extra 2" ...supsension or spacers

[nkdskls1978]

Got a 98 tj recently and Im waiting on my refund from Uncle Sam ..already has a 2" Pro-comp suspension lift and 31's ...I want to know what is the better way to get an additional 2" lift .. SPACERS or 4" SUSPENSION LIFT....im working with a limited BUDGET (Im married) and i need some tips..

 

[Sully]

Spacers are cheaper than a suspension kit hands down.You could do a 1 inch spacer and a 1 inch body to keep your driveline angle at less of an angler.4 inches suspenson and above normally need a SYE.

 

[Snitty]

i'd say a 1" spacer and a body lift is good... you can still get away with no SYE that way... but if you wish... the 2" spacer is not a bad idea... but you still may need the sye...

 

[ecor]

The spacers are not a bad option, we have a number of TJ's running up here with a tc drop and a 4" lift and no bad vib's. I would recomend changing the shocks with the spacers though. Then take the money saved and buy disco's. Going to the body lift will start to create problems with the 4wd shift lever. You will need to either use a doubled up drop bracket or change to a conversion brkt. The conversion brkt is a pain to put in but gives no binding to the shift lever.

 

[Sully]

The spacers are not a bad option, we have a number of TJ's running up here with a tc drop and a 4" lift and no bad vib's. I would recomend changing the shocks with the spacers though. Then take the money saved and buy disco's. Going to the body lift will start to create problems with the 4wd shift lever. You will need to either use a doubled up drop bracket or change to a conversion brkt. The conversion brkt is a pain to put in but gives no binding to the shift lever.

I am not a fan of T-case drops.You pay a lot of money for a lift it, and then you give it all back when you do the t-case drop.

 

[TwistedCU]

The Transfer case drop is a cheap solution for vibration on that size lift. Yes, you lose a little clearance on the skidplate, but very little, and unless you're rock climbing, it will probably never be an issue. If you don't have the cash for the SYE, it's a no-brainer.
What I am wondering is, at 4" of suspension lift on a TJ do the control arms become an issue?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

You pay a lot of money for a lift it, and then you give it all back when you do the t-case drop.

You don't give it all back. 4" gained in suspension, + 2.5" gained under the belly going from a 28" to a 33" tire = 6.5" gained under the belly skid. With a transfer case drop you're still at 5.5" improved breakover than stock.

I'd say, for working on a budget, add the 2" coil spacers and do the transfer case drop. Both can be had inexpensively from www.rustysoffroad.com .

Chances are you will encounter problems at 3" or 4" of lift while using the stock lower control arms. Most noticably will be death wobble and tire jacking that occur when stock control arms are used at steeper angles. Keep this in mind and consider longer lower control arms, wether adjustible or fixed. That 4" kit complete with LCA's is probably looking better now, huh? You can always sell off the 2" kit to recoup some of the cost.

 

[ecor]

Stock length lower arms are not a problem until 5" of lift. The skyjacker 4" lift comes with new arms that are the same length as the stock arms(gimmick). Save the money go with the spacers and tc drop. You have less then $100 into those and the shocks would be about $140 for good ones.

 

[nkdskls1978]

Any unforeseen problems because its an AUTOMATIC??? I'm leaning towards SPACERS and TC drop as far as money goes...if this means that i would not need a SYE?...Ive gotten the intake/exhaust/tbs from rusty's and I really like his prices...

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Spacers and TC drop? Yes, you would not need a SYE. You may need to modify the transfer case linkage due to the TC drop, the TJ transfer case linkage is mounted to the tub (ahem, poor design, ahem). Sorry, had to clear my throat

I too run a Rusty's airtube and Flowmaster exhaust, and now I've got a Rusty's lift installed.