Lifting a JK
 

Hey all I was wondering if i could get some advice on lifting a jeep. Now I know that is a broad topic to go on but, what I am looking for is the height I should go (considering tire size) and what I would need. I know they sell lift kits and such, but what I am thrown off about a little is what else I would need to do to make the lift work 100% cause it would blow my mind if everything in the kit is all you need lol. ( I come from a tuner background and when we lower the cars on coil overs or springs there is always more you have to change along with it) now I would like to go 37" tires on a 17" or 18" rim, and I want it with a enough clearance to take it off road. But the thing is I don't want it to high because I'm gunna be honest I'm not the tallest dude, and my gf is 5'0" and she needs to get in and out as well comfortably. so if you guys can throw me photos, of your rides hight and what they look like in comparison to people or trees or even a measuring tape. and also advice on what else I would need so I don't break anything on my first run out in the wild. THANKS!

-J.Clarke

Yes, most lift kits include everything you need to lift your JK. But with a 37 inch tall tire, you will have to regear the axles or the JK will be a complete dog. The JK's are geared to high from the factory so regearing with a tire that tall is a must.

You should consider 35s. Plenty of height for lots and lots of off-road challenges. Not so much lift that you run into as many additional mods (rear upper control arms, driveshafts, etc). 2.5" is enough for them. Even that may be a little tall for your GF.

A coil lift with new, extended shocks will give better off-road performance than a budget boost (spacer lift), or coil lift with shock extensions.

If you want a "complete" 2.5" lift, include extended brake lines, adjustable front and rear trackbars, front lower adjustable control arms, and rear spring wedges. These are optional, but will allow you to fully align your lifted Jeep, and take care of rear spring bow. You can add them piecemeal, as your budget suits.

As previously mentioned, you will probably want to regear.

This is a good point, indirectly related to your question about lifts and tires. That is, with 35s it's prudent, and with 37s generally considered mandatory, to beef up the front axle with gussets and sleeves. You may wish to replace the front axle shafts, too.

You had asked for pic's and I was on my phone before where it's less convenient to supply links to pic's, so here are a few pic's ...

Bear in mind that my configuration is described in my signature, except I had OME heavy duty shocks on the rear when these pic's were shot to counter the sag from heavy weight of overhead rack, rear bumper, gear, supplies, spares, etc.
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._3016028_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._4091139_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...5_266785_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._4183429_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...5_738431_n.jpg

Spend some time here also:

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...ery-Newbie-Has

Here is my girl's stock sahara next to my 2" lift on 33s. She is 5'8" and has to hop into my rig.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...3vssahara1.jpg

IcyFridge - Great looking ride and the exact stance I am going for. I have been toying with the Teraflex 2.5 BB but looking at the stance of your JK I think I can get away with a 2" lift. What brand of lift do you have and what is the size of the tire you are running?

Thanks.

I am running a BDS 2" Budget Boost with 285/70R17 Duratracs on 17x8 4.5" ATX Mojave Teflons.

If you ever think about going bigger, get the Teraflex 2.5" Budget Boost. It is a great kit and might make the 33s look small, but at least you'll be ready for 35s if you ever decide on that.

As for me, I am happy with my lift and may slap on some new 34" BFG KM2s under there (I do not disco when I wheel so rubbing is not a concern). Its all trail rides and mud for me.

Thanks that is perfect. My concern with just doing the 2" BB and 33's was that it would have about the same spacing between the tires and fenders as stock. But yours tells me otherwise. I have an 2011 sport unlimited and plan on keeping the stock wheels, powder coating the surface of the wheels black, leaving the holes and triangles silver, add wheel spacers and the KM2's as well. Mine will be mainly a daily driver with trail riding only. The only other concern is the additional weight may not look as tall.

Hey guys thanks for the info. So a 2" lift should e sufficient for on and off road? Cause I was thinking around 3" to 3.5" or is that really too much and is it easy to do the regearing yourself?