I've got an 01' TJ and am looking into buying a short arm kit. This vehicle is my daily driver, but I do some wheeling on the side. I'm on somewhat of a budget and looking to pay no more than 2k. Ideally I'd like to run between 4-4.5 inches of lift on 35's. Based on my needs and economically, what are some of the best kits for the money?
TJ Shortarm Question!?
- Thread starter Rdc2142
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2005
- Location
- N. N. Raleigh, NC
I'm not really a mainstream TJ guy so take this as you like...
I'd do around 2" of suspension lift + 1" body lift(*) and some fender trimming.
I think 2" suspension lift on a short arm will still give you a close to stock ride and handling.
1" BL is just a personal preference, due to the area we wheel in. Its 10x easier to clean out the undercarriage with a small body lift.
Plus it helps tuck things up if/when you want to do a better belly pan or raised gas tank etc..
I think 2k would get you in there NP. just my .02..
I'd do around 2" of suspension lift + 1" body lift(*) and some fender trimming.
I think 2" suspension lift on a short arm will still give you a close to stock ride and handling.
1" BL is just a personal preference, due to the area we wheel in. Its 10x easier to clean out the undercarriage with a small body lift.
Plus it helps tuck things up if/when you want to do a better belly pan or raised gas tank etc..
I think 2k would get you in there NP. just my .02..
I've got a 2.5' kit on right now, as far as body lift I'd consider 1' at the most. I'm looking for a 4'-4.5' shortarm
ABadJeeper
Carolina Metal Masters
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2007
- Location
- Huntersville, NC
4-4.5" on a short arm is getting up there. Don't forget about the SYE. With that much lift you are going to need one. That adds a few hundred to your costs on top of the lift.
I've factored it in already but thanks for the heads up
ABadJeeper
Carolina Metal Masters
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2007
- Location
- Huntersville, NC
Well then as far as lifts go Rock Krawler lifts are always good.
I've run them, Rubicon Express, and Teraflex on my previous TJ's with good success. The biggest thing is finding what fits your budget. If I were in your shoes I would go with a the Rock Krawler 3.5 X Factor and a 1.25 body / motor lift and call it good. I think you can do all of that for your 2 k budget.
I've run them, Rubicon Express, and Teraflex on my previous TJ's with good success. The biggest thing is finding what fits your budget. If I were in your shoes I would go with a the Rock Krawler 3.5 X Factor and a 1.25 body / motor lift and call it good. I think you can do all of that for your 2 k budget.
jds97Wrangler
Active Member
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2008
- Location
- Mccleansville, NC
I've got the 4" RC x flex lift in my TJ, as far as flex and ride goes I couldn't be happier. I did find that I like the ride on the trail better when I leave my rear sway bar hooked. With it unhooked you get almost scary flex. When installed my lift I actually got just 5" of lift but it has settled to just about 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 inches of lift.
I run 35x12.50's I didn't do anything with bump stops so at full flex my tires get into the fenders a little I am planning 1" body lift to take care of it. With the lift SYE and shortened front XJ drive shaft I got about $1500 into my lift the 1" body lift will be another $150. These prices are installing everything myself, if you have pay someone you can almost double the prices.
I run 35x12.50's I didn't do anything with bump stops so at full flex my tires get into the fenders a little I am planning 1" body lift to take care of it. With the lift SYE and shortened front XJ drive shaft I got about $1500 into my lift the 1" body lift will be another $150. These prices are installing everything myself, if you have pay someone you can almost double the prices.
I'm not a fan of RockKrawler, hated the GenII lift on my TJ, but I really like 4.5" Rubicon Express for a solid, quality and very steetable lift.
I'm with Yager on this. A virtual lift will ultimately give you the best options. A VL allows for 35's now and leaves the Jeep in a more or less stock build point for later on when it's not a DD anymore and you may want to go really big. Since it is a DD it makes sense to keep your center of gravity lower for street and it will help on the trail too. Add a 1" BL and trim the front fenders and rear wheel wells and you will save a lot of coin for other improvements and have a capable and nice riding Jeep or you could do some Gen-rite, TNT, Metal Cloak, etc virtual lifts which some allow up to 37's with no lift.
Fyi, this is coming from a guy who wheeled a stock TJ then 4" SL, suspension lift, to a 7"SL + 1"BL and now working back to a more stock height because it was much more fun wheeling stock'ish than over built.
I'm with Yager on this. A virtual lift will ultimately give you the best options. A VL allows for 35's now and leaves the Jeep in a more or less stock build point for later on when it's not a DD anymore and you may want to go really big. Since it is a DD it makes sense to keep your center of gravity lower for street and it will help on the trail too. Add a 1" BL and trim the front fenders and rear wheel wells and you will save a lot of coin for other improvements and have a capable and nice riding Jeep or you could do some Gen-rite, TNT, Metal Cloak, etc virtual lifts which some allow up to 37's with no lift.
Fyi, this is coming from a guy who wheeled a stock TJ then 4" SL, suspension lift, to a 7"SL + 1"BL and now working back to a more stock height because it was much more fun wheeling stock'ish than over built.