Where to Begin??
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JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: NEW ORLEANS
Where to Begin??
I just got my 2011 JK Unlimited Sport. I have about $1000 to start with. My ending is a lift high enough for 37s. and the power to move them. Plus the front and rear bumpers. and hopefully in time, the Ripp SC. But as of right now, I have no idea where to start. any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Texas
have you put a price on your whole plan? will you install or pay for install? getting stuff installed can get expensive in a hurry. Plan on spending more to get you past the 'dammit' factor if you go the budget boost route. Depending on what you are willing to put up with:
37's, if you go budget you will want adj control bars and control arms front/rear or your caster will not be correct and you will be cursing various road handling / ride issues. you may also need driveshafts , 37's will also need tune chip and regear to keep your power band which depends on how much more weight you add to your ride - bumpers, spare, rack, etc... the heavier the more power it'll require to keep it rolling.
tuning chip - get programmable unit
bumpers - so you can get an idea of the added weight - rear bumper with tire carrier for that 37
suspension - get complete suspension, budget boosts are tempting but i've seen/read too many issues on going budget - unless you don't plan to off-road, then adj control bars and control arms front/rear to set your caster
wheels/tires - allow budget for alignment from a shop who deals with jeeps and oversize tires
re-gear - you'll want it, need it
figure out what lift you want and do your research, lot's of great info on this forum but i have also found out lots of bad info as well. don't get sucked into the hype on certain mods read and ask many questions so you don't get disappointed or in a $$$ hole
37's, if you go budget you will want adj control bars and control arms front/rear or your caster will not be correct and you will be cursing various road handling / ride issues. you may also need driveshafts , 37's will also need tune chip and regear to keep your power band which depends on how much more weight you add to your ride - bumpers, spare, rack, etc... the heavier the more power it'll require to keep it rolling.
tuning chip - get programmable unit
bumpers - so you can get an idea of the added weight - rear bumper with tire carrier for that 37
suspension - get complete suspension, budget boosts are tempting but i've seen/read too many issues on going budget - unless you don't plan to off-road, then adj control bars and control arms front/rear to set your caster
wheels/tires - allow budget for alignment from a shop who deals with jeeps and oversize tires
re-gear - you'll want it, need it
figure out what lift you want and do your research, lot's of great info on this forum but i have also found out lots of bad info as well. don't get sucked into the hype on certain mods read and ask many questions so you don't get disappointed or in a $$$ hole
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Start with the faq's right at the top of this modified area. Among many other things, you will find a suspension area, which will include a 'recommended' components lift for various lift heights.
Decide on a total budget (because $1000 isn't anywhere even close to what your final bill is going to come to...), and then work out what your build plans will be. Do you want a tall lift, replacing every single one of your stock components, including new driveshafts, etc? Or do you want to chop your flares and do more of a low cog build? (search on the username 'planman', at the bottom of his posts will be a link to some great low cog info to get you on 37's for a minimal investment).
Decide on a total budget (because $1000 isn't anywhere even close to what your final bill is going to come to...), and then work out what your build plans will be. Do you want a tall lift, replacing every single one of your stock components, including new driveshafts, etc? Or do you want to chop your flares and do more of a low cog build? (search on the username 'planman', at the bottom of his posts will be a link to some great low cog info to get you on 37's for a minimal investment).
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 492
Likes: 1
From: Sulphur, LA
Originally Posted by TheDirtman
put that $1000 in the bank and keep adding to it while you wearing out your factory tires, do lots of research and mb by the time the tires wear out you will have enough money and knowledge for the jeep of your dreams.
You could do a 2.5" budget boost, 2" body lift, extended bump stops, trim your fenders and pinch seams, wheel spacers, and tires for around $2000
I would expect it to ride like crap, get really shitty mpg, get outrun by turtles, and probably bend the front axle.
You could do a 2.5" budget boost, 2" body lift, extended bump stops, trim your fenders and pinch seams, wheel spacers, and tires for around $2000
I would expect it to ride like crap, get really shitty mpg, get outrun by turtles, and probably bend the front axle.
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY
I just got my 2011 JK Unlimited Sport. I have about $1000 to start with. My ending is a lift high enough for 37s. and the power to move them. Plus the front and rear bumpers. and hopefully in time, the Ripp SC. But as of right now, I have no idea where to start. any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.