Newbie Question regarding tires and suspension
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Mentor, OH
Newbie Question regarding tires and suspension
So I'm an obvious newbie, just picked up a 2007 JK with 19k miles on it 2 weeks ago. First mod I want to do is get new tires on the stock rims. I am looking at the Goodyear Duratrac 275/70/r18s, or the 275/65/r18s. Regarding suspension, if I want to run these with the least amount of other mods, what is my best route to go? I've seen some posts on here with people who have done Spacers & disconnects, or leveling kits...but I'm not 100% familiar with the technical aspect of this. Can someone further explain.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 1
From: The San Andreas Fault
If you done so already, you may want to check the FAQ regarding lift and tires:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/modified-tech-faq-answers-questions-every-newbie-has-18617/
and this active thread which addresses a very similar question:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/33s-stock-sahara-104851/
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/modified-tech-faq-answers-questions-every-newbie-has-18617/
and this active thread which addresses a very similar question:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/33s-stock-sahara-104851/
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Get the leveling kit (raises the front 2" and the rear 1")
Go with the 275/70/r18, since it is about an inch taller than the other one. Both sizes are under 11" wide, so you shouldn't have any issues using the stock rims. If you want a 'wider' stance, add wheel spacers to push the tires out 1.5" on each side.
Adding disconnects is a preference. Take it offroad with just the lift and tires and see how it performs. If you decide you want a bit more articulation, add a set. If it performs ok as is, don't worry about it. (or check the write-ups area for threads on making your stock links into disco's with cheap parts from the hardware store.)
Go with the 275/70/r18, since it is about an inch taller than the other one. Both sizes are under 11" wide, so you shouldn't have any issues using the stock rims. If you want a 'wider' stance, add wheel spacers to push the tires out 1.5" on each side.
Adding disconnects is a preference. Take it offroad with just the lift and tires and see how it performs. If you decide you want a bit more articulation, add a set. If it performs ok as is, don't worry about it. (or check the write-ups area for threads on making your stock links into disco's with cheap parts from the hardware store.)
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 0
From: LSU-Death Valley, Louisiana
Get the leveling kit (raises the front 2" and the rear 1")
Go with the 275/70/r18, since it is about an inch taller than the other one. Both sizes are under 11" wide, so you shouldn't have any issues using the stock rims. If you want a 'wider' stance, add wheel spacers to push the tires out 1.5" on each side.
Adding disconnects is a preference. Take it offroad with just the lift and tires and see how it performs. If you decide you want a bit more articulation, add a set. If it performs ok as is, don't worry about it. (or check the write-ups area for threads on making your stock links into disco's with cheap parts from the hardware store.)
Go with the 275/70/r18, since it is about an inch taller than the other one. Both sizes are under 11" wide, so you shouldn't have any issues using the stock rims. If you want a 'wider' stance, add wheel spacers to push the tires out 1.5" on each side.
Adding disconnects is a preference. Take it offroad with just the lift and tires and see how it performs. If you decide you want a bit more articulation, add a set. If it performs ok as is, don't worry about it. (or check the write-ups area for threads on making your stock links into disco's with cheap parts from the hardware store.)
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 355
Likes: 1
From: Castle Rock, CO
Definitely read up on the tech link that spinlock posted. If you want to run stock tires and give it a little lift, I like the Teraflex 2" in the front 1" in the back leveling kit. It takes out the factory rake (lower in the front end from the factory). I put it on my Rubicon 2dr with some 1.5" hubcentric wheel spacers and it looks pretty good. I paid $119 shipped from Northridge 4x4.
Easy install, I'm running it until I can save up for the lift and tires I want.
http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...rod=TF-1155200
Easy install, I'm running it until I can save up for the lift and tires I want.
http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...rod=TF-1155200
Last edited by KSRubicon; Nov 2, 2009 at 11:09 AM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Cedar City, Utah
Get the leveling kit (raises the front 2" and the rear 1")
Go with the 275/70/r18, since it is about an inch taller than the other one. Both sizes are under 11" wide, so you shouldn't have any issues using the stock rims. If you want a 'wider' stance, add wheel spacers to push the tires out 1.5" on each side.
Adding disconnects is a preference. Take it offroad with just the lift and tires and see how it performs. If you decide you want a bit more articulation, add a set. If it performs ok as is, don't worry about it. (or check the write-ups area for threads on making your stock links into disco's with cheap parts from the hardware store.)
Go with the 275/70/r18, since it is about an inch taller than the other one. Both sizes are under 11" wide, so you shouldn't have any issues using the stock rims. If you want a 'wider' stance, add wheel spacers to push the tires out 1.5" on each side.
Adding disconnects is a preference. Take it offroad with just the lift and tires and see how it performs. If you decide you want a bit more articulation, add a set. If it performs ok as is, don't worry about it. (or check the write-ups area for threads on making your stock links into disco's with cheap parts from the hardware store.)
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JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Needed, no.
They are preferences...
Stock shocks will limit travel slightly, longer shocks or shock extensions will allow a bit more. (Shock extensions are inexpensive and would work fine up front, but aren't needed. Or, if you don't like the ride from the factory shocks, and have no intention of going to a taller lift, you could consider new shocks)
At only 2"/1" of lift, the axles won't be shifted enough to need trackbars or relo brackets. (add them when you get around to it if the slight axle offset bugs you...)
The front brake lines have plenty of slack build in, and the rears will be fine with only 1" of lift back there. (or, if it makes you feel better having them, spend $5 at the hardware store and add a set to the rear. Quick and easy)
The only issue you may run into is with disconnecting and the possibility of having the new, taller, front tires contact the fenders. Bumpstops are inexpensive, but you may not know that you need them until you actually disconnect and flex. (it is much better to install them when you add the kit, rather than finding out afterward and having to tear the front end apart a second time to add them. - ask me how I know...
)
They are preferences...
Stock shocks will limit travel slightly, longer shocks or shock extensions will allow a bit more. (Shock extensions are inexpensive and would work fine up front, but aren't needed. Or, if you don't like the ride from the factory shocks, and have no intention of going to a taller lift, you could consider new shocks)
At only 2"/1" of lift, the axles won't be shifted enough to need trackbars or relo brackets. (add them when you get around to it if the slight axle offset bugs you...)
The front brake lines have plenty of slack build in, and the rears will be fine with only 1" of lift back there. (or, if it makes you feel better having them, spend $5 at the hardware store and add a set to the rear. Quick and easy)
The only issue you may run into is with disconnecting and the possibility of having the new, taller, front tires contact the fenders. Bumpstops are inexpensive, but you may not know that you need them until you actually disconnect and flex. (it is much better to install them when you add the kit, rather than finding out afterward and having to tear the front end apart a second time to add them. - ask me how I know...
)