Here's the PLAN!!
 

Alright, after researching through the forum, and chatting with a few of you, I've come up with a plan to modify my 2008 4 Door, automatic transmission JK.

4.0 long arm lift, swaybar disconnects, adjustable track bars and steering stabilizer.

35" tires on 17" inch wheels, heavy duty spare tire carrier.

ARB front winch bumber with Warn Powerplant winch.

4.88 gearing.

Rock Rails.

Aftermarket front driveshaft.

Evap, SS, and Muffler relocate kits.

Now, where do you see problems, what should I look out for, and have I missed anything?

Looking for any and all advice.

Thanks,

Mac

Ah, right off the bat...lol.

So, would you recommend a lower lift? Maybe a 2.5 instead? Would I then need to go to say, 33" tires? Or will 35's still fit?

Thanks,

Mac

Also, since you're here in the area, any good shops around you'd recommend? I have been talking to the guys at 4WheelParts, both the one on 1960 north, and the one on Westheimer. Any pros or cons there?

Mac

cons = 4 Wheel Parts

Find a real shop.

I'd recommend getting the drive shafts. You very well may regret the smaller lift, but you won't great the drive shafts.

I wouldn't go with a smaller lift. Especially on a 4 door. I would plan on replacing the front driveshaft.

Ah, I see. So 4 Wheel Parts is not recommended? Didn't know that. I'll look for someone in the area who can recommend a good shop, thanks. I'm not sure whether to do the drive shaft, or to do the additional body lift as some others have said, I'll have to think on that and see what other advice I get.

Thanks,

Mac

Is that due to the longer wheelbase? It would appear it would take more to clear obstacles with the longer vehicle, much like my old cherokee's I had in the past.

Do you think the combination of the lower lift and then an additional body lift would be enough to do the same thing, but without the drive shaft issue?

Thanks,

Mac

That sounds VERY promising...

So the 4.88's provide enough power without any problems? I'd heard the 5.13's were better if running 35 inch tires, but if not needed, then 4.88's would be fine with me.

Interesting.

Thanks,

Mac

Hmmm, well, the first comment on the thread about the drive shaft angle did say "with that much lift" so I wasn't sure if it was simply due to doing a 3 - 3.5 inch lift that would cause it, and if less of a lift would mean it wasn't necessary. If not needed then it would seem the cleaner way to go would be to get the originally planned lift.

Lot's to think about, and only about a month before I plan to get started...lol.

Thanks,

Mac

Yes....I would definately lift a 4 door 3.5" or more. Not only does it look better, but when your going through boulder fields it's nice having a little bit of ground clearance underneath the jeep. A body lift works well for tire clearance but does not lift your transfer case, gas tank, etc...

Also.......after adding bumpers, winch, camping gear, airing down, etc...., your jeep will be sitting slightly lower.