Estimate to install lift and new tires

[Chris]

Hi Chris. Thank you for suggested post. I've read a few posts from you before.

Questions:
1. Having a Body lift with new motor mounts installed sounds expensive compared to just having a Suspension lift. Am I wrong?
2. Why would my local guy try talking me out of Body lift hybrid suspension? When I spoke to him he was dismissive of the idea.
3. Since the Rubicon has 31" tires stock, would 2 inches be enough for 33"?????

Agh, Maybe I'll just drive it Stock. I'm getting used to the 31" on the Rubicon.

1) A body lift and MML install would be far cheaper than a suspension lift install.
2) Because your local guy (like so many of them) don't know what they're talking about plain and simple. A body lift is a great thing as long as it's not over the standard 1.25".
3) 2.5" of suspension lift plus 1.25" of body lift would be enough for 33s.

If you don't intend to do any rock crawling I highly advise 31s.

 

[Painfultruth]

Thanks, I will ask about the upper control arms. So, NO Ranchos?? LOL Got it. Bilsteins? Fox?

Bilstein’s are a better product from a quality standpoint and you already have experience with them so you know what you’re getting into.

 

[YonderNorthwest]

Thanks, I will ask about the upper control arms. So, NO Ranchos?? LOL Got it. Bilsteins? Fox?

I've run both Bilsteins and Fox. You get what you pay for. But do some research here about who you are sourcing from. I got lucky and mine are tuned/valved/whatever for my weight. Apparently not all off-the-shelf Fox shocks for our TJs are created equal.

 

[LONGJP2]

So, NO Ranchos?? LOL Got it. Bilsteins? Fox?

You'll find a lot more yes recommendations for Rancho than the one guy who told you no.
Usually comes down to money. YRMV

Also, I get not wanting to lay on the ground, but a lift is not necessary.
There are some things that need to be done at ride height with the weight of the vehicle on the ground.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Bilstein’s are a better product from a quality standpoint

Just not a ride standpoint.

 

[Claybirdd]

I tried Blistens and Ranchos. I much preferred Rancho.

 

[jjvw]

Just not a ride standpoint.

Pick your poison. If a mushy wallowing boat is what you are after, then the Rancho 5000x will do that. If you want more movement control at the expense of small event harshness, then the Bilstein 5100 is an option.

 

[18thcenturyguy]

1) A body lift and MML install would be far cheaper than a suspension lift install.
2) Because your local guy (like so many of them) don't know what they're talking about plain and simple. A body lift is a great thing as long as it's not over the standard 1.25".
3) 2.5" of suspension lift plus 1.25" of body lift would be enough for 33s.

If you don't intend to do any rock crawling I highly advise 31s.

It already has 31 inch tires, stock Rubicon. That's why i believed that a 2 to 3" lift would allow me 33"s w/o much else. Isn't the Rubicon already a bit higher than a sport or Se??

 

[RHanna]

If it were me given the offroad driving you plan on doing, I would buy a winch, transfer case skid plate/ engine skid plate, and maybe a new bumper for the winch. I feel like your rubicon is very capable of doing the things you want.

 

[Rickyd]

Put in some 1" spring spacers(or 1" springs) and matching shocks and go have fun.

Your jeep will look lifted and be a bit less likely to bottom out on those dirt roads.

31s and a 1" lift is a nice look on tjs'

 

[TheBoogieman]

Pick your poison. If a mushy wallowing boat is what you are after, then the Rancho 5000x will do that. If you want more movement control at the expense of small event harshness, then the Bilstein 5100 is an option.

My Rancho shocks are much firmer than my old Zone hydros. You and mrblaine have much different opinions on the Bilsteins. Small event harshness is everytime you drive your Jeep on the street. Trail rig....fine. For me it's a no go, as I drive mine daily.

 

[jjvw]

My Rancho shocks are much firmer than my old Zone hydros. You and mrblaine have much different opinions on the Bilsteins. Small event harshness is everytime you drive your Jeep on the street. Trail rig....fine. For me it's a no go, as I drive mine daily.

It isn't a defense of Bilstein. They are annoying shocks in a different way than the Ranchos are.

 

[JMT]

It already has 31 inch tires, stock Rubicon. That's why i believed that a 2 to 3" lift would allow me 33"s w/o much else. Isn't the Rubicon already a bit higher than a sport or Se??

No, you need 3+” total lift to run 33’s even on a Rubicon. If you’re trying to avoid a ball of wax with your driveline angles you will want to reach that amount of lift by a combination body + suspension lift. 1.25” body lift + 2” suspension lift will get you there.

Bilstein’s are notoriously harsh. Rancho’s are notoriously mushy. Between the two the vast majority prefer Rancho’s. There is another option that many seem to be satisfied with, and that is the Skyjacker BlackMax. There is nothing magical about any off-the-shelf TJ shock. I’ve had Bilstein and Rancho’s and Fox and prefer the Rancho’s. I have not tried the BlackMax and I’m not going to try them.

You can do the lift, but I get it about being on your back at 52. Not fun for a couple days, but I see you have some mechanic friends. I did it first when I was 44 and had only ever changed my oil about 2 times. I’ve now done it three more times, twice on TJ’s and once on a Ram 1500, with innumerable changes to my own rig. The Ram was just a few weeks ago and I was 51. It was ok, and we got it done for my son in law. I didn’t feel so great after, but I’m ok and I’ve got back issues, so it’s not the end of the world. Sure would save you some coin and also you learn what is happening as others suggested. Your decision though. I get it.