Ok, as you can see by my post count I'm pretty new. Honestly though, I've been searching the forums day and night for information. I'm inexperienced with mods in general, so please be patient with me :P

My predicament: I'll have a nice little bonus of approximately $2k, and have been authorized to spend it as I wish (since it's my vacation time I'm cashing in for the $$ )

I'll be spending this money mostly on Jeep mods, and as expected wish to start with new wheels, tires and a lift. Therein lies the rub. I've been researching each of these mods for a loooong time, and the only thing left is some advice and some questions I haven't found answered.

1 Wheels. Pretty sure I'm going to go with the Cragar Soft 8s. Easy enough.

2 Tires. Brand. I've read that a lot of people like the TrXus MTs, but haven't found anyone saying anything about the TrXus ATs. Does anyone have these tires? How do you like them? The conditions here in Alaska warrant something with grip on very icy roads in winter, sometimes deep snow, and glorious mud. This is my daily driver as well, so something that will suit each of those roles decently would be preferable. I like the look of these tires as well, but haven't seen them mounted, so any pics of that would be appreciated. I like the price.

Size. 33s or 35s... the battle continues. I like the looks of the 35s and the clearance they offer, but cannot afford to regear. For those of you running 35s without regearing, is it bearable? I have 4.10s currently. The regearing is the only thing stopping me from deciding. 33s are more than capable I'm sure, and honestly this is more of a cosmetic choice for me. 33s look ok... 35s look totally freaking raw. I want 35s and am looking for justification to get them instead If I have to, maybe I'll get 33s and when it's time to replace them I'll be making enough to get 35s and regear. (BTW, what's the cost to regear? I've seen approx $250 for each axle and $6-700 for labor, is that about right?)

I really want the 35s, so hopefully someone will be able to tell me honestly that I can do 35s without regearing and still sleep at night.

3 Lift. My dealer says 2" is the limit before my warranty comes into question. (I know this is up for debate, and have read all the threads I could find regard that particular statement)
I'd rather avoid the hassle and would be happy with a 2" lift. I'd really like a FT 3", but so it goes. As far as 2" lifts go I can really only find the Skyjacker and the Black Diamond. I've read about some people having issues with Skyjacker lifts (not sure if this goes for their 2"), and haven't really seen anyone with the Black Diamond 2" add-a-leaf. What is the difference between an add-a-leaf lift and a spacer+shock lift? Just looking for the best possible 2" lift, and price at that range doesn't really differ too much.

Thanks for helping with my n00b questions, and hopefully I didn't ask too many questions that have been specifically answered before. I really did use the search link!

 

Mine has 33's and feels a bit underpowered. I can only imagine that 35's would be worse. As far as an add-a-leaf lift,; JK's don't have leaf springs; ours are all coil.

 

And my n00bness becomes even more apparent, thanks for the response man.

 

eh, we all started somewhere, never too late to learn.

 

This depends on whether you have a manual trans with 3.21 gearing or the automatic with 4.10, or the manual with towing package with 4.10 gears. If you have 4.10's you should be ok with a 2.5" budget boost (see the project-jk writeup) and some 35's. You should be able to do that for under 2K. If you have the 3.21 gears, then stick with the 33's. The 35's will sap too much power on the road.

 

Good to hear, I have an auto (I wanted a manual) and 4.10s. I think I'll give it a shot with the lift and 35s. If it comes down to it I can always regear I suppose.

So does anyone have any experience with those TrXus ATs?

 

Trxus are OK, but really not that good of a tire for Road Force Balancing. (You can balance a square tire, but it won't roll smooth) I would highly recommend the M/T MTZ, I've put on 4 sets here lately and they are very acceptable for road noise and balance out great and have less road force variation than some Michelin passenger tires I've installed. My favorites are Goodyear MTRs. Hope that you can use this info.

For 2K: Rubicon Express BB with monotubes, Pacer 297B, and MTZs(33")

 

i would invest the money in a 3 month CD, and save some more. keep doing that until you have enough to do it right the first time, complete 3" kit, new DS's, regear, tires and wheels.