Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

I recently bought a 97 Jeep Wrangler with 97,000 miles on it from an
older lady who took very good care of it, had a folder full of
maintenance records and the Jeep's engine, body and interior were all
in excellent condition ( worn top only bad thing).

I want to lift it so i can fit 31" 11.50 tires on it and have more
room for off-roading. I want to do it myself and save money (except
tire mounting).


I took it to a 4x4 lift shop that was recommended to me from several
people and the owner was very knowledgeable and broke everything down
for me on what we could do and what would neeed to be done with
certain lifts.


The total cost for a 4" superlift 31" 12.50 BFG tires 15x10 M/T rims
and a cold air intake and new steering stabilizer was a little over
$4,000. He suggested that I not go with 33" tires because of the re-
gearing that would have to be done, that cost more and with it only
being a 4 cyl to much power loss. Also said for off-roading 31" are
perfect so no rub during major articulation occurs. He has a massive
Excursion with a 10" lift and only has 33"s on his, and has 2
Wranglers lifted that all run 31"s, so I trust him.


I was thinkng of not putting to much money into it because of the
amount of miles on it.
I was thinking a 2" spacer lift, new steer stabilizer. What are good
kits for this I've searched Quadratec and most seem to be the same,
but I was wondering when I saw a Procomp 2' lift for $299 that
replaces the coil springs and shocks as opposed to adding spacers on
the coil springs.


Has anyone done this lift before? I have seen alot of post on the
spacer lift, not the Procomp lift.
And is a coil suppression needed when taking them off?


Thanks for any help.

Re: Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

Well, got good news for ya, you can safely put 31x10.5" tires on it now
and enjoy!

That extra inch wide lowers the traction and costs new rims and a lift.

You also can go with a cheap 2" spacer lift for the springs and get 2"
longer shocks and bump stops and have tons of clearance with a 'stock'
suspension.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Scott wrote:
> I recently bought a 97 Jeep Wrangler with 97,000 miles on it from an
> older lady who took very good care of it, had a folder full of
> maintenance records and the Jeep's engine, body and interior were all
> in excellent condition ( worn top only bad thing).
>
> I want to lift it so i can fit 31" 11.50 tires on it and have more
> room for off-roading. I want to do it myself and save money (except
> tire mounting).
>
>
> I took it to a 4x4 lift shop that was recommended to me from several
> people and the owner was very knowledgeable and broke everything down
> for me on what we could do and what would neeed to be done with
> certain lifts.
>
>
> The total cost for a 4" superlift 31" 12.50 BFG tires 15x10 M/T rims
> and a cold air intake and new steering stabilizer was a little over
> $4,000. He suggested that I not go with 33" tires because of the re-
> gearing that would have to be done, that cost more and with it only
> being a 4 cyl to much power loss. Also said for off-roading 31" are
> perfect so no rub during major articulation occurs. He has a massive
> Excursion with a 10" lift and only has 33"s on his, and has 2
> Wranglers lifted that all run 31"s, so I trust him.
>
>
> I was thinkng of not putting to much money into it because of the
> amount of miles on it.
> I was thinking a 2" spacer lift, new steer stabilizer. What are good
> kits for this I've searched Quadratec and most seem to be the same,
> but I was wondering when I saw a Procomp 2' lift for $299 that
> replaces the coil springs and shocks as opposed to adding spacers on
> the coil springs.
>
>
> Has anyone done this lift before? I have seen alot of post on the
> spacer lift, not the Procomp lift.
> And is a coil suppression needed when taking them off?
>
>
> Thanks for any help.
>

Re: Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

Well, got good news for ya, you can safely put 31x10.5" tires on it now
and enjoy!

That extra inch wide lowers the traction and costs new rims and a lift.

You also can go with a cheap 2" spacer lift for the springs and get 2"
longer shocks and bump stops and have tons of clearance with a 'stock'
suspension.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Scott wrote:
> I recently bought a 97 Jeep Wrangler with 97,000 miles on it from an
> older lady who took very good care of it, had a folder full of
> maintenance records and the Jeep's engine, body and interior were all
> in excellent condition ( worn top only bad thing).
>
> I want to lift it so i can fit 31" 11.50 tires on it and have more
> room for off-roading. I want to do it myself and save money (except
> tire mounting).
>
>
> I took it to a 4x4 lift shop that was recommended to me from several
> people and the owner was very knowledgeable and broke everything down
> for me on what we could do and what would neeed to be done with
> certain lifts.
>
>
> The total cost for a 4" superlift 31" 12.50 BFG tires 15x10 M/T rims
> and a cold air intake and new steering stabilizer was a little over
> $4,000. He suggested that I not go with 33" tires because of the re-
> gearing that would have to be done, that cost more and with it only
> being a 4 cyl to much power loss. Also said for off-roading 31" are
> perfect so no rub during major articulation occurs. He has a massive
> Excursion with a 10" lift and only has 33"s on his, and has 2
> Wranglers lifted that all run 31"s, so I trust him.
>
>
> I was thinkng of not putting to much money into it because of the
> amount of miles on it.
> I was thinking a 2" spacer lift, new steer stabilizer. What are good
> kits for this I've searched Quadratec and most seem to be the same,
> but I was wondering when I saw a Procomp 2' lift for $299 that
> replaces the coil springs and shocks as opposed to adding spacers on
> the coil springs.
>
>
> Has anyone done this lift before? I have seen alot of post on the
> spacer lift, not the Procomp lift.
> And is a coil suppression needed when taking them off?
>
>
> Thanks for any help.
>

Re: Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

Well, got good news for ya, you can safely put 31x10.5" tires on it now
and enjoy!

