Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on keeping
my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand is
the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)

I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or RS5000
(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.

What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift ( 2")
or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
least for this year)
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

1) Why an 02? Or do you already have the particular vehicle chosen?
2) 31x10.5's should be fine, but you may have to adjust the steering
stops to reduce the turn radius a bit.
3) Stay away from the RS5000 (and probably the RSX's too). Stiff
shock, doubt you'll be happy with the ride. And, no need for the
stabilizer... that's over-kill with 31's.
4) Body lift... don't go there. Go with a ~2" coil spacer lift IMO,
about the same price.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:27:36 GMT, "Phinz" <Canes&Phinz@#1.com> wrote:

>I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
>Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on keeping
>my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand is
>the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)
>
>I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or RS5000
>(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
>stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.
>
>What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift ( 2")
>or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
>least for this year)
>Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>

Re: Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

1) Why an 02? Or do you already have the particular vehicle chosen?
2) 31x10.5's should be fine, but you may have to adjust the steering
stops to reduce the turn radius a bit.
3) Stay away from the RS5000 (and probably the RSX's too). Stiff
shock, doubt you'll be happy with the ride. And, no need for the
stabilizer... that's over-kill with 31's.
4) Body lift... don't go there. Go with a ~2" coil spacer lift IMO,
about the same price.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:27:36 GMT, "Phinz" <Canes&Phinz@#1.com> wrote:

>I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
>Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on keeping
>my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand is
>the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)
>
>I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or RS5000
>(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
>stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.
>
>What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift ( 2")
>or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
>least for this year)
>Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>

Re: Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

1) Why an 02? Or do you already have the particular vehicle chosen?
2) 31x10.5's should be fine, but you may have to adjust the steering
stops to reduce the turn radius a bit.
3) Stay away from the RS5000 (and probably the RSX's too). Stiff
shock, doubt you'll be happy with the ride. And, no need for the
stabilizer... that's over-kill with 31's.
4) Body lift... don't go there. Go with a ~2" coil spacer lift IMO,
about the same price.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:27:36 GMT, "Phinz" <Canes&Phinz@#1.com> wrote:

>I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
>Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on keeping
>my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand is
>the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)
>
>I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or RS5000
>(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
>stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.
>
>What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift ( 2")
>or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
>least for this year)
>Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>

Re: Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

1) Why an 02? Or do you already have the particular vehicle chosen?
2) 31x10.5's should be fine, but you may have to adjust the steering
stops to reduce the turn radius a bit.
3) Stay away from the RS5000 (and probably the RSX's too). Stiff
shock, doubt you'll be happy with the ride. And, no need for the
stabilizer... that's over-kill with 31's.
4) Body lift... don't go there. Go with a ~2" coil spacer lift IMO,
about the same price.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:27:36 GMT, "Phinz" <Canes&Phinz@#1.com> wrote:

>I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
>Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on keeping
>my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand is
>the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)
>
>I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or RS5000
>(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
>stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.
>
>What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift ( 2")
>or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
>least for this year)
>Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>

Re: Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

I'll second everything Dave said. I'm very happy with my Rubicon Express 2"
budget boost... about $200 and pretty easy to install. Much more stable
than a body lift.

"David C. Moller" <dmoller@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:urem705acm85ec3tvfqcno7pde8vj4mgrn@4ax.com...
> 1) Why an 02? Or do you already have the particular vehicle chosen?
> 2) 31x10.5's should be fine, but you may have to adjust the steering
> stops to reduce the turn radius a bit.
> 3) Stay away from the RS5000 (and probably the RSX's too). Stiff
> shock, doubt you'll be happy with the ride. And, no need for the
> stabilizer... that's over-kill with 31's.
> 4) Body lift... don't go there. Go with a ~2" coil spacer lift IMO,
> about the same price.
>
> Dave
> http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm
>
> On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:27:36 GMT, "Phinz" <Canes&Phinz@#1.com> wrote:
>
> >I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
> >Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on
keeping
> >my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand
is
> >the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)
> >
> >I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or
RS5000
> >(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
> >stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.
> >
> >What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift
( 2")
> >or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
> >least for this year)
> >Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
> >
>

Re: Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

I'll second everything Dave said. I'm very happy with my Rubicon Express 2"
budget boost... about $200 and pretty easy to install. Much more stable
than a body lift.

