New to me TJ, got questions

[rookieTJ]

Hi Everyone,

New to the forums, just bought an 01 TJ, 5 speed, 4.0 I6. Has a 3 inch lift it came with, I plan on replacing most of front end as the previous owner did the lift him self and some other front end work and I’ll just feel better redoing most of it myself.

Now I am new to the Jeep world, this jeep has 32 inch mud tires, rides like shit, very loud. The Jeep also steers on its own, shakes like a bastard when you hit a bump, and anything over 55 mph feels like I’m going to swerve off the road and die. Steering wheel is off by about 45-50 degrees.

My plans are to replace the front end suspension basically tie rod, drag link, track bar, control arms and new shocks. Ball joints are brand new and steering stabilizer as well. Alignment scheduled after all work is done. Now I have some questions about tire size. Jeep has a 3 inch lift I plan on keeping, but need to figure out the ideal tire size. This will be my daily driver, and will get some off roading. Anyone have recommendations on tire sizes? I have seen some threads saying 32 inch or less some day 33 or 35 inch is fine. I’m new to the Jeep world and really want to get the right size.
Thanks in advance for any help

 

[Jramos013]

For a 3” lift, 31”-32” tires. You could run 33” but would it will rub when offloading and flexing. 35” with a 3” wont work. I would suggest fixing the death wooble and bump steer before changing stuff. Check the pitman arm, if its a longer one that might be one of your problems. Along woth control arm bushings and so on until its riding better. Then mod away

 

[MangoTango]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the Jeep!

For a daily driver I would say 33's or less. Even with 33's it may feel sluggish because of the gears. Going up to or bigger than 35's for a daily is just throwing a lot of money into it if you want to avoid drive line issues i my opinion.

 

[Chris]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the Jeep!

For a daily driver I would say 33's or less. Even with 33's it may feel sluggish because of the gears. Going up to or bigger than 35's for a daily is just throwing a lot of money into it if you want to avoid drive line issues i my opinion.

I agree with this.

Also, post photos of your steering setup from the front end. This way we can see what you may have going on under your TJ that could be contributing to its poor road manners.

 

[Irun]

You really need to decide on the tire size you want up front, along with what you're willing/able to spend. Don't let the existing, unknown, 3" lift dictate the size for you! The build then proceeds from there. For clarity sake the following is based on putting together a list of parts needed to maintain stock or better acceleration, braking, and handling. I'm sure I'll get crap for this but here goes an estimated price guide:

Building for 31" tires - Total $1650
- New Steering $600
- New Springs (H&R 1") $250
- 1.25" Body Lift (Savvy) $150
- New stock control Arms $200
- New brake pads, shoes, etc. $300
- New U joints $150

Of course you have to add tires and wheels, but 31x10.5R15 tires and wheels are relatively cheap. When you're done putting this combination together, you'll get a smile on you face every time you drive the Jeep and you'll be able to trail ride with relative ease.

Building for 33" Tires - $7350
- New Steering $600
- New quality suspension (e.g. Currie, Savvy, etc.) $2500
- 1.25" Body Lift (Savvy) $150
- Motor Mount Lift - $100
- New Gears $2000
- New 15" Vanco brake kit $1300
- New Driveshafts $700

Tires are more expensive at 33", so factor that in as well. You'll still have a smile on your face when you drive it, but you've also added weight, which takes away a little of the "stock" TJ "zippy" feel. Plus, maintaining that smile cost you money and time!

Building for 35" Tires - $10K+
Costs here will be what was noted for 33" tires, plus. Body clearancing will be needed with fenders, body trimming, etc., skids and armor will need to be added, bigger brakes, better steering (e.g. PSC) and the list goes on. Plus tires get even more expensive. The Jeep will drive and handle well, but not like one on 31" tires!

Bottom line, you can argue with the specific numbers, but the point stands. Pick the tire size and build from there!

 

[Alex01]

I really liked my 33x10.5 tires before swapping to 35's. They were much better on the highway and would be a great daily driver/trail size. My theory is that the 12.5" wide tires caused the jeep to wonder more than the 10.5" did.

Either way, welcome to the zoo. Let's see some photos.

 

[T A]

For the vibration and drive issues check and see if you have either a transfer case drop or an SYE. If you have neither with a 3" lift - that's the first place to start fixing the drive issues.

 

[samobius]

Just chiming in to say that I agree with a lot of the above posters. I was one that ran the gamut from factory sized 30" tires to 33s to 35s.

I drove it the most when it had 30" tires and pretty much not at all with 35s. It just wasn't fun anymore. I biked to work except in snow or rain and then I drove the Jeep but it was a chore and a little scary because the MTRs did not like 2" of snow.

I recently scaled back to some all terrain 285/70R17 (33x11.5) and I'm having a blast driving this thing again, especially with my 4.88 gears it is so zippy!

