The never-ending "what do I need to lift" question

[Swedenboundanddown]

Hi

(first of all, sorry if my english is bad. Swede here

This summer have I, after a long time of saving up money and looking for "the right" car finally got myself a -97 TJ. I have had alot of other Jeeps (mostly XJ and ZJ becuase they were always a bit cheaper then the Wrangler).

It runs good, a bit more sluggish then I would expect but works good between asphalt and gravelroads. Also here in Sweden its now a very, very uncommon car. Rarley seen anyone driving the old ones anymore.

Anyways;
Im really looking forward to lift it. I have been vacuuming the forum and alot of sites for information and as it is now, I have my eyes on a Zone 4" lift kit - why this you might ask? Well, becuase its the only (full?) kit i can find that looks like it includes "all that I need to get going". Alot of sites and also ebay have very, VERY high shipping prices if they even ship it here.
Im thinking of fitting 31"-32" (or maybe 33") tires. Its my weekend driver, we use it to make roadtrips during summer and I use it when I go fish. It does not have to be the the most flexy and solid - also, im thinking that as soon as I have money i'll switch out the shocks for some Rancho ones.

But! questions...

One 4"SL kit or a 3"SL with a 1"BL? Any input on the diffrence between the geometry here?
How are Zone-stuff? I get that they are not the best-best but also not the worst-worst. Are they somewhere inbetween?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AdventurePig]

Hi

(first of all, sorry if my english is bad. Swede here

This summer have I, after a long time of saving up money and looking for "the right" car finally got myself a -97 TJ. I have had alot of other Jeeps (mostly XJ and ZJ becuase they were always a bit cheaper then the Wrangler).

It runs good, a bit more sluggish then I would expect but works good between asphalt and gravelroads. Also here in Sweden its now a very, very uncommon car. Rarley seen anyone driving the old ones anymore.

Anyways;
Im really looking forward to lift it. I have been vacuuming the forum and alot of sites for information and as it is now, I have my eyes on a Zone 4" lift kit - why this you might ask? Well, becuase its the only (full?) kit i can find that looks like it includes "all that I need to get going". Alot of sites and also ebay have very, VERY high shipping prices if they even ship it here.
Im thinking of fitting 31"-32" (or maybe 33") tires. Its my weekend driver, we use it to make roadtrips during summer and I use it when I go fish. It does not have to be the the most flexy and solid - also, im thinking that as soon as I have money i'll switch out the shocks for some Rancho ones.

But! questions...

One 4"SL kit or a 3"SL with a 1"BL? Any input on the diffrence between the geometry here?
How are Zone-stuff? I get that they are not the best-best but also not the worst-worst. Are they somewhere inbetween?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome! I think i’ve heard the same that zone kits kind of a middle ground?
I also hear good things about rancho shocks for these rigs.

I’m sure others will be along to offer direct experience, but you’re doing it right researching your options.

Looking forward to your project updates.

 

[TheBoogieman]

If your Jeep feels sluggish now, you should probably stick with 31" tires and a 2" lift or just a 1.25" BL.

BL and 31s.

p.s. If you decide on the Zone lift, go with the Zone 4.25" combo lift (3" SL/1.25" BL/1" MML) and get Rancho rs5000x shocks with it. I've used that lift on several of my Jeeps. I've had it on my current Jeep for over 7 years now.

 

[inkedrose]

That high of a lift you'll also need an SYE (Slip yolk eliminator) and a new drive shaft

 

[LONGJP2]

I have my eyes on a Zone 4" lift kit -

One 4"SL kit or a 3"SL with a 1"BL? Any input on the diffrence between the geometry here?

That Zone 4" (or 4.25) is probably a 3" SL with a BL.
Less SL will give you less geometry issues.

 

[TheBoogieman]

That Zone 4" (or 4.25) is probably a 3" SL with a BL.
Less SL will give you less geometry issues.

The 4.25" combo lift is (MML too). The 4" lift is all SL, with not so good, fixed control arms.

 

[Hennep87]

Hi

(first of all, sorry if my english is bad. Swede here

This summer have I, after a long time of saving up money and looking for "the right" car finally got myself a -97 TJ. I have had alot of other Jeeps (mostly XJ and ZJ becuase they were always a bit cheaper then the Wrangler).

It runs good, a bit more sluggish then I would expect but works good between asphalt and gravelroads. Also here in Sweden its now a very, very uncommon car. Rarley seen anyone driving the old ones anymore.