"David C. Moller" <dmoller@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:urem705acm85ec3tvfqcno7pde8vj4mgrn@4ax.com...
> 1) Why an 02? Or do you already have the particular vehicle chosen?
> 2) 31x10.5's should be fine, but you may have to adjust the steering
> stops to reduce the turn radius a bit.
> 3) Stay away from the RS5000 (and probably the RSX's too). Stiff
> shock, doubt you'll be happy with the ride. And, no need for the
> stabilizer... that's over-kill with 31's.
> 4) Body lift... don't go there. Go with a ~2" coil spacer lift IMO,
> about the same price.
>
> Dave
> http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm
>
> On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:27:36 GMT, "Phinz" <Canes&Phinz@#1.com> wrote:
>
> >I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
> >Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on
keeping
> >my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand
is
> >the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)
> >
> >I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or
RS5000
> >(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
> >stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.
> >
> >What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift
( 2")
> >or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
> >least for this year)
> >Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
> >
>

Re: Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

I'll second everything Dave said. I'm very happy with my Rubicon Express 2"
budget boost... about $200 and pretty easy to install. Much more stable
than a body lift.

"David C. Moller" <dmoller@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:urem705acm85ec3tvfqcno7pde8vj4mgrn@4ax.com...
> 1) Why an 02? Or do you already have the particular vehicle chosen?
> 2) 31x10.5's should be fine, but you may have to adjust the steering
> stops to reduce the turn radius a bit.
> 3) Stay away from the RS5000 (and probably the RSX's too). Stiff
> shock, doubt you'll be happy with the ride. And, no need for the
> stabilizer... that's over-kill with 31's.
> 4) Body lift... don't go there. Go with a ~2" coil spacer lift IMO,
> about the same price.
>
> Dave
> http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm
>
> On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:27:36 GMT, "Phinz" <Canes&Phinz@#1.com> wrote:
>
> >I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
> >Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on
keeping
> >my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand
is
> >the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)
> >
> >I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or
RS5000
> >(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
> >stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.
> >
> >What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift
( 2")
> >or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
> >least for this year)
> >Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
> >
>

Re: Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

I'll second everything Dave said. I'm very happy with my Rubicon Express 2"
budget boost... about $200 and pretty easy to install. Much more stable
than a body lift.

"David C. Moller" <dmoller@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:urem705acm85ec3tvfqcno7pde8vj4mgrn@4ax.com...
> 1) Why an 02? Or do you already have the particular vehicle chosen?
> 2) 31x10.5's should be fine, but you may have to adjust the steering
> stops to reduce the turn radius a bit.
> 3) Stay away from the RS5000 (and probably the RSX's too). Stiff
> shock, doubt you'll be happy with the ride. And, no need for the
> stabilizer... that's over-kill with 31's.
> 4) Body lift... don't go there. Go with a ~2" coil spacer lift IMO,
> about the same price.
>
> Dave
> http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm
>
> On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:27:36 GMT, "Phinz" <Canes&Phinz@#1.com> wrote:
>
> >I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
> >Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on
keeping
> >my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand
is
> >the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)
> >
> >I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or
RS5000
> >(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
> >stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.
> >
> >What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift
( 2")
> >or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
> >least for this year)
> >Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
> >
>

Re: Need advise from Wrangler Pros
 

On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:27:36 GMT, "Phinz" <Canes&Phinz@#1.com> wrote:

>>I'm about to get my income tax return and plan to blow it on my '02
>>Wrangler. For starters I need to get new tires and have decided on keeping
>>my factory wheels and going one size up to 31x10.5 15, which I understand is
>>the largest tire that will fit those rims??? (will they rub??)

Possibly, but not much. If they rub on the control arms you simply need to add a
washer or two behind the steering stops. If you rub at full stuff you need a little
more lift (or more bumpstop). The 2" spacer (see below) would eliminate that
problem.

>>I also want to replace the factory shocks with some new Rancho RSX or RS5000
>>(* Buy 3 get 1 free*, which is better?) and possibly a Rancho steering
>>stabilizer. I want to do this to get a nicer ride while on the road.
>>
>>What I really need help with is deciding on whether I need a body lift ( 2")
>>or will I be OK without it. I cant afford to get a suspension lift. (at
>>least for this year)

I would not do more than a 1" body lift. Ever. You would be better off IMO with a
spacer lift until the time you can afford a full suspension lift.

>>Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Suggestion (it has worked for me so far) - get a good picture in your mind of what
you want your rig to be like a year from now, 5 years, 10 years, etc. Build with the
future in mind, not just what you can do today. You may have to wait for the
goodies, but you will build a better trail rig - that is, if thats what you want it
to be.

I have always wanted mine lifted, locked, loaded, caged, 5pt harness, 35" tires,
Atlas, winch, etc. Well, one step at a time I am getting there. the 36" tires
should go on in a week or so, the Atlas has to wait another year or two since the $ I
saved for that went towards the new engine after the roll. The new seats and
harnesses will come after the atlas and at the same time, the rest of the cage will
go in. Most of the rest has been slowly built up in in the last 5 years.

In otherwords, know where you are going and build a roadmap to get there. <grin>