So I am finally picking up my 2009 Unlimited Sahara and I am researching lifts and leveling kits. I like the idea of 34s on 18" stock rims. A local shop recommended a Ready Lift SST kit which gives 3" front and 2" rear. The price would be $900 installed. Anyone have this or recommend something else, I was thinking of the new TF leveling kit or 2.5 coil lift as well.
Also any 18x34 tires out there??? Thanks

 

I would look at purchasing 16 or 17" rims and get a 34 or 35 in those diameters. I went this root and got a set of 5 - 17" rims with 33x12.5R17 STT mud tires mounted for less money than getting 5 mud tires in a 33x12.5R18. Just sell your stock 18's or keep them for winter months.

 

I too just purchased an '09 Sahara Unlimited and considered the same options.

Triple Jeep is right. If you stay within reason on the wheels, it is cheaper to drop to go to buy a set of smaller wheels and your tires of choice and come out ahead on price.

In my case, I am paying the premium for the 18" tires because I like the "clean stock" look of the Gladiator wheels and usually stick to (or get stuck in) sand and dry trails so the danger of rim damage is limited.

After much research on the lift (kudos to this group on the great write ups and discussions on lift kit alternatives), it appears to me that the TF is the most popular choice followed by FT and OME. I narrowed my choices to TF and FT for a variety of reasons, but I am still not 100% convinced that FT has solved their past bushing problems to my satisfaction.

Just out of curiosity why are you going with 34's instead of the more common and popular 35's?

BTW, another reason for keeping your 18's if you have space is to use them when you take your JK to dealer for service for that lifetime drivetrain in warranty.

 

The financial reasons are compelling, but another reason to go with 17" is when you have to air down to go four-wheeling. The inch more of give you get when crawling over rocks is significant.