Hi from the UK

After running 33's for 2 1/2 years I'm serious about upgrading to 35's on my 2 door JK. It's more to do with looks than function - 35's look badass.

I want to do this on a budget as I've spent way too much on the Jeep in the last 3 months on doors, lights, tyre carrier, etc.

I need some help on what I need to do and if possible links to the equipment I need to buy from the likes of Teraflex, and other decent companies.

My vehicle in stock form is a 2 door 2011/12 Sahara with a 2 1/2 inch Terraflex spring lift with shock extensions. Tyres are Mickey Thompson 285/70/R17 Baja MTZ. They're about an inch past the fender so I'd be looking to correct this. Also I don't want to have to chop or replace the fenders.

Tyres
The Mickey Thompson tyres I currently have are expensive at £230 each ($390). So, I would be interested in a cheaper aggressive mud tyre as I have to multiple this by 5 and I think I could possibly save several hundred £££'s here. They need to be good for the road though. What do you recommend? No all terrains please.

Axles
As this is the Sahara model will I need some axle strengthening? What are my options here and if you don't mind can you point me in the right direction of manufacturers parts.The only off roading I do is with the UK Jeep Owners Club three or four times a year and is mainly mud based, apart from that I stay on the tarmac.

Gears
Mine's an auto on standard gears, will this be OK or do I have to consider re-gearing.

I have the AEV Procal already, so no need to purchase that.

I have a Terraflex tire carrier and hinge on its way from Quadratec.

Is there anything else I've missed. Any advice is appreciated as I need to work out the total cost

 

2011 with a 3.8? 2012 with a 3.6? Split the difference and you have a 3.7?

Gearing choice will depend on which engine you have, and which gears you have now.

If you want to run 35's, and you don't want to chop the flares or go to flats, then you have some choices to make. Taller coils or coil spacers, and deal with any issues it causes. Body lift. Or maybe taller bumpstops would do it? If you choose a taller suspension lift, do some research so you have an idea of the common problems and how you will fix them. (driveshafts, high steer/drag link flip, body roll, caster/pinion, axle centering, brakelines, swaybar links, etc)

C Gussets would be a good start on the axle housing. Beyond that, get some quotes for the install of a truss and/or sleeves.

Are you considering adding traction when the gears go in?

For tires, I ran 35" Maxxis Bighorns for a while. They were about $100 cheaper per tire than the BFG KM2 or Goodyear MTR/K. Don't know if you can find them over there, but great tire for the money.