Hey guys!

Well since my first Jeep (Unlimited Sahara) is scheduled to be here in the next few weeks (I'm dreaming of a Jeep Xmas!), I've been looking for mods to add to it already.

My first order of business is to get it lifted and slap some new wheels and tires on it. Unfortunately, I'm totally clueless when it comes to this stuff. So I come to you guys for advice.

All I want is a 2" lift with some 33" tires and some black wheels. I am on a pretty tight budget so I'm looking for value here. Also, I don't plan on doing too much offroading. Maybe some mudding here and there but I doubt I climb too many rocks with it. I also want to keep the nice, smooth ride since it will be my daily driver.

So here are the questions:

1. What is the best bang for the buck when it comes to 2" lifts?

2. What size and kind of tires should I go after to maintain a smooth ride yet give my jeep that "mean" look?

3. What are some cool black wheels out there? What's the lug pattern?

4. I'm a mechanical idiot so what would the labor run for the lift and wheel/tire swap be? I want it done right. Spedo working proper, Steering feeling stock, etc. Just an estimate would be nice so I can budget this.

Any advice and specific product recommendations will be appreciated!

Thank you!

 

Oh yeah... And share with me your favorite online JK parts stores!

 

my .02 .... 2" Full Traction Econo Lift will get you to running 33" tires with ease and only cost you 120 at www.northridge4x4.com. Great guys at that site and they sponcer this one so you cant go wrong. I placed an order from them and they actually called me about 15 min later to let me know over the phone that they didnt have the item in stock but would be shipping out as soon as they got it. Better then a computer generated email!

I wouldnt think you'd be looking to spend any more then 2-300 for the install of the new tires, rims, and lift at a local off road shop.

If you want that mean look but still behaving on the street I would personaly go with 33" BFG MT/R's Great tire, good on road too and lasts quite a while.

The lug pattern is 5-5 (5 lugs spaced 5 inches apart from eachother)

Anyways, those are my thoughts. Somebody else might have a better idea as to the labor costs, but i was quoted 550 for the install of my lift, tires, and rims, but mine is a complete new suspension system with upper and lower control arms, sway bars, shocks, coils... the whole shabang. I was basing that off my quote.

 

i was quoted $350 for the install of my 3" Full traction lift, which is a suspension lift, but have opted to do the install myself but i'm a little more mechanicaly inclined so... but the 2" lift is just a spacer and much easier to install so i can't see more than 200-250 for install. as for tires and rims u need to consider whether you want aluminum alloy or steel, steel is generally cheaper. rims should run you about 75-200 each depending on style and materials. more for some fancy wheels or beadlock units but you mentioned slight offroading and a "value" product. if you go online to like a site like http://www.4wd.com/2007-jeep-wrangle...s-accessories/
you can get the tires you choose and rims both, mounted and shipped to your door ready to go.

i would say expect somewhere in the range of $900-$1300 for lift,rims, and tires. plus the install $200-$300.
about $1100-1600 for everything. thats my relative ballpark, it's ultimatly up to what u choose to get and where you get it done.

hope this helps.

 

I saw a four door X with 33" Pro Comp Xtreems at a dealer yesterday and it looked great. if it was me and all I wanted was 33's I wouldn't put a lift on it. Save my factory ride. It didn't look like there would be any rubbing issues.

 

Got any pictures? I am looking at putting those on my X.

 

I didn't take any pics. I got there late and the manager was taking it home. but I tell you what, it looked awesome. he had 17" Pro comp alloys to match. not sure which style. If i get back over in that neck of the woods this weekend i will bring my camera and get you some pics. He had a bunch of chrome trim piece's on it to. not sure where they got them.

 

Summit Racing (www.summitracing.com) has Crager black steel wheels in three different styles at a good price (40-80 bucks each depending on what size you want).

I went with these:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...5&autoview=sku

But these are very similiar:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...5&autoview=sku

And for a fake bead-lock style:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...5&autoview=sku

As I said, I went with the Soft-8 style, $60 for a 17x9 wheel is hard to beat.

-E