Hey folks,
I’ve been reading a ton of threads around here and I think I’m starting to get a sense of where I want to take my TJ build. I know asking for opinions online is a great way to end up with sand in your teeth, but here I am anyway.
Let me ramble for a sec.
Back when I had my JL Rubicon, I only owned it for about a month before joining a local Jeep club and hitting some trails. I got hung up on everything, got annoyed, and immediately threw on 37s and a Metalcloak 3.5” short arm lift. Honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing. Next time out, I tackled even harder stuff… and hated it. It just felt sketchy and unsettled off-camber.
Looking back, I realize I didn’t take the time to learn that Jeep. With my Power Wagon, I’ve wheeled it from stock 33s all the way to 40s over the years. I know that truck’s limits inside and out because I grew with it.
So with this TJ, I’m taking a different approach. Slower, more intentional. Year 1, Year 2, Year 3—build it in stages, learn as I go.
Right now, here’s the setup: The previous owner slapped 33s on it with a 2” spacer lift up front. Visually? I like it. Ride height feels good too. But it flexes like a brick. I barely got it onto a dirt road and the rear tire tried to eat the fender. This is the dirt road
My plan is to stick with the 33s for at least two years before stepping up to 35s. I run Kings with custom valving on my truck and I know that’s the direction I eventually want to go with the Jeep—but that’s a longer-term process, not a click-and-ship thing.
Most of the trails I plan to hit around Idaho are mellow day trips. Think Colorado’s Alpine Loop—Engineer Pass, Cinnamon, Ophir. Shale roads, scenic stuff. The real crawling out here is mostly buggy territory, and that’s not me. If there’s an in-between trail scene here, I haven’t found it after 10 years.
So here’s what I’m looking for: a smart intermediary step. Something to fix the fender-eating issue and give me a little flex for this summer’s trail rides. I’m not looking for a 6” lift that forces me into an SYE, double cardan driveshaft, etc. Just something that works for now, while I get to know this Jeep and figure out how I want to build it long term.
Also, minor rubbing doesn't bother me. My KM3's have been rubbing the sway bars and radius arms for 5yrs on the truck and I don't care. What I don't want is things getting torn off. I know some people want to avoid any and all rub. Eh... whatever.
Suggestions welcome.
I’ve been reading a ton of threads around here and I think I’m starting to get a sense of where I want to take my TJ build. I know asking for opinions online is a great way to end up with sand in your teeth, but here I am anyway.
Let me ramble for a sec.
Back when I had my JL Rubicon, I only owned it for about a month before joining a local Jeep club and hitting some trails. I got hung up on everything, got annoyed, and immediately threw on 37s and a Metalcloak 3.5” short arm lift. Honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing. Next time out, I tackled even harder stuff… and hated it. It just felt sketchy and unsettled off-camber.
Looking back, I realize I didn’t take the time to learn that Jeep. With my Power Wagon, I’ve wheeled it from stock 33s all the way to 40s over the years. I know that truck’s limits inside and out because I grew with it.
So with this TJ, I’m taking a different approach. Slower, more intentional. Year 1, Year 2, Year 3—build it in stages, learn as I go.
Right now, here’s the setup: The previous owner slapped 33s on it with a 2” spacer lift up front. Visually? I like it. Ride height feels good too. But it flexes like a brick. I barely got it onto a dirt road and the rear tire tried to eat the fender. This is the dirt road
My plan is to stick with the 33s for at least two years before stepping up to 35s. I run Kings with custom valving on my truck and I know that’s the direction I eventually want to go with the Jeep—but that’s a longer-term process, not a click-and-ship thing.
Most of the trails I plan to hit around Idaho are mellow day trips. Think Colorado’s Alpine Loop—Engineer Pass, Cinnamon, Ophir. Shale roads, scenic stuff. The real crawling out here is mostly buggy territory, and that’s not me. If there’s an in-between trail scene here, I haven’t found it after 10 years.
So here’s what I’m looking for: a smart intermediary step. Something to fix the fender-eating issue and give me a little flex for this summer’s trail rides. I’m not looking for a 6” lift that forces me into an SYE, double cardan driveshaft, etc. Just something that works for now, while I get to know this Jeep and figure out how I want to build it long term.
Also, minor rubbing doesn't bother me. My KM3's have been rubbing the sway bars and radius arms for 5yrs on the truck and I don't care. What I don't want is things getting torn off. I know some people want to avoid any and all rub. Eh... whatever.
Suggestions welcome.
