% of the time go for the FCII,. great "all-around" tire.

Thx
Danny

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

At the end of the day you get what you pay for. I'm about $550 to clear my 35s, but its not the greatest route to go. I will in the future after bumpers and winch upgrade to the 2.5" Rock Krawler kit with the shocks and add flat fenders.

The Rough Counrty is good value but reviews have been to sagging springs.


Jeff....you running the TF BB in the rear and the RK 3.5 up front?

I have been thinking of this as well to level out and compensate for bumper and winch. But I do like the factory rake a little because I level out when towing my camper. Toooooo many options.

Also been thinking of that setup with OME heavy duty rears to take the trailer weight....but I like the factory ride.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Jeff,

Just wanted to comment on your JK!
Looks Great, not over done, just the right look, must be a head turner!

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Thanks, it certainly is an attention grabber.
Duke, yes TF BB rear and RK springs in the front and this has worked out really well, no issues and good on the highway.
PJF4x4 I wouldn't suggest HD or dual stabilizers on any JK unless they are rock crawling on 37" + tires. Aftermarket stabilizers mask steering issues and potential causes for death wobble. A properly set up front end requires no stabilizer period. The bonus of the TF kit is that it is complete, other BB are not. It includes the rear trackbar bracket, bumpstops, extended swaybar links and rear brake line brackets. In essence it is a full blown 2.5" lift except it has spacers instead of springs. No worries about rubbing here. Simply throwing in 2.5" coil spacers doesn't cut. Also a know fact that a 3.5" kit that offers lower control arms should also come complete with a front driveshaft. Extending the control arm length to adjust caster/pinion angle is known to cause stock driveshaft issues.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

It's funny out of all the kits we haven't had any issues. However it is true RC springs start taller than advertised height and settle.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

I totally disagree with you. It's a known fact that a JK even in stock for have had/have wobble issues. I've installed 3.5" kits with new tire and wheel combos on NEW JK's and had the alignment done to spec (or even added caster) and they still have a tendency to wobble.
I do agree that adding steering stabilizer(s) is not the perfect solution, but then again I didn't engineer a truck with a factory glitch...
I'm not here to stir the pot, just sharing information.

And by the way, we sell all makes of suspensions including the new Metalcloak line up! We're not biased towards one just like to offer suspensions within the buyers budget.

Thx
Danny

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Chris,

I can't help with tires but Mopar is now offering Stage 1 Series 2” and 4” Lift Kits, Stage 2 Series 2˝ and 4˝ Lift Kits featuring FOX Racing Shox 2.0 Performance Series IFP shock.
They will also be offering Stage 3 Series 3” Lift Kit utilizing an external reservoir version of the FOX 2.0 Performance Series shock for even greater heat dissipation.

The 2” lift is ideal for 33” diameter tires, but will clear most 35s. The 3” and 4” lifts are best suited for 35” tires and all lifts feature coil springs with wheelbase-specific load ratings for 2 and 4door JKs.

I am currently awaiting the full list of part numbers of which I will be attaching the PDF soon.

Lots of info out there about Death wobble and lots of cures as well but It's not just a Jeep thing, it's a solid axle thing and has been around as long as the automobile, including old solid front axle non 4 wheel drive vehicles. None of these vehicles ever had stabilizers. This is a new addition incorporated into straight axle vehicles in the late 80s which dampens the steering on rutted roads.
Sorry, I don't want to stir the pot either but it's misinformation like that, that cost folks on a budget extra $ for no reason.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

How much $$$ for the Rough Country Lift??? And approx. how much should the install cost on a lift?? (obviously varies between places. . .)

Thanks for all the suggestions so far guys! Taking everything into consideration and continuing to do my homework/research!

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

I fail to see where the "misinformation" part is in my post. If the vehicle is having minor wobble and yet it's all tight and within spec, what's your solution? Leave the "seemingly" unsafe truck in the hands of the owner?
Or would you suggest bring the caster back to the point where it look like a grader when turning with crazy driveshaft angle? OR cut and turn the knuckles to correct the so called normality?

As far as overselling, anyone who has dealt with us will tell you, that is far from the truth.

I take offense to your insinuation that we are misinforming people and overselling for no reason other than profit. It is far from our business practice to do either.

