First Time Lifting

[blakendall]

Okay here goes. I have had my 98 Wrangler for about 4yrs now and finally need to replace the tires. With that I would like to lift it.

It is a 4 cyl with manual tranny. What I want to know is will I be okay lifting a couple of inches w/o messing up the trans? Also, what size tires would be best to go on it now that it is lifted a couple of inches or so? I am running 15in tires now.

Also, thinking about the budget lift kit. Is this something I can tackle by myself?

Thanks

 

[GCncsuHD]

Lifting it really won't affect the driveability at all, the taller, heavier tires on the other hand will. Your Wrangler can easily fit 32-33" tires before lifting at all, but your 4cyl will struggle to haul those heavy tires down the highway with stock gearing. I had a 98 4.0 with the 5 speed and 32x11.50x15 with stock gearing, driving around town was fine, but I had to downshift regularly on the highway to hold speed.

Budget boost kits are stupidly easy to install with just regular hand tools.

If I were you I wouldn't go any larger than 31s or 32s unless you decide to regear.

Also if you start getting into the 11.50-12.50 wide tires you may want to buy new wheels with less backspacing, or run spacers to keep from rubbing the control arms in the front.

And whether you want the budget boost lift kit for a little extra height is up to your preference, if you plan on really offroading it and flexing it out, I would recommend it for clearance when you flex it out, but for on road, you will have no problems up to 33" tires other than rubbing the control arms when you turn if you run the stock wheels.

 

[jds97Wrangler]

Here is a picture of mine when it had a 2" Procomp lift (Lift includes new springs and shocks for less than $400) I had 31x10.5 AT tires on it. Could have put 32x11.5 on it, But as GC says if you go with wider than 10.50 you'll need new wheels or spacers.

The 2" lifts are extremely simple to install if you know how to change a shock you should be able to install the lift.
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