I have no doubt the stock configuration could at perform my skills. But since driving to work and hauling the family around is going to be a majority of the use, I'm not "overly" concerned about the off-road capabilities. That being said, as I mentioned before, I'd like to take it off-road and have some fun with it. I also don't want to do things just for looks, but have it look like a joke on wheels because it's clear to the off-roaders that my vehicle isn't used in such a way very much.

To my eyes, my Jeep looks like a wienie. It needs something more to give it that "look" that I love about Wranglers. I want to give it that look, while also being practical and capable for my type of driving.

After the responses here, if I go with 33s, I'll probably just level it out and skip the 2.5" kit. If I can do the same thing with 35s and just add some aftermarket flats (don't want to cut my painted factory flares), I might consider going that way and just add a 2.5" lift sometime down the road. With either option, I would be getting new wheels, so I could get proper backspacing.

 

"practical" is what you are in conflict with. IF you wanted something practical to drive to work and haul the family around it would be a minivan, but I understand where you are coming from. You will find that "practical" has little to do with the jeep.

 

You're right. I mean practical within bounds. I have no intentions of ever running 37s or have some hardcore crawler suspension setup. It just wouldn't make sense. I understand there will be tradeoffs when I start making changes. I can accept some of those compromises to the sense of practicality. I traded a 2013 Camaro ZL1 convertible on this Jeep, because the Jeep would be more practical for hauling my wife and two kids. I traded a Porsche Cayman on the ZL1 because the ZL1 was more practical for the family with a back seat. So my since of "practical" might be a little different from the minivan drivers. Along wit the ZL1, I traded a 2013 F150 Limited. My thoughts with the Jeep would be that I would combine the fun of the ZL1 convertible with the practicality and utility of the F150. Of course it's not a perfect combination, but I think I can make this thing look better, be fun, and still be "practical" for my typical use.

And I have to say that my oldest daughter (4 years old) loves it. The first time we went for a drive with the top off and the doors removed, she was really excited. She started calling the Jeep "Awesome Dog". So I guess that's its name.

 

Just the flats. Its great 99% of the time. But, I have rubbed and just wanted to be clear about that. I like the way its set up and wouldn't change anything just to avoid those rare times I fully compress the springs (which has been maybe twice in 4 years and 6 camping trips).

 

If it is a minor amount of rubbing you could add just a little bump stop for a few bucks to prevent it permanently.

One thing to keep in mind OP, adding lift does not prevent rubbing, it makes it possible to add appropriate length bump stops to prevent the rubbing without reducing travel.