Hope this is the right forum for this. I'm trying to budget out where I want to get my Sahara to in the next couple of years. Here's what I have so far: Please chime in on recommendations. I've done minor mods, and some easy and moderate trail driving, so I kind of have an idea of my wants and needs.

This is my daily driver, and will be for at least 5 more years, probably more. Would like to keep the mileage similar to what I have now. I like the look I have going (Silver Sahara with matching hard top).

1) Probably gonna get a front bumper and winch first and foremost. Mainly because I'm prone to just take off on a trail at any minute, and don't want to get stuck without it. Was looking at the Mopar Off Road Bumper for awhile, but have come around to digging the Rugged Ridge XD. I love that I can run it as full width or stubby, depending on mood/need. Gonna get the bull bar. I really like the Superwinch Ei9.0, but I've heard it may not fit this bumper.

2) I'm not sure if I should do the lift or tires first. I'm gonna wear out my stock BFG first, then switch out wheels (thinking of MT Classic II's or Pro Comp equivalent). Was thinking of 16 inches, mainly due to cheaper tires. Not sure about the width though, I guess 8 inches, any reason to go to 10? Don't want them to stick out too far. My only concern is the I've heard the MT's might mess with the brake calipers. EDIT: I'm thinking of going with 33's on the tire size. Not sure about other dimensions.

3) Then of course, the lift. I think I want to do the Teraflex 2.5" (which I guess is the budget boost). Should I just do the shockless kit, or get the one with their shocks included? Probably install the JKS Quick Disconnects at the same time. Should I do this lift before the tires? My only concern is the sag from the bumper and winch. Will the lift I'm looking at take care of my sag from the bumper?

EDIT: Should probably point out that I'm more interested in forest road/trail driving than hard core rock crawling.

Anyway, sorry this is so long, and any input from more experienced Jeepers would be appreciated.

Cheers.

 

I have been more than please with the on and off road ride of my AEV Premium 3.5 lift. To be honest it rides better than stock. Jeep is also my DD at the moment, so on road ride was a priority.

 

Teraflex makes a 2.5 budget boost which is spacers and they make a 2.5 coil kit. The new coils will raise the front about 3 inches which will account for the heavier bumper and reduce the factory rake.

16 inch wheels should be fine with the brakes. Most lift manufacturers recommend a 4.5 inch backspacing (instead of the stock 6.25 inch backspacing).