That extra inch wide lowers the traction and costs new rims and a lift.

You also can go with a cheap 2" spacer lift for the springs and get 2"
longer shocks and bump stops and have tons of clearance with a 'stock'
suspension.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Scott wrote:
> I recently bought a 97 Jeep Wrangler with 97,000 miles on it from an
> older lady who took very good care of it, had a folder full of
> maintenance records and the Jeep's engine, body and interior were all
> in excellent condition ( worn top only bad thing).
>
> I want to lift it so i can fit 31" 11.50 tires on it and have more
> room for off-roading. I want to do it myself and save money (except
> tire mounting).
>
>
> I took it to a 4x4 lift shop that was recommended to me from several
> people and the owner was very knowledgeable and broke everything down
> for me on what we could do and what would neeed to be done with
> certain lifts.
>
>
> The total cost for a 4" superlift 31" 12.50 BFG tires 15x10 M/T rims
> and a cold air intake and new steering stabilizer was a little over
> $4,000. He suggested that I not go with 33" tires because of the re-
> gearing that would have to be done, that cost more and with it only
> being a 4 cyl to much power loss. Also said for off-roading 31" are
> perfect so no rub during major articulation occurs. He has a massive
> Excursion with a 10" lift and only has 33"s on his, and has 2
> Wranglers lifted that all run 31"s, so I trust him.
>
>
> I was thinkng of not putting to much money into it because of the
> amount of miles on it.
> I was thinking a 2" spacer lift, new steer stabilizer. What are good
> kits for this I've searched Quadratec and most seem to be the same,
> but I was wondering when I saw a Procomp 2' lift for $299 that
> replaces the coil springs and shocks as opposed to adding spacers on
> the coil springs.
>
>
> Has anyone done this lift before? I have seen alot of post on the
> spacer lift, not the Procomp lift.
> And is a coil suppression needed when taking them off?
>
>
> Thanks for any help.
>

Re: Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

Well, got good news for ya, you can safely put 31x10.5" tires on it now
and enjoy!

That extra inch wide lowers the traction and costs new rims and a lift.

You also can go with a cheap 2" spacer lift for the springs and get 2"
longer shocks and bump stops and have tons of clearance with a 'stock'
suspension.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Scott wrote:
> I recently bought a 97 Jeep Wrangler with 97,000 miles on it from an
> older lady who took very good care of it, had a folder full of
> maintenance records and the Jeep's engine, body and interior were all
> in excellent condition ( worn top only bad thing).
>
> I want to lift it so i can fit 31" 11.50 tires on it and have more
> room for off-roading. I want to do it myself and save money (except
> tire mounting).
>
>
> I took it to a 4x4 lift shop that was recommended to me from several
> people and the owner was very knowledgeable and broke everything down
> for me on what we could do and what would neeed to be done with
> certain lifts.
>
>
> The total cost for a 4" superlift 31" 12.50 BFG tires 15x10 M/T rims
> and a cold air intake and new steering stabilizer was a little over
> $4,000. He suggested that I not go with 33" tires because of the re-
> gearing that would have to be done, that cost more and with it only
> being a 4 cyl to much power loss. Also said for off-roading 31" are
> perfect so no rub during major articulation occurs. He has a massive
> Excursion with a 10" lift and only has 33"s on his, and has 2
> Wranglers lifted that all run 31"s, so I trust him.
>
>
> I was thinkng of not putting to much money into it because of the
> amount of miles on it.
> I was thinking a 2" spacer lift, new steer stabilizer. What are good
> kits for this I've searched Quadratec and most seem to be the same,
> but I was wondering when I saw a Procomp 2' lift for $299 that
> replaces the coil springs and shocks as opposed to adding spacers on
> the coil springs.
>
>
> Has anyone done this lift before? I have seen alot of post on the
> spacer lift, not the Procomp lift.
> And is a coil suppression needed when taking them off?
>
>
> Thanks for any help.
>

Re: Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

Scott:

I have a 97 TJ as well and I put a 2 inch spacer lift on it recently.
Right now I'm just running 30s, but you have no idea how much better 2
inches looks. Anyways, If I were you I'd consider the spacer lift. The
upside: it's cheap. The downside: it makes the vehicle a little bit
rougher driving down the road. I don't really mind this because
hey...It's a jeep! not a cadillac. I didn't buy new shocks either. I
bought shock extenders from Rocky Road Outfitters, 44 bucks for 4 and
you can use your old shocks. Of course, if ride quality is an issue
for you, you can spend a bit more and buy 2 inch longer shocks, as
well as 2 inch longer springs. It'll be a little smoother down the
road, but you have to spend more money. You can fit 31s on there now,
but you have to change around your steering stops. If you lift it 2
inches you'll be able to fit up to 32s, making your 31s fit perfectly.
I plan on eventually running 32s when my current tires wear out. A lot
of people don't replace the steering stabalizer with a 2 inch lift, I
don't really see how its necessary.

