Huntsville Alabama / Tennessee Valley Chat
Defender has a really good setup for a daily driver. On a two door, once you get over a 3" lift, then you will seriously need to consider new drive shafts. A 2.5" lift can handle 35" tires, but then you would need to consider getting a programmer like a superchips or hypertech.

Hold off on the SC for now though as the verdict is still out - good news is Diablo and RIPP are making progress. Wilbur is improving somewhat with the latest tunes.
I went with a 4.5" lift and 37s. Also have a 1" body lift on it. In my opinion the Jeep sits too high when Im wheeling. I had to regear and put a new front drive shaft on it. I also have a Max Energy programmer on it.
If I did it all over again, I wouldnt go above 4" total. But above 3" I would still be looking at a new driveshaft and regearing.
Another thing to research is the actual tire height and actual lift height you get from various lifts vs what they advertise. Youll find some folks state that particular lifts will actually yield you a little more than they advertise and vice versa. Same is true for tires.
Of course mine's a 4 door, but i am in the same boat as you. I put a 2.5 inch budget boost, i believe it was Dennis' the Brandon's then Justin's now mine. Justin said it is a teraflex, but other previous owners may know better. I am still running the stock tires and shocks, and i haven't noticed any difference in drive-ability. My next upgrades are shocks for a 2.5 in lift, and a set of discos, and maybe brake line extensions and bump stop extensions. I am building mine on the cheap and to maintain on road performance.
On the other hand, if a gorgeous weekend pops up before then, and nothing else is going on, I might could be coerced into visiting Wheeling-in-the-Country. I've never been there, but hear that it's pretty good (lots of little technical climbs of varying difficulty that one can play/practice on to learn more about both their own and their Jeep's capabilities).
P.S. - is your Shrockworks a mid or stubby? How do you like it?
A couple of us are going to Morris Mtn Sunday if you would like to join.
There having a ride for the Wounded Warriors project this weekend.
Contemplating whether or not to camp Sat night, depends on the weather.
There having a ride for the Wounded Warriors project this weekend.
Contemplating whether or not to camp Sat night, depends on the weather.
I might be interested in this ride, will check with the family once I get back home from CA tomorrow.


