Kludt

I am starting this so as I'm doing my build and have questions hopefully people will answer here and if other people are having the same questions maybe they can find their answers here as well. Now on to the build :
Here's what has been done so far:
2012 JKU Rubicon
17" procomp extreme wheels
Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ 305/65/17
JW Speaker Headlights
Rugged Ridge Front and Rear bumpers
Pair of KC lights mounted to the front bumper
Airaid cold air intake
Throttle body spacer (unknown brand)
Fortec complete floor mat set
Rough Country Neoprene front and rear seat covers
Rugged Ridge hood latches


Here is what I am planning on in the near future:
Some type of lift ( 3" max) I don't plan on going with a bigger tire
JW speaker tail lights
LED blinker and fender lights
Soft Top ( probably mopar)
Different Grille ( undecided on which one)
Stubby ends for the front bumper
Replace KC lights with an LED light bar
probably some more stuff lol

Kludt

This will eventually be a picture heavy thread because after each upgrade I will provide pictures. Here we go!!

Kludt

Here are the Rouch Country Neoprene Seat covers before and after install

Kludt

Rugged Ridge hood latches with a side by side of the stock ones I took off.

Kludt

My next upgrade will be a lift. I have already read the sticky on lifts, just wanting to see what recommendations people here have. I am looking at the budget kit with fox shocks from quadratec (2"), BDS 3" with fox shocks, AEV 2.5" dual sport, and a few others. I am not going to be doing serious off road stuff, but may hit a few light trails if I can get the time. Most of its time will be on road. I had almost decided on the AEV, but after talking to the local shop who sells BDS, Teraflex, and Rock Krawler they recommended the 3" bds with fox shocks. Since then I have been considering that or maybe just a budget kit like the Quadratec one. I have 70k miles on the stock suspension and figured puttin at least some new shocks on would benefit me. I'm not looking for a crazy full on $1500-2000 lift before install cost. I also don't plan on going to 35's or flat fenders either. Any input is greatly appreciated

Kludt

Here are some pics of the bumpers/ tire and wheel combo I'm running as well as the headlights.

nthinuf

You are burying your questions down inside a mountain of text and pics. You might get better advice in this Modified Tech thread if you re-organize a bit...

305/65/17 converts to something like 32.6" tall? With a section width of 12", or a treadwidth of what, 10-11"? Personally I would not go for a tall lift, especially since you have no intention of going to bigger tires. A cheap budget boost and new shocks will probably be fine for your needs. If you decide on coils, AEV gets good reviews. Or if you want something a little more robust, maybe look at Synergy or MetalCloak.

Jkforlife

Congrats on the expansion of your build. What do you plan on doing with you rig? Like what one of the members said above, you may not have to spend so much and lift it so past 1-2.5 inches.

TheDirtman

If anything, like said above, I would do is maybe a 3/4" coil spacer up front. Adding lift for the sake of adding a lift is just going to cost you money and likely headaches. Money would be better spent into bigger tires, flat fenders, and if you plan to take it off road then gearing and lockers.

resharp001

Agree with everything above. For the need you've described, I definitely wouldn't do what that shop is pushing you towards. The higher you go, the more you need to address, the more expensive the end tally will be. It's also gonna look a little odd if you're not going to go any larger than a 33" tire. A 2.5" lift with a 33 is right there on the border of starting to look a bit off IMO. Save some money, throw some small 1-2" pucks on top of the factory springs, paired with some shocks of your choosing, and correct caster if need be. It sounds like that would suit you just fine and leave you with money to put towards other upgrades you might find more useful.

Keep in mind that with 70k miles on the jeep, you might find yourself replacing some regular wear items (ball joints, DL ends, TR ends) in the future.....either with replacement parts or upgraded components.