Re: Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

Scott:

I have a 97 TJ as well and I put a 2 inch spacer lift on it recently.
Right now I'm just running 30s, but you have no idea how much better 2
inches looks. Anyways, If I were you I'd consider the spacer lift. The
upside: it's cheap. The downside: it makes the vehicle a little bit
rougher driving down the road. I don't really mind this because
hey...It's a jeep! not a cadillac. I didn't buy new shocks either. I
bought shock extenders from Rocky Road Outfitters, 44 bucks for 4 and
you can use your old shocks. Of course, if ride quality is an issue
for you, you can spend a bit more and buy 2 inch longer shocks, as
well as 2 inch longer springs. It'll be a little smoother down the
road, but you have to spend more money. You can fit 31s on there now,
but you have to change around your steering stops. If you lift it 2
inches you'll be able to fit up to 32s, making your 31s fit perfectly.
I plan on eventually running 32s when my current tires wear out. A lot
of people don't replace the steering stabalizer with a 2 inch lift, I
don't really see how its necessary.

Re: Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

Scott:

I have a 97 TJ as well and I put a 2 inch spacer lift on it recently.
Right now I'm just running 30s, but you have no idea how much better 2
inches looks. Anyways, If I were you I'd consider the spacer lift. The
upside: it's cheap. The downside: it makes the vehicle a little bit
rougher driving down the road. I don't really mind this because
hey...It's a jeep! not a cadillac. I didn't buy new shocks either. I
bought shock extenders from Rocky Road Outfitters, 44 bucks for 4 and
you can use your old shocks. Of course, if ride quality is an issue
for you, you can spend a bit more and buy 2 inch longer shocks, as
well as 2 inch longer springs. It'll be a little smoother down the
road, but you have to spend more money. You can fit 31s on there now,
but you have to change around your steering stops. If you lift it 2
inches you'll be able to fit up to 32s, making your 31s fit perfectly.
I plan on eventually running 32s when my current tires wear out. A lot
of people don't replace the steering stabalizer with a 2 inch lift, I
don't really see how its necessary.

Re: Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

Scott:

I have a 97 TJ as well and I put a 2 inch spacer lift on it recently.
Right now I'm just running 30s, but you have no idea how much better 2
inches looks. Anyways, If I were you I'd consider the spacer lift. The
upside: it's cheap. The downside: it makes the vehicle a little bit
rougher driving down the road. I don't really mind this because
hey...It's a jeep! not a cadillac. I didn't buy new shocks either. I
bought shock extenders from Rocky Road Outfitters, 44 bucks for 4 and
you can use your old shocks. Of course, if ride quality is an issue
for you, you can spend a bit more and buy 2 inch longer shocks, as
well as 2 inch longer springs. It'll be a little smoother down the
road, but you have to spend more money. You can fit 31s on there now,
but you have to change around your steering stops. If you lift it 2
inches you'll be able to fit up to 32s, making your 31s fit perfectly.
I plan on eventually running 32s when my current tires wear out. A lot
of people don't replace the steering stabalizer with a 2 inch lift, I
don't really see how its necessary.

Re: Lifting a 97 Jeep Wrangler
 

97tjMike wrote:
> Scott:
>
> I have a 97 TJ as well and I put a 2 inch spacer lift on it recently.
> Right now I'm just running 30s, but you have no idea how much better 2
> inches looks. Anyways, If I were you I'd consider the spacer lift. The
> upside: it's cheap. The downside: it makes the vehicle a little bit
> rougher driving down the road. I don't really mind this because
> hey...It's a jeep! not a cadillac. I didn't buy new shocks either. I
> bought shock extenders from Rocky Road Outfitters, 44 bucks for 4 and
> you can use your old shocks. Of course, if ride quality is an issue
> for you, you can spend a bit more and buy 2 inch longer shocks, as
> well as 2 inch longer springs. It'll be a little smoother down the
> road, but you have to spend more money. You can fit 31s on there now,
> but you have to change around your steering stops. If you lift it 2
> inches you'll be able to fit up to 32s, making your 31s fit perfectly.
> I plan on eventually running 32s when my current tires wear out. A lot
> of people don't replace the steering stabalizer with a 2 inch lift, I
> don't really see how its necessary.
>

Spacers alone do not make the ride rougher. Stiffer springs and shocks
will, as well as adding too much air to your tires.

tw

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