Good Morning fellow Jeepers.

I am a Wrangler newbie as this is my first Wrangler. Just picked up a 2008 X a week ago. Now as many newbies I have a couple of questions. I’ve been browsing the forum for 2 hours almost every night for the past two weeks just drooling and wanting things my little wallet can’t afford. Well my newbie question is about lifts. I am new so please pardon my ignorance.

Background Info
I plan on offroading, nothing to big like rock crawling, 3 or 4 times during the warmer seasons.
- 3.73 gears
- Want to go with 33’s
- The Jeep is my DD

1st Question: Does a lift void the ‘lifetime’ warranty?

2nd Question: I want a 3” lift fo’ sho’ but I just don’t know what to get. I mean I don’t know what’s good out there. I don’t want to get screwed with buying something expensive (because most ppl correlate high price with high quality, when it’s not always the case) and it not being worth it. I was looking at the full traction 3” premium but for $1100 pretty steep. But then again I want a lift that will last. Please recommend others.

3rd Question: Does the Full Traction 3” economy come with quick disconnects for the sway bar?

4th Question: Do I have to do any other mods like drive line and brake line and all that when getting a lift? I’m not so mechanically savvy and just want a lift without changing up so much of the vehicle. I don’t want a budget boost or anything like that.

5th Question: Anyone got that Ipod holder and if so how is it working out?

Any insight would be great. Anyone in Chicago want to go off-roading in the warmer months please let me know. You’ll probably be pulling me out of messes my noob ass will get into. But guess you gotta start somewhere.

Thanks Mo

 

Just my 2 cents and I am no expert by any means.

If you are going with 33's, stay with a 2 to 2 1/2 inch lift. 3 inch lift will give you closer to 4 and look a little funny with 33's, also you stay away from driveline problems with the shorter lifts.

 

I'd suggest trying the trails before any mods. The JK is installed with 32" tires, so you might find you can travel the trails you use with little modification.

View the Jeep Jamboree site for some info on trail ratings and the capability of the vehicles they require. Your might be surprised.

SV

 

x2. I almost think some 2.5 inch lifts look a little goofy with the 33in tire. Most of the 33's on here are either no lift or the 2.5inch terraflex lift. Those with the larger 33's (closer to 34 in size) seem to look good with the 2.5.

If you're really looking to spend that much money on a lift kit, you might as well go for broke, install new gears, get the lift and big 35's or even 37's.


Everybody has different opinions of lift kits, but you may want to search this forum, because the different brands have been discussed before


As far as ipod holder goes? what are you talking about?

 

Would you have any recommendations as to what brands are reputable?

The aftermarket ipod holder i believe its the bracket one that sticks out of the right side of the radio. Just wondering if anyone has used it and likes it.

 

If you're talking about lifts (for the brands), many people on here are running the Teraflex budget boost and love it. The price is great, the kit is complete, and install is a breeze. Also, Teraflex is a sponsor of this website, and somebody from their company spends some time checking this forum occasionally. I've seen them step in and help settle any little issues Teraflex owners have. That's a great quality in my book, which is why they're at the head of my list as of right now.

There's also a 2inch coil lift being used happily by many jeepers here too. It's an Old Man Emu kit, and often gives you much more than 2inches (until the coils compress some, I guess). It's a lot more expensive than the Teraflex, and I'm also looking into it... Though I'm leaning towards the TF.


As far as iPod holders go... I haven't seen anybody with them. I know several members have rigged up their own mounts similiar to the aftermarket mount you're desciribing. They use it, though, for GPS or as a holder for a CB mic. I personally keep my iPod in my lap, so I can use it like a remote to change songs.

 

I run the 2.5 Teraflex BB. My tires are right around 33.8" tall. I put three inch springs up front to correct the rake. I think that the front actually sits about .5" higher right now but if and when I add an aftermarket bumber and winch I think it will sit perfect. I also added the tera flex quick discos which are great. I think it is a great package for the price. I couldn't be more pleased. Good luck!

 

Run the trails a few times before you open the wallet. See what it can/can't do before you get bit by the mod bug. Then decide just what you want it TO do. There's alot to consider before plunking down hard earned cash for lift/tires/wheels/gears/etc.

Also before you consider doing something "fo sho", consider first what it's doing to your Center Of Gravity (COG). I'm a maximum tire/minimum lift kind of guy. So long as I can stuff the wheel, without rubbing, at max flex I'm a happy guy. Lifted Jeeps look great, but they can be dangerous if not done right.

Do your homework, and webcrawling, before you take the plunge!!

Good Luck!

 

teraflex 2.5 with stock tires looks good in my opinion and very capable

 

Question #1&2 Does not affect lifetime warranty BUT you have to have a certified shop and installer install the stuff. 4wheel parts does mine. (things that could possibly affect any warranties.)

I run a 2.5" skyjacker lift and havent rubbed 35" MT Baha tires yet, the lift was installed by the dealer as was the wheels and tires...

Keep in mind when you change tire size you will definatly want to RE-GEAR...
Another thing 4:56 gears with 33" tires are a good match if your near hills and especially if you have an automatic..... another thing 4:56 gears are a special item made by Superior gear and the delivery time may run 9-15 weeks plus they cost more than the on the shelf 4:88 sets that are also cheaper. BUT you may want to consider
35" tires at that point for your DD (4:88) ratio and 35" tire size are more compatible..... you would'nt be turning to many rpm's.....name of the game is to keep RPM as close to stock as possible.

Question #3 Not a clue

Question #4 every thing should come with any quality lift kit........... "small wallet" question what lift will work for you or what lift will impress buddies?

Question #5 ???? not important

Last summer when in Chicago you needed a high clearance vehicle to get down Cicero and tons of other streets due to truck lanes and pot holes