So I have a stock Sahara unlimited. Because my parents use the vehicle, and my Mom's artificial knees, I can't run any significant lift. On another thread, I asked what the best Mod I could do for maximum off road capability, and most folks responded "tires". Yet another thread had one suggestion where you could run tires close to 33" on 18" wheels. My two part question is this:

1) I've read about mimimal lift kits (say 3/4 to 1 inch). Some are body spacers, some are spring spacers. Are there pros or cons to either.

2) In trying to fit 33" tires, is one lift better than another? Also, does either really help, or is the lift so minimal that it doesn't help clearance issues.

This is for driving off road, with discos, with maximum articulation. So it has to work offroad with no significant rubbing.

Thanks--Scott

 

The Rough Country 2.5 coil lift would be a great small lift and do nicely on and off the road. It might be more than you're wanting but it's perfect for 33" tires. You would get about 3" in the front and 2" in the back leveling the jeep out nicely. Ben at Rough Coutry is a great guy and could answer any questions you might have about any of their lifts. Good luck

 

Hey Buddy ...

You can run 33 inch tires without a lift of any kind !!!

Check the link under my Avatar to " my project -jk galllery " ......there are a few of my Jeep with 33's and no lift at all ..... although I ran spidertrax wheel spacers to alleviate rubbing on a stock rim ( due to backspacing ) !!!

Good Luck

 

In your situation I would get some flat fenders and run them with no lift. Run some BFG KM2s, and swaybar discos. You will have great performance offroad, and quiet soft ride on. and only be taller than the difference in tire.

 

I have 2.5" coils and at 6' and no physical challenges occasionally trip myself getting into the Jeep... I'd say it's too much for someone with leg/knee troubles. Look at the 1/2"-1" coil spacers that Teraflex sells. I would just lift the front enough to level it out and then go with the 33's given your circumstances. Look at some wheels with more backspacing than stock (4.5-5") to avoid issues with rubbing.

 

Where does the rubbing occur without the proper backspacing? Fenders? Suspension components? Fender liners?

 

with stock suspension, all you need is wheel spacers with stock wheels to fit 33's.

if you're going to run aftermarket wheels, then just get the right backspacing. and you can fit w/ no lift at all

 

Even with a 2" BB and 1" body .... My 33x1250x17 on stock rims will rub on the sway bar ( without the spacers !!)

If you have swaybar disconnects and only 2" lift the 33's can rub on the fenders under EXTREME fleX !!!

These are my experiences !!!

Good Luck !!

 

agree with this, if you want ,just eliminate the rake with a 1" spacer up front and you should be good. I don't see a reason given your circumstances to do a lift. jk's are very capable in stock form with 33s.

 

I do agree with everyone on the wheels 4.5-4.75 bs and you are good. You did say it needs to work off road and I believe you will get rubbing with the
33" and no lift and factory fenders. If you don't want to go any higher just get a more aggressive tire that is wider and not taller. Look in the for sale section, you could probably pick up a set of tires off a Rubicon from someone for a good deal. The factory Jeep will surprise most people with it's off road capabilities.
Some Mt's and quick disconnects might be a good start.