New to the TJ world, looking for some recommendations

[JNURubi]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and the world of TJ's, but not to Jeeps. My last Jeep was a 96 two-door XJ. My XJ was built for minor rock crawling, and desert adventures, however I moved to a place in Alaska that does not allow off-roading (that's about to change) and I sold it a few years back. The city approved an off-road park, which is currently in development, and that brought back the itch. My buddy picked up a TJ for a great deal, and decided he didn't want it, so I jumped on it! 2006 Rubicon. Right now it's sitting on 31's and I want to go up to a 33". This is where I need a little help. I have been looking at 3-3.5" kits, I think I have it narrowed down to JKS or BDS, but here are my questions: Upper/lower adjustable control arms front and back? Just lowers need to be adjustable? Looking at different kits, none of them offer all adjustable. will I need to replace DS with an aftermarket for a 3.5" lift? Will a 3.5" suspension lift only be adequate, or do I need to do a body lift? Thanks all in advance, and I am glad to finally join the TJ community! - David

 

[Chris]

For 33s you need a 4" lift. That can be achieved with a 3" suspension lift and a 1.25" body lift (i.e. Savvy), or it can be achieved with a 4" suspension lift and no body lift. If you go the body lift route you'll want a 1" MML as well.

Doesn't matter which way you go, but many like the body lift as it provides extra room for a tummy tuck (moving the transfer case up), etc.

You'll want double adjustable control arms and a DC driveshaft as well.

 

[JNURubi]

Thanks for the response Chris, definitely a different animal than the XJ. the suspension + Body seems like the way to go. And I apologize for my ignorance, but when you say double adjustable control arms, that is meaning uppers and lowers, front and rear, correct?

 

[jjvw]

.... With the Rubicon having a DC driveshaft, ...

The Rubicon does not have a factory double cardan rear drive shaft.

 

[L J]

welcome to the best TJ forum and congrats on your acquisition

 

[John Cooper]

Thanks for the response Chris, definitely a different animal than the XJ. the suspension + Body seems like the way to go. And I apologize for my ignorance, but when you say double adjustable control arms, that is meaning uppers and lowers, front and rear, correct?

Yes front, rear,upper and lower double adjustable. Savvy, Rockjock and Metalcloak all make them

 

[JNURubi]

The Rubicon does not have a factory double cardan rear drive shaft.

Ya, I was mistaken...

 

[JNURubi]

welcome to the best TJ forum and congrats on your acquisition

Thank you!