After all the research on this site I think I have narrowed down what I'd like to do to my 08 Rubicon Unlimited as far as suspension and tires goes but I want some opinions from people who have lifted vehicles before because it's something that I've never done and this is only my 2nd offroad vehicle (that's if you count a Jeep Patriot as an "offroad" vehicle).

I'm thinking of going with the Old Man Emu (OME) lift but I am wondering if the 1/2" coil spacers are required for the front and rear. I noticed in WOL's writeup that they used them on the front but not the rear. I do plan to eventually buy a front bumper (again torn between the LoD and the Shrockworks midwidth stubby) with a 9.5Warn winch, and eventually get a rear bumper with tire and jerrycan carrier so I think the HD springs are calling my name. But then again will the OME give as much suspension flex as it already has stock? Would the Full-traction Ultimate lift be better since it seems to be the ultimate in flex? But then again it is much more pricey and looks to be very challenging to do that one on my own.

Now with that said on the suspension, what about tire and rim options? I have a couple of rims in mind, in particular the AEV Pintlers look great (I am a big fan of the 5 spoke look). But I actually like the look of the stock Ruby wheels but in order to keep those I notice a lot of folks use wheel spacers. It seems Spidertrax is a preffered brand but is this really a safe and reliable way to keep the stock wheels?? And is it worth it just so I can save some money and keep the stock wheels? I'm thinking of either 34's or 35's and have seen a few folks on here with the perfect size tire's for the stock rims.

Anyway if you've managed to read this far and if you have any insight to any of the questions or concerns I've posed, I am open to your honest opinions!

 

I'll be installing my 2" OME HD kit with adj track bars for my 2 door this weekend. Pretty sure the 1/2" spacers are only for the front,but will know for sure when I open it all up.

I was uncertain on 33's or 35's so I went 34's...lol. David at Northridge4x4 told me with my tire selection and the added weight (see sig) to go with the HD springs.

Give Northiridge4x4 a call they're very friendly and well respected here on the forums.

 

I have the OME lift (HD front springs and Med rear springs) and think it is awesome - great on road feel and excellent off road flex. I did not use coil spacers at all.

I am running the 285/70/17 Cooper STT's on the standard Rubi rims - no spacers and no rubbing.

As for bumpers, I have the AEV with the Warn 9.5ti, but bumpers is such a personal thing (personally I can't stand stubby's and others are the opposite).

Good luck with your options.

 

Thanks for the advice guys! You have some awesome looking JK's!!

 

I almost feel like that should be what the stock rubicon package looks like from the factory...