Anyways;
Im really looking forward to lift it. I have been vacuuming the forum and alot of sites for information and as it is now, I have my eyes on a Zone 4" lift kit - why this you might ask? Well, becuase its the only (full?) kit i can find that looks like it includes "all that I need to get going". Alot of sites and also ebay have very, VERY high shipping prices if they even ship it here.
Im thinking of fitting 31"-32" (or maybe 33") tires. Its my weekend driver, we use it to make roadtrips during summer and I use it when I go fish. It does not have to be the the most flexy and solid - also, im thinking that as soon as I have money i'll switch out the shocks for some Rancho ones.

But! questions...

One 4"SL kit or a 3"SL with a 1"BL? Any input on the diffrence between the geometry here?
How are Zone-stuff? I get that they are not the best-best but also not the worst-worst. Are they somewhere inbetween?

Thanks in advance!

I don’t know if they ship to Sweden but you should try https://eshop.rbs-handel.de/en/
It’s in Germany and they also shipped to Portugal for a reasonable price.

 

[Swedenboundanddown]

If your Jeep feels sluggish now, you should probably stick with 31" tires and a 2" lift or just a 1.25" BL.

Yeah, you are right. Didnt really think that much about it, but of course bigger tires will make it feel more sluggish Good input

BL and 31s.


p.s. If you decide on the Zone lift, go with the Zone 4.25" combo lift (3" SL/1.25" BL/1" MML) and get Rancho rs5000x shocks with it. I've used that lift on several of my Jeeps. I've had it on my current Jeep for over 7 years now.

Jesus christ, looks really good! Did you have any problems with vibrations or the feeling that the geometry is off with the 4.25"-kit?

That high of a lift you'll also need an SYE (Slip yolk eliminator) and a new drive shaft

Good input! Have read alot about that. Even if I use the kit mentioned above? (3" SL/1.25" BL/1" MML) Of course that can be very indiviual on how worn out bushings are.

That Zone 4" (or 4.25) is probably a 3" SL with a BL.
Less SL will give you less geometry issues.

Also very good input. Im mostly guessing now but the kit above will get my geometry back ("back") a bit to normal levels, right?

I don’t know if they ship to Sweden but you should try https://eshop.rbs-handel.de/en/
It’s in Germany and they also shipped to Portugal for a reasonable price.

I know about them, and thanks for the comment, but they dont have any lift kits (right now?).


Edit: Found a zone 4.25"-kit on ebay for a fairly OK price. Unfortunately they dont ship to Sweden

 

[JMT]

Yeah, you are right. Didnt really think that much about it, but of course bigger tires will make it feel more sluggish Good input

Jesus christ, looks really good! Did you have any problems with vibrations or the feeling that the geometry is off with the 4.25"-kit?


Good input! Have read alot about that. Even if I use the kit mentioned above? (3" SL/1.25" BL/1" MML) Of course that can be very indiviual on how worn out bushings are.


Also very good input. Im mostly guessing now but the kit above will get my geometry back ("back") a bit to normal levels, right?


I know about them, and thanks for the comment, but they dont have any lift kits (right now?).


Edit: Found a zone 4.25"-kit on ebay for a fairly OK price. Unfortunately they dont ship to Sweden

2.5” suspension lift could produce vibes. It’s reall your Jeep’s tolerances. Anything over that is very likely to produce vibes. So, if you’re going 2.5”+ be prepared to get an SYE and new rear driveshaft. Other options are to drop the TCase or try a 1”MML to try to reduce that angle.

It’s also at 2.5”+ that you start needing other things like adjustable front trackbar and adjustable control arms.

If you added a 2” spacer lift (front and rear) or 2” OME (933/942), then you could add a 1.25” body lift and 1” motor mount lift and be set up to run 32’s

 

[Swedenboundanddown]

2.5” suspension lift could produce vibes. It’s reall your Jeep’s tolerances. Anything over that is very likely to produce vibes. So, if you’re going 2.5”+ be prepared to get an SYE and new rear driveshaft. Other options are to drop the TCase or try a 1”MML to try to reduce that angle.

It’s also at 2.5”+ that you start needing other things like adjustable front trackbar and adjustable control arms.

If you added a 2” spacer lift (front and rear) or 2” OME (933/942), then you could add a 1.25” body lift and 1” motor mount lift and be set up to run 32’s

Yeah. I figured after reading alot of posts. Im not afraid to "add more" to what I need to change but I cant really afford to do it all at the same time

I am not a fan of just pushing in some distances on the already old coil springs since I dont know how old they are (probably from 1997 ).
I have found new 2.5" springs and a 1" motormount and then I'll add the rancho RS5000x and next time I'll take trackbar/control arms etcetera.