 

[CharlesHS]

Hi Everyone,

New to the forums, just bought an 01 TJ, 5 speed, 4.0 I6. Has a 3 inch lift it came with, I plan on replacing most of front end as the previous owner did the lift him self and some other front end work and I’ll just feel better redoing most of it myself.

Now I am new to the Jeep world, this jeep has 32 inch mud tires, rides like shit, very loud. The Jeep also steers on its own, shakes like a bastard when you hit a bump, and anything over 55 mph feels like I’m going to swerve off the road and die. Steering wheel is off by about 45-50 degrees.

My plans are to replace the front end suspension basically tie rod, drag link, track bar, control arms and new shocks. Ball joints are brand new and steering stabilizer as well. Alignment scheduled after all work is done. Now I have some questions about tire size. Jeep has a 3 inch lift I plan on keeping, but need to figure out the ideal tire size. This will be my daily driver, and will get some off roading. Anyone have recommendations on tire sizes? I have seen some threads saying 32 inch or less some day 33 or 35 inch is fine. I’m new to the Jeep world and really want to get the right size.
Thanks in advance for any help

I believe you are on the right track with the parts you are looking to replace, but before you replace them or have them replaced; do a thorough inspection of the front end parts, where there is play in the steering and where the steering geometry needs attention.
As for tires.... you said this will be your daily driver with some off road action; the ATs will serve you well around town, on the highway and on the trail unless you get into more difficult terrain or obstacles.
I do have one question.... do you know IF the front or rear differential has a traction device ? Since you live in Boston; you receive a fare amount of snow and a limited slip such as a TruTrac would be a better choice than a locker (I am sure I will hear varying opinions).

 

[MangoTango]

Building for 35" Tires - $10K+
Costs here will be what was noted for 33" tires, plus. Body clearancing will be needed with fenders, body trimming, etc., skids and armor will need to be added, bigger brakes, better steering (e.g. PSC) and the list goes on. Plus tires get even more expensive. The Jeep will drive and handle well, but not like one on 31" tires!

Bottom line, you can argue with the specific numbers, but the point stands. Pick the tire size and build from there!

I'll second this. I'm at $12k right now. It drives well on surface streets, horrible on the highway. Gears, axles, SYE, rear drive shaft, control arms, track bars, steering all need an upgrade at that point and most of those upgrades are not cheap.

 

[MangoTango]

I believe you are on the right track with the parts you are looking to replace, but before you replace them or have them replaced; do a thorough inspection of the front end parts, where there is play in the steering and where the steering geometry needs attention.
As for tires.... you said this will be your daily driver with some off road action; the ATs will serve you well unless you get into more difficult terrain or obstacles.
I do have one question.... do you know IF the front or rear differential has a traction device ? Since you live in Boston; you receive a fare amount of snow and a limited slip such as a TruTrac would be a better choice than a locker (I am sure I will hear varying opinions).

I drive open/open mostly in the winter (I live in the snow belt just outside Buffalo NY) and the Jeep does well up to a few feet of snow. This was before the lift and 35"s, but you are right, a limited slip or trutrac would be better. You could also go with lockers like ARB, OX, or Eaton E Lockers that you switch on, just stay away from Auto Lockers if you drive it in the winter on the streets. They are unpredictable and can cause an accident.

 

[CharlesHS]

I grew up in NY on LI and driving in the snow with a rear auto locker was a challenge. When I install a locker in recent years it is always selectable since as you said... they can be unpredictable in inclement weather.

 

[rookieTJ]

You really need to decide on the tire size you want up front, along with what you're willing/able to spend. Don't let the existing, unknown, 3" lift dictate the size for you! The build then proceeds from there. For clarity sake the following is based on putting together a list of parts needed to maintain stock or better acceleration, braking, and handling. I'm sure I'll get crap for this but here goes an estimated price guide:

Building for 31" tires - Total $1650
- New Steering $600
- New Springs (H&R 1") $250
- 1.25" Body Lift (Savvy) $150
- New stock control Arms $200
- New brake pads, shoes, etc. $300
- New U joints $150

Of course you have to add tires and wheels, but 31x10.5R15 tires and wheels are relatively cheap. When you're done putting this combination together, you'll get a smile on you face every time you drive the Jeep and you'll be able to trail ride with relative ease.

Building for 33" Tires - $7350
- New Steering $600
- New quality suspension (e.g. Currie, Savvy, etc.) $2500
- 1.25" Body Lift (Savvy) $150
- Motor Mount Lift - $100
- New Gears $2000
- New 15" Vanco brake kit $1300
- New Driveshafts $700

Tires are more expensive at 33", so factor that in as well. You'll still have a smile on your face when you drive it, but you've also added weight, which takes away a little of the "stock" TJ "zippy" feel. Plus, maintaining that smile cost you money and time!

Building for 35" Tires - $10K+
Costs here will be what was noted for 33" tires, plus. Body clearancing will be needed with fenders, body trimming, etc., skids and armor will need to be added, bigger brakes, better steering (e.g. PSC) and the list goes on. Plus tires get even more expensive. The Jeep will drive and handle well, but not like one on 31" tires!

