I just bought a 07 Sahara and am looking to beef it up on a budget. %95 of the time I will be driving on the road and %5 mild trail driving (for now). A local 4wheel shop is offering a 3" BDS w/ upgraded shocks, dual ss, 33" Procomp xtreme AT and 17" alloy wheels out the door for $3500 (A little out of my budget and my skill level).

I can only swing $1500 right now so here in lies the delema:

Do I wait and go for something like this package and grow into it, or just do a Terraflex leveling kit,16-17"wheels and 33" (i think it could work for $1500 budget)?

I want something I can build from and still feed the instant gratification.

I want my jk to stand out a bit and not look like I just drove it off the lot or towing it behind a motorhome ( no offense to anyone who does, it just looks a little blah all stock)

Let me know what you think, I value any input.
Thanks

 

A leveling kit and some 33 inch AT's would probably work just fine for you.

It sounds like you're mostly wanting a more agressive look and a bit of mild off-roading performance - which is what 33's and a leveling kit will get you.

 

$3,500 seems a bit steep for 2.5" and 33's. You can get a Rusty's 3.25" suspension lift including 35" tires and steel wheels for $1,900. You can hire someone to install for about $600 or save the money and do it yourself.

 

A 3.25" lift, 5x35s, and 5xSteel Wheels for ~$1,900? Is that really all it would cost? I don't mind the jeep alloys, but I have the 18s and rubber for these is just too much money.

If you are going to be spending a lot of time on the highway, would you recommend 33s or 35s?

 

Check it out.

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=rustys&Product _Code=RK-325B-JK-C1&Category_Code=JKKITS

I personally think 35's look the best on these JK's between the 33's and 35's. (With the exception of 37's - needs to be built to run this size) Especially on the 4 door.

 

What components are included in the BDS lift? Unless there are a lot of add-ons in addition to the dual stabs, it looks like a pretty basic lift and you'll likely want to add several components. Have you considered grabbing some tools and a buddy or two and doing it yourself? Should only take a few hours. (depending on rate of beer consumption and such...)


But, start with the Suspension and the Wheel & Tires FAQ's

Get an idea of the components needed to do a 3" lift the right way. Then ask yourself if the BDS kit you're looking at is a 'complete' kit, or a 'basic' kit that you will need to add more components to - on top of the $3500 they're asking for.

This is a good one to browse also:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67139

And there are plenty of write-ups to get you started, also.

 

$3500 bucks is kinda steep. Buying the parts and installing myself is by far the cheaper route but with all the different setups, opinions and reviews, it is hard to choose and a bit overwhelming. I guess i figured a reputable shop would have some experience with different brands and setups and deliver a finished product with some sort of warrantee.

 

Look at some of WOL's write-ups on different kits, it'll give you an idea of the tools you need and also a variety of kits. And alot of kits are real similar. You could also look for local 4x4,jeep clubs in the area or even people on here in your area to help. The knowledge you'll gain is worth way more than the labor you'll end up paying for someone else to do the install. link to write ups........

http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk/jeep-j...spension-mods/

Do a little research and then make your plan of attack. Hint: the TF 2.5 budget boost lists most of the tools you'll need for any of the short arm susp lifts

 

IMO, save up some more $.....tires are going to eat up most of that 1500.