Thx
Danny

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

We retail the kit for $499.95+tax and the installation runs around 5 hours at $70/hr.

Thx
Danny

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Now now guys - let's settle down :cool: - I can vouch for PJF .. I've spent a couple thousand $ or so and have never been pushed into buying anything I didn't require. The death wobble things seems to have a lot of opinions out there and unfortunately, Chrysler isn't ready to take ownership of the issue. But opinions are like a$$holes, everybody's got one. :biggrin:

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Hehehehehe nothing like a good banter.

I have no wobble issues, but most come from not installing components properly.

I had a 04 Cummins Ram on 37's and it had death wobble that would rip your arms off due to a bad lift install.

As you see there is a dozen ways to lift your Jeep, all depends on budget and intent. If you want a really capable off roader then you need a full kit with control arms and all, but a basic lift, traction aids and some good driving skills will get you a long way as well.

If you can do the work yourself you will save a few bucks, but if you are unsure and don't have the basic tools to do the job then its best you don't mess with it and let a shop do it.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Again, thanks to everyone for all the input thus far . . . .

Does anyone have any opinions or experience with a 2.5" AEV lift kit??
I've been told it's very reliable and good for what I'm looking for. . . . thoughts?

Thoughts or opinions on the Rockstar XD rims?

Thanks again!!

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

AEV is supposed to be good gear, no personal experience, pretty high dollar.
Planning on some Rockstars for my MINI in the spring.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Ok I'll bite, explain how a component can be incorrectly installed?

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Not using proper torque durring install, just double wrenching it and be done, not doing allignment after swapping out major components, installing big lifts without considering proper steering and axle geometry. No track bar relocation brackets. I don't like adjustable trackbars as they don't actually fix the angle issue, this all depends on the rig and setup of course, but anything over 2" needs these things attended to.

I always torque anything with a bushing with the weight on the truck. This way the bushing is not already preloaded, this causes premature wear leading to the dreaded death wobble.

Alot of places will install lifts on trucks with already worn out components. Any shop installing lifts and bigger tires on a vechicle that already has worn out bushings, ball joints, ujoints, shocks, etc should be ashamed, unless of course you are replacing these components with new ones. Any increase in height wheel offset adds to the stress of the older components which leads to failure.

Whenever I have worked on a vechicle, I do a basic safety on it first. If it needs anything serious then I inform the person and if they don't agree to fix that issue then I don't work on it.

At the end of the day its my license on the line and I rather not be drug down that road.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Improper lift installation practices leading to failures:
- components torqued while vehicle is in the air and not while the vehicles weight is on the wheels.
- incorrect adjustment/length on adjustable components like control arms and trackbars.
- incomplete instal, not all required parts put on.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Since I couldn't help but take the comment personnaly I'll repond to see if we share values:

Not using proper torque durring install, just double wrenching it and be done, ALWAYS

not doing allignment after swapping out major components, ALWAYS and is always recommend to the DIYfers as well

installing big lifts without considering proper steering and axle geometry. Under the assumption that the manufacturer of the lift kits we install have engineered their products with provisions for such corrections and are aware of the legal repercussions if they have not, that being said I agree entirely.

No track bar relocation brackets. I don't like adjustable trackbars as they don't actually fix the angle issue, this all depends on the rig and setup of course, but anything over 2" needs these things attended to. It's either a bracket or a adjustable trackbar, pick one.
I always torque anything with a bushing with the weight on the truck. ALWAYS and is ALWAYS mentioned to the customer if he is DIYfer
This way the bushing is not already preloaded, this causes premature wear leading to the dreaded death wobble.AGREE

Alot of places will install lifts on trucks with already worn out components. NEVER, I think we have high standards and would rather loose the sale of a kit, than have a dangerous truck on the road.
Any shop installing lifts and bigger tires on a vechicle that already has worn out bushings, ball joints, ujoints, shocks, etc should be ashamed, TOTALLY in agreement
unless of course you are replacing these components with new ones. Agree, All components that must be replaced are always pointed out to the customer BEFORE lift is installed
Any increase in height wheel offset adds to the stress of the older components which leads to failure.Agree

Whenever I have worked on a vehicle, I do a basic safety on it first. If it needs anything serious then I inform the person and if they don't agree to fix that issue then I don't work on it. I agree and disagree. If I have done everything to point out the faults of the customers vehicle and he still insists to have the work done, it's his responsibility from that moment forward. The exception to the rule is if I feel the vehicle is truly a danger to others. I have a different opinion of what a loose balljoint is compared to what Chrysler says is an "acceptable amount of wear". in the past I have said to a customer his balljoints were done, but when returned to the dealership for warranty I was told it was "within specs".
So by that statemant, it looks as thought I'm more of a fuss ass then them....

