My 97 TJ ran fine with 15x8 rims and 31x10.5 tires with NO body lift. Got
33's now after a 4" suspension lift.

If you want to run 33's, then get a suspension lift, but please don't go
over 1" on the body lift. Please.

Dennis
97 Wrangler

<joet11@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1118709024.979654.200740@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>

 

My 97 TJ ran fine with 15x8 rims and 31x10.5 tires with NO body lift. Got
33's now after a 4" suspension lift.

If you want to run 33's, then get a suspension lift, but please don't go
over 1" on the body lift. Please.

Dennis
97 Wrangler

<joet11@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1118709024.979654.200740@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>

 

My 97 TJ ran fine with 15x8 rims and 31x10.5 tires with NO body lift. Got
33's now after a 4" suspension lift.

If you want to run 33's, then get a suspension lift, but please don't go
over 1" on the body lift. Please.

Dennis
97 Wrangler

<joet11@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1118709024.979654.200740@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>

 

1" body lift is ok, but only if you need the extra clearance. 2" is
marginal, radiator mounts, shift linkage, will need some work. IIRC, 2"
and A/C are not compatable in an TJ. 3" is a BIG **NO**. It stresses the
body mounts, after a while (sooner if you have any sort of accident!),
the tub will start bending the mounts and the tub will shift. It usually
goes forward but no gurantees.

If you are trying for a cheap way to clearance and looks, get a spring
lift. Same price as a body lift, available in 1" to 2" sizes depending
on where you buy, no major issues with the drive train.

joet11@comcast.net wrote:
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>

 

1" body lift is ok, but only if you need the extra clearance. 2" is
marginal, radiator mounts, shift linkage, will need some work. IIRC, 2"
and A/C are not compatable in an TJ. 3" is a BIG **NO**. It stresses the
body mounts, after a while (sooner if you have any sort of accident!),
the tub will start bending the mounts and the tub will shift. It usually
goes forward but no gurantees.

If you are trying for a cheap way to clearance and looks, get a spring
lift. Same price as a body lift, available in 1" to 2" sizes depending
on where you buy, no major issues with the drive train.

joet11@comcast.net wrote:
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>

 

1" body lift is ok, but only if you need the extra clearance. 2" is
marginal, radiator mounts, shift linkage, will need some work. IIRC, 2"
and A/C are not compatable in an TJ. 3" is a BIG **NO**. It stresses the
body mounts, after a while (sooner if you have any sort of accident!),
the tub will start bending the mounts and the tub will shift. It usually
goes forward but no gurantees.

If you are trying for a cheap way to clearance and looks, get a spring
lift. Same price as a body lift, available in 1" to 2" sizes depending
on where you buy, no major issues with the drive train.

joet11@comcast.net wrote:
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>

 

1" body lift is ok, but only if you need the extra clearance. 2" is
marginal, radiator mounts, shift linkage, will need some work. IIRC, 2"
and A/C are not compatable in an TJ. 3" is a BIG **NO**. It stresses the
body mounts, after a while (sooner if you have any sort of accident!),
the tub will start bending the mounts and the tub will shift. It usually
goes forward but no gurantees.

If you are trying for a cheap way to clearance and looks, get a spring
lift. Same price as a body lift, available in 1" to 2" sizes depending
on where you buy, no major issues with the drive train.

joet11@comcast.net wrote:
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>

 

Did the shop also remind you that changing to taller tires will lower
your RPMs? Formula is:

rpm = ( gear_ratio * 336 ) / tire_diameter_inches

For example, assuming you have 3.54 ratio differential gears and an auto
transmission, you should be turning about 2070 RPM @ 65 MPH in overdrive
(0.75) with your 28" tires. That drops to 1880 RPM for 31" tires and
1760 RPM for 33" tires. Engine starts lugging and drinking gas, you get
annoyed because it has no zip.

The cure for bigger tires is replacing differential gears. This can cost
big money, perhaps more than you're willing to spend for just 'looks'.

If you have a manual trans, you may be able to live with taller tires by
cruising in 4th instead of 5th. Maybe another option to consider is
15x7 rim with 30x9.50 tire.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


joet11@comcast.net wrote:
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>

 

Did the shop also remind you that changing to taller tires will lower
your RPMs? Formula is:

rpm = ( gear_ratio * 336 ) / tire_diameter_inches

For example, assuming you have 3.54 ratio differential gears and an auto
transmission, you should be turning about 2070 RPM @ 65 MPH in overdrive
(0.75) with your 28" tires. That drops to 1880 RPM for 31" tires and
1760 RPM for 33" tires. Engine starts lugging and drinking gas, you get
annoyed because it has no zip.

The cure for bigger tires is replacing differential gears. This can cost
big money, perhaps more than you're willing to spend for just 'looks'.

If you have a manual trans, you may be able to live with taller tires by
cruising in 4th instead of 5th. Maybe another option to consider is
15x7 rim with 30x9.50 tire.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


joet11@comcast.net wrote:
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>

 

Did the shop also remind you that changing to taller tires will lower
your RPMs? Formula is:

rpm = ( gear_ratio * 336 ) / tire_diameter_inches

For example, assuming you have 3.54 ratio differential gears and an auto
transmission, you should be turning about 2070 RPM @ 65 MPH in overdrive
(0.75) with your 28" tires. That drops to 1880 RPM for 31" tires and
1760 RPM for 33" tires. Engine starts lugging and drinking gas, you get
annoyed because it has no zip.

The cure for bigger tires is replacing differential gears. This can cost
big money, perhaps more than you're willing to spend for just 'looks'.

If you have a manual trans, you may be able to live with taller tires by
cruising in 4th instead of 5th. Maybe another option to consider is
15x7 rim with 30x9.50 tire.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


joet11@comcast.net wrote:
> Hi Guys;
>
> I have a white 97 TJ sport with p225/75R15 tires and it's time for new
> tires. I'd like to make the jeep look better so I talked with a local
> guy who lifts Jeeps. He recommended the following options:
>
> Option 1: Get 15 x 8 wheels with 31/10.5 BFG AT tires.
>
> Option 2: Get a 3" body lift and 33 inch tires.
>
> To be honest, I've done little off roading and the Jeep is my daily
> highway car (it has been for the last 127,000 miles) BUT I really want
> to give it a new cooler look. I know NOTHING about the pro's and con's
> of a body lift. Could you guys please answer a couple of questions?
>
> 1. My college age kids want to drive my Jeep and I'm a bit worried
> that the 3" lift would make the jeep more tipsy by raising the Center
> of gravity. Is this true and can it be offset by wider tires?
>
> 2. Is there any downside (other than price) for option 2?
>
> 3. Would a 2" body lift be a better compromise - he said he wouldn't
> recommend it. Basically, he said if you're going to do it might as
> well do 3".
>
> Thanks for your help! (Any links to pics of two or 3 inch body lifts
> would be greatly appreciated as well!
>
> Joe
>