I have a 2dr with RK 3.5" puts me at about 4" lift (RK springs come in a little higher) and I'm currently running 33's, no problem with inspection, all the guys in the shop were all over my jeep asking what lift I had how it handles, etc, etc. but no concerns about height.

But I also know of other shops that go right by the book, past experience, I have a classic car and one station wanted the windshield washer working....what, you've got to be kidding me!

 

it's tough. have to make sure you know the current law and then can be a crap shoot whether the inspector knows it or cares. measure the bumper? to the bottom of the door? or do both areas both have to be measured and fall into each of their limits? also sometimes it can only be so many inches over stock besides these other measurements. (how they figure this idk)

 

I spoke to a Brockton cop yesterday and asked what he knew about lift laws. His answer was 2". I told him I had read 2" in the mgl and the equation in the cmr. He had never heard of the equation. He also said that he doesn't think most guys really care that much unless it's "very obvious", but with that he also said he doesn't want to say go ahead and get the lift you want because the wrong guy may bust balls about it. I think someone ( I'll try this myself). Needs to get something in writing from the state police, registry, DOT, the pope? that flat out says a jk can be lifted X amount, then we can all carry a copy for sticker time or in the case of being pulled over

 

So I just left an inspection station where I was having another vehicle inspected and I asked the inspector about lifting Jeeps and the formula. He said there is a formula and the state actually has a chart that lists the vehicles but Jeeps are not that easy to find (not listed completely and as he said "everyone lifts Jeeps"). The guideline he uses and suggests is a door height of 27 inches. Anything over that and you might start getting the hairy eyeball. "Don't look ridiculous" and he suggested doing the small tire swap for inspections.

I still like the idea of getting the "official word of the state" to have as a reference. If I find anything, I'll post a link, but for now I'll use the 27 inches as a guideline.

 

I have an official answer from the state. When you plug in a 4 door wranglers dimensions into the formula you get 3.26, however he said fractions are to be excluded. So, legally a 4 door can be lifted 3", this 3" is also the ammount the tire size can be increased. a rubicon comes with 255/75/17 which converts to 32.1" , you exclude the .1" and get 32 plus 3 = 35" tire. So legally speaking a 4 door can run 3" lift and 35" tires. anything over that you are beyond the limit. Obviously, many guys are running larger lifts than this, but if it comes down to fighting a ticket or challenging a failed inspection, that is the rule. Its not the best news for those of us wanting to run larger lifts (myself included) but it is what it is. basically if you're running anything larger, you do stand the chance of getting a ticket or failing inspection, its just up to the person you're dealing with at that time, so good luck

 

Damn and I was just looking at the 6" teraflex lift to run a least a 37+ tire (2year plan) Maybe I will just trailer the jeep, that sure puts a damper on the plan!!

 

Screw it ill take my chances!!

 

Thank you!!! I'm sure others will ask where you got the info in the event we had to fight a ticket or inspection, but taking your word for it, this is great news. The way I read the law gave me the impression it was 3" lift, AND 3" tire, but without confirmation I have been putting off the lift and tires. I really want to run 35's but to do it "right" I need at least a 2.5" lift. I know these tend to net more than 2.5" and I can roll those dice, but I have been so depressed thinking about only having 33's and a leveling kit. either way, this made my day... at least until someone else pokes holes in this

 

I'll the first to ask where you got the official information. This matches the information that I found and confirms my understanding that the calculation would apply to the lift and tires separately. I did also see a reference to the fact that the resulting calculation would be rounded to the whole number (drop the fraction), but allow for a 1 inch grace to accommodate manufacurer's variances. Essentially, I agree with eveything you wrote and I was going to move forward with my build (until I found out the company I work for is selling or closing half the business). The problem has been getting something official. Even the calls I made to the state have not resulted in anything official. Why can't we just get something simple and official in this state?

 

You'll need some real heavy gear, because you know you want 37s!