At the end of the day its my license on the line and I rather not be drug down that road. At the end of the day my business name and reputation is on the line and I would do nothing to jeopardize it by doing shoddy work or offering less that honest advice.

So as you can see we share a hell of alot more as far work ethics than I think you imagined we did!

Thx
Danny

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

- incorrect adjustment/length on adjustable components like control arms and trackbars.
If the information is set by the manufacturer at the time of the installation, it's done. The balance of the fine tuning is completed by the alignment shop on a 3D machine.

- incomplete instal, not all required parts put on.
For the life of me I don't understand why any shop would do this?

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

My comments were not aimed at anyone or any business. I am sure you run a upstanding shop, because if you didn't you wouldn't be promoting here on the forum.

Word of mouth is everything these days with this fancy internet.

Anyway I do like to support local enterprise rather than going south. I will even pay more to support the local guy.....to an extent. My buddy and his dad run a local body/speed shop, I get alot from him even though I could get it cheaper on Ebay or Amazon, its just easier to deal with a person if you need something. That being said if I'm going to save a couple hundred and get the same quality and service then I will order online.

Couldn't agree more. I bought my Ram used from a dealer and 7000 km after my ball joints were toast, so bad the tires were showing symptoms. I contacted them and they said they had play but were "In Spec" . What a load, I could understand if one wore out but all 4....anyway I know the Rams were famous for front end wear but these guys are nuts.......but I won't go on my dealer rant today.

Simply the difference between an instal done by a reputable 4x4 shop or experienced DIYer and a corner garage or newb DIYer.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

My favorite quote of all time was from a gas station owner in Thunder bay.
I was traveling West on motorcycle heading for the Rockies and I was asked by him if I had seen any moose along the way. I responded no not at all, to which he replied "well that's funny 'cause around here, moose are thicker here than bloodsuckers on a whales ----"...

I almost pissed myself!:biggrin:

Lol ... i've never heard that one before. :)

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Yeah I live in Newfoundland and my biggest fear riding here is hitting a bog donkey doing 100+.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Bog donkey? 100+ ? That's gonna leave a mark. Love the name, rates right up there with dump ducks (sea gulls).

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Yeah nothing worse than road rash with Moose fur stuck in there too.

We call them swamp donkeys here.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Weird how we go from a lift qestion to takling about Moose.

LIVDRTY....Pull the trigger yet? No time like the present.

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

JT is that the Mopar bumper you have?

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Ya but we're not fighting anymore! :appl:

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

xxxx

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

I'm actually waiting until spring time . . . I will be keeping the stock wheels for winter tires anyways. It's nice having lots of time to research and make decisions. Can't wait to get the wheels on, take the top off, put the half doors and my offroad lights on and take her out in the sunshine though!!!! Gonna be a longgggg winter :S lol

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Well I have the AEV 2.5" lift and Rockstar rims. Love the look, not so sure I like the ride. I do find the ride a little harsh which appears to be due to 18" rim/tire combo and not the lift.

Do you know why that is???
Could you send/show me a pic of your Jeep with
The lift n rims? What tires?

Re: Lifts and Wheels (Tires & Rims) - Suggestions?
 

Pic is in my response above. Tires are BFG AT 305/65R18. The ride is a little rougher than stock but not much. If you kick one of the tires you can see it wiggle (vibrate) for a second, just due to design. Therefore you will that every time you hit a bump in the road. I don't mind it at all but it drives my wife nuts.

That would be the tire though not so much the rims right??
I don't mind a rough ride either way :) I like the look of ur jeep with wheels n lift tho!! My buddy put 20" rims n it still looks good but not enough rubber for my taste. I think I'm leaning towards the aev lift. Your wheels are 35" then right? You have no trouble with rubbing or anything? The lift is definitely big enough? Where did you get it installed?