I am a new JK owner and I already have in mind what I want to do to my jeep and I like to get all my ducks in a row before hand. The main thing is get bigger mud tires, no bigger than 34 35's. I want to know if I could fit those with just a simple leveling kit? And if i might have to change my gear ratio? If so I would really love to see a pic of anyones ride with that kind of set up. I do not feel like spending the money on a full lift as i am a college student. Also I want to get a nice solid full length bumper with a brush guard with light brackets for a good price. I was wondering if at a certain weight would the bumper affect the jeep in anyway if it was much heavier than the stock bumper and if so how much. Im sure there is another thread like this but I just want to be clear on everything. All replies are appreciated!

Please help me if you can, I am itching to get this bad boy looking mean!

 

You can clear those tires without a lift BUT, it will take a few other modifications.. You will most likely need more fender clearance, with aftermarket flares like bushwhacker flat flares, or trim your flares like I did. You will also most likely need wheels with a different backspacing or wheel spacers. As far as bumpers there are a TON of them out there. Just get online and find one you want. My bumper is a bit heavier than stock but nothing to worry about. Also depending on what gears you have right now you might be ok with that size tire. Also the year of the jeep makes a difference. Being a college student you might not want to spend the money to regear right now as it could be pretty pricey..

 

Look into the teraflex leveling kit. It's 2" in front and 1" in the rear. I believe it slightly over corrects the front rake so when you throw on your new bumper it should look about level. Also search the show and tell categorie for " show your 33's, 35's, leveling kit " and there may be a thread for budget boosts.

 

I wouldn't suggest 35's without really committing to road driving. Then the gearing; if you have an automatic the 35's are going to suck out your power. They will also beat up you steering components i.e ball joints. If you go off road those 35's will take off your flares (as the others have been describing)... 35's on a stock d30 are possible if really pampered but who wants to pamper a jeep

 

I think I am gonna go with the Teraflex 2.5 lift with shocks. I think that will be better and wont have to worry about sagging if i put a bumper one there. It will mainly be a dd but offroad too. Another question is will i have to get anything else like an adjustable track bar?

I work alot of hours so i dont have that much time to research these questions too much so i appreciate all the help i recieve!

 

You really do not need a adjustable trackbar with this kit. However you will need 1.25" wheelspacers or new wheels with 4.5" or less backspacing to clear the rear wheels vs. the swaybar links.

 

which will have the least amount of strain on my axle? and if i went with the wheelspacers would i need them for all for tires or just the rear?

 

The spacers will stop wheel interference with your suspension components. 35" tires are typically wider and will rub your control arms and such during full turns, therefore you should get spacers on front more so than rear (but get both so it doesn't look funny)