Edit: Or maybe the 2.5" on new springs and a 1" BL to get most bang-for-buck?

 

[Rickyd]

What are your axle gear ratios? That is going to decide tire size as much as anything. 3.07 leave stock tires on. 3.55 or 3.73 you could run 31's.

If you aren't going to regear and don't have 3.07 gears i would just put 1-2" coil spacers and shocks for 0-2" lift. Then mount 31" tires.

It will look good and function great without spending 5000$.

@TheBoogieman where's your pic of the jeep on 31 swampers?

 

[Swedenboundanddown]

What are your axle gear ratios? That is going to decide tire size as much as anything. 3.07 leave stock tires on. 3.55 or 3.73 you could run 31's.

If you aren't going to regear and don't have 3.07 gears i would just put 1-2" coil spacers and shocks for 0-2" lift. Then mount 31" tires.

It will look good and function great without spending 5000$.

@TheBoogieman where's your pic of the jeep on 31 swampers?

I have a Dana 35(c?) and a quick google search says: "3.07, 3.55, 3.73, 4.11, 4.56" Is that for each gear? 5 speed manual

I have no plans to regear (and dont think anyone can do it close to where I live).

Yeah, I have kinda set my mind to 31" tires, but I dont wanna regret doing stuff on the way

 

[JMT]

I have a Dana 35(c?) and a quick google search says: "3.07, 3.55, 3.73, 4.11, 4.56" Is that for each gear? 5 speed manual

I have no plans to regear (and dont think anyone can do it close to where I live).

Yeah, I have kinda set my mind to 31" tires, but I dont wanna regret doing stuff on the way

You can always do a 2” lift and 31’s now and add the body lift and motor mount lift later if you want to go up to 32’s or 33’s.

You just have one ratio in your differentials. Stock Dana 30/Dana 35 was either 3.07, 3.55, or 3.73 for the 4.0L.

There’s often a small metal tag on the side of the differential cover under two of the bolt heads that will have the number. If it’s gone you can count the teeth on the ring and pinion and divide the former by the latter to get the ratio. Or you can figure it out by comparing wheel rotation with driveshaft rotation. I’m tired of finger typing on my phone though.

You have an AX-15 transmission.

 

[Hennep87]

I know about them, and thanks for the comment, but they dont have any lift kits (right now?).

Oh sorry, my bad. I got mine from Holland..

https://www.jeepparts.nl/c/automerken/jeep/wrangler-tj/liftkit-verhogingsets-wrangler-tj/

 

[TheBoogieman]

What are your axle gear ratios? That is going to decide tire size as much as anything. 3.07 leave stock tires on. 3.55 or 3.73 you could run 31's.

If you aren't going to regear and don't have 3.07 gears i would just put 1-2" coil spacers and shocks for 0-2" lift. Then mount 31" tires.

It will look good and function great without spending 5000$.

@TheBoogieman where's your pic of the jeep on 31 swampers?

 

[Swedenboundanddown]

Looking super good! Is that on 2” and 31”?

 

[TheBoogieman]

Looking super good! Is that on 2” and 31”?

Yes.

 

[Swedenboundanddown]

Alright!

It. Is. Done.

Yesterday I order 2” springs (mostly because I think my current ones are in bad condition, and because I dont like the idea to put hockeypucks on top of old ones)

And I got Rancho5000X shocks, fit for 2-3” lift.

Everything for around 13.500 swedish kronor and thats $1.185 for you

Its alot but it feels good and its gonna be fun to do it.

4 weeks until it arrives!

Thanks a lot for all the help!

 

[bbhoward]

If your Jeep feels sluggish now, you should probably stick with 31" tires and a 2" lift or just a 1.25" BL.

BL and 31s.
View attachment 592713

p.s. If you decide on the Zone lift, go with the Zone 4.25" combo lift (3" SL/1.25" BL/1" MML) and get Rancho rs5000x shocks with it. I've used that lift on several of my Jeeps. I've had it on my current Jeep for over 7 years now.
View attachment 592709

Love your setup! and the red! Did you have to change control arms or anything else with the 4.25 combo lift?

 

[fourpointzero]

Love your setup! and the red! Did you have to change control arms or anything else with the 4.25 combo lift?

You don't 'have to' go with adjustable. I have a 3.5 lift on my TJ (close to 10 years now) and contrary to popular believe it never needed adjustable control arms, before or after installing a SYE kit and double cardan drive shaft @the rear. I did however replace all of my old control arms with fresh new EO arms. A note about the combo lift —it gains the extra height using a body lift.