Bottom line, you can argue with the specific numbers, but the point stands. Pick the tire size and build from there!

Thanks for the vast amount of knowledge you just dropped.

Sorry for the noob question, but when you say steering, what does that entirely include? Also, how about meeting in the middle of 31 and 33 and going 32. I’m not sure if it is just me but I feel like the 32s currently on Jeep with the 3 inch lift leave a ton of gap???? Or is it just me. Then again previous owner has fender barricades? Installed... here’s 2 photos of when I bought the car. Maybe will normal fenders won’t look as bad?

I agree with this.

Also, post photos of your steering setup from the front end. This way we can see what you may have going on under your TJ that could be contributing to its poor road manners.

I will take some photos of the front end when I get home and post, I’m not entirely familiar with solid axle cars or trucks. Most of the work I can do myself, coming from BMWs to a Jeep is a huge jump, but so far love this thing.

 

[rookieTJ]

I believe you are on the right track with the parts you are looking to replace, but before you replace them or have them replaced; do a thorough inspection of the front end parts, where there is play in the steering and where the steering geometry needs attention.
As for tires.... you said this will be your daily driver with some off road action; the ATs will serve you well around town, on the highway and on the trail unless you get into more difficult terrain or obstacles.
I do have one question.... do you know IF the front or rear differential has a traction device ? Since you live in Boston; you receive a fare amount of snow and a limited slip such as a TruTrac would be a better choice than a locker (I am sure I will hear varying opinions).

I’m not entirely sure there is a traction device. But as far as I can tell their is not. Jeep is stock for the most part besides the lift, and mud tires. I’m going to look more into trutrac your not the first person to mention this, in recent years Boston winters haven’t been as bad as they use to, but that could always change .

 

[rookieTJ]

For a 3” lift, 31”-32” tires. You could run 33” but would it will rub when offloading and flexing. 35” with a 3” wont work. I would suggest fixing the death wooble and bump steer before changing stuff. Check the pitman arm, if its a longer one that might be one of your problems. Along woth control arm bushings and so on until its riding better. Then mod away

Definitely agree, I want to get all the alignment, DW, and front end work done and other maintenance before any mods. I replaced all spark plugs day I picked it up due to a misfire. But cylinder 3 misfire continued but only during heat soak and hot days. But I think I have determined the cause of this, https://wranglertjforum.com/attachments/tsb_wj_1803103-pdf.51272/

TSB 18-031-03.

I have already ordered the insulator and heat shield for the manifold from amazon since Jeep dealer near me didn’t have in stock. I do need tires as it currently has mud tires which I think are contributing factor to crappy ride.

 

[Jramos013]

A hammer to that grill would make your new tj look way better too

yes mud tires are a no go for DD. I currently ride 33x10.5 K02 with a 3” lift. Mine is 98% DD the most offroad i do are light trails, flooded street, muddy roads etc., no rock crawling or hardcore stuff. That 3” lift and tire size works great for me.

 

[rookieTJ]

A hammer to that grill would make your new tj look way better too

Agreed lmao, I hate it, first thing I asked previous owner was if she had the original grill. But to no avail. Will be getting a new one once I fix all the issues

 

[jeepguy03]

Yeah the injector insulator should fix that misfire from heat soak. I had the same problem on a 2000 Cherokee (same engine) and the injector insulator fixed it. I actually ordered a few of them and put them on all 6 injectors. 32's look like they fit okay with those fenders. If you go to 31s they might look too small. Definitely go with All-Terrains. Something like a BF Goodrich All-Terrain or Goodyear Duratrac will look aggressive but will be MUCH quieter on the street over mud terrains.

As far as the steering, get under the Jeep with a prybar and start trying to move joints on the steering and you will likely find what is worn out and causing your wobble.

I agree the jump to a lifted Jeep is huge, I daily drive an E90 BMW.

 

[pagrey]

I'm sure I'll get crap for this but here goes an estimated price guide:

Building for 31" tires - Total $1650

Just a bit of crap. Why would you spend $1650 to run 31" tires, they fit stock? The body lift makes no sense to me for 31s and you didn't even mention shocks which are probably the most important for the ride issues and changing back to 31s. They are necessary. Just hope nobody takes your list too seriously.

 

[jeepguy03]

Just a bit of crap. Why would you spend $1650 to run 31" tires, they fit stock? The body lift makes no sense to me for 31s and you didn't even mention shocks which are probably the most important for the ride issues and changing back to 31s. They are necessary. Just hope nobody takes your list too seriously.

+1

I have 1" H&R springs with some shocks, ZJ steering, and JKS quick discos and it works very well with 31x10.5's for not much money, rides good too. I think since the OP has 3" of lift and the modified fenders he should just stick with that height, fix the steering and shocks so it rides better, and stay with 32's if the gearing doesn't bother him. If it feels sluggish around town then maybe drop down to 31" tires.