Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

Hey guys,
my buddy has a 2009 Jeep Jk unlimited Sahara.
He currently has 33" tires with 20" rims and NO lift of any kind.
He is debating either:
A) 2.5" AEV lift
OR
B) No lift at all and just putting fender flares on it.

His main reason for going no lift and just the fenders is the money . . .

How much and in what ways would doing that limit him off roading vs getting the 2.5" lift???

THANKS!!!!! :D

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

Why not just put things on hold till he has the money and get it done right with a lift. I know the itch when its offroading season but doing a half donkey job now to save he might end up sorry later.

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

Is he really going to off road with 20" rims?

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

He doesn't want to do anything hardcore like rock crawling . . . he just wants to be able to do light - moderate trails and easy mud without destroying his fenders. Trust me, had I been around (he bought his 2009 Jeep in 2009 and at the time I had a winter beater Jeep cherokee and was not at all into off roading) when he initially bought those wheels I would have advised against the big rims. He originally was just going for looks. I don't think he did much research into Jeeping other than what rims and tire combos looked good/aggressive.

Without a lift as it is right now he can barely go over a curb without hitting his fenders :S So I really think he needs the 2.5 lift. Is there anything else he should do to protect the rims when he does go on light trails? Does anybody with 20" rims even go off road? lol

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

20's and with 33 rubber is going to be a rough ride. They're going to look like rubber bands I think. If he's going to do light offroading, 17's and 33's should be enough.

BUT....as for the fenders, I'd leave the fenders alone and save the money on the tires and lift. If he wants the flat fenders, go the DIY way if he wants more room.

And if likes 20's...is it going to be chromed? With spinners? jk lol!

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

Hahahaha!
Just to clarify he already has 20" rims with 33's....I wasn't there and didn't own a Jeep
When he got those otherwise trust me I'd have pushed him towards another decision lol
But right now he has that with no lift so even goin over a curb he'd wreck his fenders...
I've now convinced him to get a 2.5" lift....at least hell have some room to do some light stuff...

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

Oh and the rims are NOT chrome! Lol hahahaha

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

I was wrong....I just saw his pic on facebook. Doesn't look like rubberbands. I take back what I said. Looks great!

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

Haha, ya, looks good for sure....but very limiting off road...now that he's getting a 2.5" lift hell be ok, but he still has to be extra careful with the big rims so he doesn't wreck em

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

Flat Fenders will cost him as much as a lift..Either way will work though..

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

When we are off-roading, what 'extra' precautions should he be taking? Not airing down at all? Airing down only a little bit? Stay clear of rocks and stick to mud and trail obstacles? Or. . . ???

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

Aside from our test run at "The Mounds" in Michigan next week, i'm definitely hoping that at least an experienced member or 2 (likely from our new GTA Facebook Group) will be with us on our first few runs to give us pointers and teach us how to properly find 'lines' etc. :D

Re: Need opinions for a buddy . . .
 

- Leave a note with time of return and destination. Should you not return on time folks will know where to look..
- Never go alone (always at least 2 Jeeps that is)
-Take your time and enjoy the ride
- Go slow
- Use common sense
- If you get to a tough area, someone get out and spot for you
- If you are not sure, don't try
- Watch some youtube wheeling vids its amazing what you can pick up.
- Lower pressure will help on rocks and climbing, soft sand
- regular forest roads and trails regular tire pressure (on a 35 it will be around 28psi)

If you don't have winches at least bring recovery straps and the necessary D rings and such to attach safely.
2 way radio or CB if you are in an area with no cell service.
Maps, compass, and GPS for navigation. Do not count solely on a GPS
Small Shovel, Axe, and appropriate jack..
Small compressor capable of re inflating tires.
A survival pack or Bug out bag in case you get stranded..
First Aid Kit
Basic Tools for trail fixes.