I've read a bunch of threads and think I've got the right idea on where I'm heading with my jeep. But before I go and drop a ton of cash, just want to get the thumbs up from you guys (I see a lot of people make threads for advice and they always get great help).

I want to get a lift and 35s on, and to get there I know I'll need a few other things, just want to know what order to go in order to stay driving. I'll buy as I go prob. In my head, it'll be

terafex 3inch kit
tires
gears
tire carrier
wheels

I figure the lift kit and tires I'd do together because I don't know how it'd look lifted with stock tires, after that I'd add them as the money comes in. Just need to know what else I need with those as a first purchase (extended brake lines, gussets, wheel spaces, etc) and if I need to reorder that list. Thanks guys

 

i'm currently going through the exact same process you are right now .. and im running my 35's with no lift for a week now and it has been no problem (although ive had to resist from wheeling due to the lack of flex between the top of my tire and bottom of fender) .. getting the tires before the wheels you need to watch how wide they are because they may not fit with your lower control arm and sway bar link .. the pictures in my profile are of my jk with 35s and no lift

 

good point, hadn't thought about that. So, maybe get the wheels and tires together first and lift second. Looks like its pretty close in your pics though. It would kill me to wait until I have enough for all three though

 

You really need to watch the backspacing on your factory rims. Adding 35s will probably cause you a lot of rubbing (especially on the front links). if you don't want to splurge on wheels you might want to think about spacers.


Also food for thought: I bought my wheels and had my existing tires switched over, then 3 months later finally decided on my lift and tires. I basically threw away $200 on mounting and balancing tires, $200 that I could have put towards my tires if I had been patient. If you try tires then wheels you'll do the same.

With my aftermarket rim (I bought 5 wheels with 4.5" backspacing) I did not need a tire carrier. My full size spare fit fine, cleared the rear bumper, and doesn't block the brake light. NO ADAPTER or spacer was needed. I never use my spare (emergencies only!), so I bought a matching used tire and had it mounted for $50 total !!! Spare is in decent shape, more than suffucient to get me off a trail (or stay on a trail) and home if needed. Why pay full price for a new spare that never gets used?

Also, not sure about the 2011 models, my on my '08 I also had to trim my rock rails and body edge (behind the rock rail) in the rear fender. Simply hitting a speedbump with a rear passanger caused my tires to rub the rock rail hard. If I didn't have the rock rail I'm pretty sure that the sharp body corner would have made a mess of my tire. On the brigter side, at least I found out before I hit the trail!

Lastly, I keep meaning to check, but haven't....I'm not sure if my factory jack will work. might not be high enough to get my tire off of the ground.

 

So that you can rotate with 5 tires and have them last a lot longer.

Take a look at the AEV Jack Base

 

Thanks Maniac. I appreciate the feedback.

All the tire guys I've talked to basically said that rotating all 5 tires isn't really worth it. The 5th tire will have more tread on it, and it gets chewed up fast when tossing it on with 3 tires with less tread until it's similar. Overall tire life isn't increased enough to justify the cost of that 5th tire. Again, just what I've heard.


I've seen pics of the AEV jack base. Looks like I'll be tossing one in my Jeep.

Thanks again.