Lift questions, and thank you in advance. I am going with a 2.5 coil lift for my 08 4 door and 35's. I like the look but would like a little more space between tire and fender (I have a Sahara). Would it be dumb, or just not possible, to put the 1 3/4 inch spacers from Rough Country on including a 2.5 coil lift?

I am going with a 2.5 coil instead of a 4 in because they look much easier to install and if need be, take off. I think I will need to be able to take this off once also. The dealership keeps telling me that there is nothing wrong with my clutch but it makes a hell of a noise in stop and go traffic when I stay in first gear, get going, and then push in the clutch and keep it in first gear for the stop and go traffic. I imagine they are just waiting for a serious problem vs. preventative maintenance. So, with little to zilch mechanical skills, I want to be able to peel this off if I need to go to the dealership for warranty work. I felt them out as to how they feel about lifts and warranty work and I do not have much confidence in them if I was lifted with big shoes.

I am also going inexpensive on wheels, plus I like em. The Cragar Soft 8's. The tires will be 35x12.50x15. Does anyone recommend or have a part number for these that they did not have to grind down break calipers? Again, I can see myself climbing under there, grinding the wrong thing and coming out with three less fingers on a hand. Are you getting that I am not real handy in the garage yet? Does this description sound accurate?.... Wheel, Soft 8, Steel, Black, 15 in. x 10 in., 5 x 5 in. Bolt Circle, 4 in. Backspace ....

I have a manual with 3.73's but live in Iowa. No hills and not much of a commute, maybe 30 miles a day. So, I am just planning on lift and tires for starters.

I appreciate feedback and help. Im a mechanical moron and am shooting to get it right the first time. Thanks again!

 

64 views and no response? Ouch, I feel like the kid that gets picked last for the kick ball team.

I just called the Summit tech phone number to ask about the wheels. I explained that I have a 08 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. He answered, "You cannot fit a 15" wheel, it will rub on the brake caliper. I would bet you cannot even fit a 16" or 17". Uhhhh, thanks for your help? He then told me that you cannot put a 35/12.50/15 tire on a 15x8 wheel.

 

You are not considering the other things you will need with the additional 1 3/4" lift. Plus, it's not as simple as running out to your garage and taking out the spacers before a visit to the dealership. You will have to remove the springs to do that. And, you'll need longer shocks, sway bar links and bumpstops. You can get by with the 2 1/2" without control arms and track bars but with the additional spacer, you'll most likely need them as you'll need to adj your caster. Then, depending on what JK you have, you may even need to change your driveshafts.

As far as your 15" wheel, no company would tell you it would fit. You'd probably had to shave part of your brake caliper. Also, a tire that size should be on a 9" wide (or wider) wheel.

 

probably because this stuff has been answered a million times already

 

OK so I I'll give a stab at answering a newbies question with my first post....

Forget the 15 inch wheel, use a 16inch or 17inch with the proper back spacing and bolt pattern which I think you have the right idea about. The width of a 12 inch tire on an 8inch wide rim so far as my experience goes is possible. Call a different tire and wheel place as that guy didn't seem very on top of it. My Rubi has 17 inch wheels from the factory and I believe there are 16 inch wheels available on the X's.

Lift - The 2.5 coil lift sounds great but without knowing what lift kit and if it comes with new control arms I can't give you a complete answer. Why not just use a 4 inch coil lift? You are going to need to redo brake lines and what not anyway if you are trying to install the 2.5 coils and a spacer, plus those spacers and coils arn't any easier then replacing the coil itself. You don't have to be handy with a wrench just hook up with some other guys on the forum near you, buy the right kit, have a wrench party with a bunch of pizza and beer and learn a whole lot about what your Jeep looks like under the body and how it all works...these are just big legos.

Consider one of the many more complete 3 - 3.5 inch kits out there and go with once of those. You will be much happier in the end. You can also use your stock wheels by using a spacer between the wheel and axle to save some money there. Take your time, research the hell out of anything you're considering. Understand each and every variable then go ask qualified people more questions. If not you'll just learn the really hard way with a lot more time and money involved.

Find a new dealership, lift kits are allowed. Search the forum about the clutch noise, seems common but I haven't really looked into it myself.

Happy Trails!

 

why would you say this? 15s fit, are cheaper, and allow for more sidewall

 

Because I really really don't think that the half inch of extra rubber around the rim is worth the pain of having to grind your brake calibers...just my two cents.

If it fits without a problem then go for it but if you have to mod your brakes then I'm just not seeing how its worth it.

Upon searching is seems you just need at least 3.75 inches, preferably 4 inches of back spacing on the wheels to make it work.

 

Because, as the original poster stated, some 15's, on some JK's, 'Don't' fit without grinding the caliper, and he wants a guarantee that he will not have an issue...

Lots of differing reports of grinding/not having to grind when using the same 15" rims. Since no one can give a guarantee that any particular rim will not rub, it's probably better for this particular person to go with 16's/17's...

As far as the lift goes, since you sound fairly sure that you will be taking it off at some point, you are going to be much better off with just the 2.5" lift - no spacers, no taller lift with arms/relocations/extended anything. Not what you want to hear, of course, but at least you'll go into the lift with the right expectations.

 

I think its safe to say that for this guy the age old wisdom should apply - Keep It Simple Stupid!

As far as mods go I would be drawing the line well before grinding my brake calibers just to save relatively little amounts of money. Play it safe bud! Its your daily driver...

 

Thanks for all the replies, and for not bashing me too hard. I am excited to get started. I think with my lack of experience a 2.5 coil lift will be a good first experience. It sounds like if that does not satisfy my lift needs, I can always add a 1" body lift and still be able to do it myself.