Greetings Everyone,

I've been lurking around the forum for awhile and finally thought I'd throw some questions out. I am new to the off-roading and jeep thing - growing up in NYC and just getting a taste of all this stuff over the last 3 years. I've only had a Honda civic... and that was for about 10 months.

I just purchased a new 07 JK X, auto, with the trailer package, rear LSD, hooks, and stock everything else. I've had it for about 4 days so I am still learning the finer points of the jeep but am having a great time.

My questions are on where to start on mods. After going out on Saturday for some trail riding out in training areas I realized pretty quick I need a lift to follow my buddies out to some of the more exicting places without destroying my skid plates. After reading through many of the comments here, I am looking into the Teraflex 2.5" BB. If I go this route should I try and look for some rubi shocks or takr the tera's. After that I will probably get some better wheels and work from there. Is this a good beginning or am I over looking some other basics to start out with? Are there better lifts? I am on a budget so trying to make the best of what I can get.

Thanks for all your help.



-Chris

 

sounds like a good start for a budget mind person. Remeber ground clearence is in the tire not the lift. you can do 33s stock height

 

I agree. Just get some 33's and you can go almost anywhere. If you have any slight rubbing issues add a spacer up front. Or buy somebodys used Rubi wheels and tires. Depending how many miles are on them you can get them for under a grand. That will help you out.

 

I agree with the 33s, but aftermarket wheels may be a better choice! If you get something like the Cragar soft 8s with 5" backspacing, which only run 50-60 bucks then a good set of tires, you can still get the 33s on there and a much wider tire without the rubbing!

 

I didn't realize it was all mainly tires at first. Thanks for the input. That will be the route I plan to go.

Regarding wheels, does the wheel diameter make a large difference between 15" to 17". I've heard it dosen't really matter, and that it's all for looks. He wasn't a Jeep owner so I wasn't to sure if this was correct. Right now I just have the stock 16" that came with the X.

Any good tire brands that won't break the bank?

Thanks!

 

The wheel diameter will make a difference in the cost of tires. 15" rims have a big variety of tires available and the tires tend to cost less than 17" rimmed tires. This isn't to say that there are few choices in the 16" or 17" rimmed tire selection. As a rule (currently), as you approach a larger rim size the average tire cost will increase. The best explanation I have heard for this is that the manufactures have to invest in molds, ect. for the newer (larger) rim market. The design and upfront costs are spread out over the tire sales during the first several years of sales. Since 15" rims have been on the off road/truck market for so long and the build technology is so well established, the costs are lower.

Take some time if you are considering different rim sizes and price shop for tires while paying attention to the rim size and you will see what I mean. Good luck with your Jeep.

 

15's will give more sidewall flex which some guys like for wheeling. On the flip side the extra flex gives you a looser feel for your daily driving. Also, be careful, I have heard that some 15's may not work do to the larger disc brakes on the JK. Play it safe and go for one someone is already using, or make sure you can try one on.

 

See if this helps https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...ght=wheel+size

 

I like to stay with in half of the tire size for the rim just to keep a functioning side wall to give some protection for the rim

 

If you want a good idea of what 33's look like here is a shot. These are 285/70-17 BFG mud terrains on 07 Ruby rims. Im also sitting on 3/4 skyjacker fronts and teraflex wheel spacers. I think it came out just about perfect. Well untill I get my 2'' lift but im all outa cash at the moment. I think 33's with 2'' lift will be the best thing for me since its still my daily driver.