ok... looking for everyone's two cents worth....

[LVRockCrawler]

FINALLY!!!! Got the house sold, the vacation out of the way, the new house "honey-do's" done... now its time to re-focus on my 89 YJ.... looking for a 4" lift, 33x12.5 BFG M/T's, plus some extras and need some input.... mainly, what lifts (hellcreek is first on my list), shackles (front/rear), rims (size, setback, etc...)

now i got enuff out there for everyone to really sink their teeth into... FEED ME!!!! i want to really get a good perspective on what to get, what to avoid and why... its been over 8 years since i lifted a YJ and i KNOW things have changed since then... so any input is appreciated... dont forget that i'm getting 5 tires so i need a bumper/hanger combo for the rear....

now i gave enuff for everyone to write about... let me know whats out there... your input is really appreciated!!!!

thanks!

bob
las vegas, NV

 

[LVRockCrawler]

oh yea... got the 3yr old rumble seat already and the kitty tire chok covered!! )

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

4" springs and 33" tires will still allow some slight tire rub, I'd consider a 1" body lift or maybe a 4.5" spring lift and .5" lift shackles. Keep the shackle lift to a minimum, a shackle max of 2" longer than stock (1" of lift) is as high as I'd go.

TJ fender flares is another option, you can fit 33" tires with only a 3" or 3.5" suspension lift if using these flares. They require the cutting of some sheetmetal, it's a simple install. I run a 3.5" Rusty's Offroad spring lift and it rides great. I can clear 34" tires with TJ flares and a 1" body lift.

I've seen great things from Rough Country, and I'm sure HellCreek is just as good.

 

[jeepmaster]

i'd suggest looking at the warn bumpers/tire carriers, they look to be some of the best

 

[Junkpile]

You could avoid the SYE by going with a 2.5" suspension lift and using a combination of BL, shackles or TJ flares to get the rest of the clearance. The downside to that is when you get ready to go bigger you either have to buy a new lift or go really big and use the 2.5" springs with a SOA.
I don't have any experience with Hell Creek. Several companies make quality lift kits. Most people you ask will recommend what is under their own Jeeps, even if that's the only one they have ever owned and have no idea how it really compares to other kits. If dealing with a reputable company, the old "you get what you pay for" rule applies. I know alot of people here disagree with me on this one, but I'll stick to either a Skyjacker or Rubicon Express. The way your Jeep looks after lifting it is going to make you happy no matter what lift you choose, and even a cheap lift works good enough if it fits the budget.

As far as tires go......SUPA' SWAMPA'!!!!! If you want something a little milder, I'd skip the Mickeys and go get a quality off the shelf "store brand" like BFG.
Get rims that are close to the width of the tread of whatever tire you choose. Most 12.50s have a tread width pretty close to 10". Keeping the rim width within an inch of the width of the tread will provide better performance and the tread will lay flatter with more air pressure. More air pressure equals less rolling resistance, better gas mileage, and the tire will generate less tread killing heat. An 8" rim is fine with a 33x12.50 because of the short sidewalls and it provides a little rim protection, but I wouldn't want to go any narrower.


Edit: I just went back and read the first post and realized I got this thread confused with another one when I suggested to "skip the mickeys and get some BFGs". I see you are already looking at those.

 

[TwistedCU]

I think right now Rubicon Express has the best deal on 4" lifts. Their 4" standard duty kit is a heck of a deal, comes complete with swaybar discos, and will clear 33's.
Good price $599 shipped to the door with upgraded DT3000 shocks here:
http://jeepinoutfitters.com/products.asp?ID=180

You shoudn't need a SYE with this kit, but if you go any higher you will.


[edit] I don't see any reason to upgrade the stock shackles. Yeah there are stronger ones out there but have you ever heard of anybody breaking the stock ones?

 

[laneiac]

how many miles does your jeep have?

Wait until I move down to Vegas, then we will do a SOA

 

[Tug-n-pull]

31's will impact your power and MPG much less and all you will loose is 1 inch in clearence. All a mater of preference I guess, but bang for the buck and over all preformance is what I look at. That 2 extra inches of tires may have a cool factor but as far as daily drive and off road capability it is not much of a trade off for the extra toll on the engin and gearing and cost of fule it affords. A simple 3.5" lift and 31's is my ideal set up. No need for a SYE and other extra cost that go along with it. There is very little that can be done on 33's that a good set of agressive 31's can not do as well. You ask for my 2 cents well there you go. tug

 

[laneiac]

It all comes down to driver and a good set of lockers.

 

[hi_c]

I run the Hell Creek lift and I would swear by it. True, I've never owned any other brand of lift, but for a 4" lift kit for $425 shipped to my door with EVERYTHING you need (dropped pitman arm, shocks, etc.) it's very much worth the money. You don't need to pay an extra $100 or more for a name (like Skyjacker or Black Diamond or whatever). Although, if you do want a name brand lift kit, I would agree that the Rubicon Express 4" seems like a good deal and quality parts. The Hell Creek 4" kit will fit 33" tires with no rubbing provided you install the bump stop extensions included with the kit. That's with no extra lift. A mild shackle lift (.5" - 1") will increase your wheel travel just a bit more for only a small amount of lift (plus they can be made very easily).

I don't know about different tires. I bought BFG TA/KM because I wanted a mud tire that wore well on the road. If you only have a 4 cylinder, I'd suggest the 33x10.50 skinnies with aluminum wheels to decrease weight and keep that 2.5L humming. (You will still have power loss, though). If you wheel your jeep more in dirt than on pavement, Super Swamper makes a 32x10.50 TSL and a 34x10.50 LTB. I'd consider those. And to counter Junkpile's recommendation about keeping the rim width close to the wheel width... I disagree. If you're getting a 12" wide tire, I'd only get an 8" wide rim. This will help keep your bead set when offroad. It's much easier to lose your bead when aired down when you have a 12" wide tire on 10" wide rim. But it's up to you. I have a 10" wide tire on 7" wide rims. I suppose it's all personal preference, though.

Also, if you are 4-bangin' it, get the K&N filter and a high-flow cat-verter and muffler. I got a Dynomax Super Turbo muffler for $42 and it made a great improvement. Bolt-in too!

Of course a rear locker (or front & rear) will do the most for your offroad improvement. Good luck.

Corey

 

[redrooster]

Well, I would hold off on any mods if they are purely related to off-roading. I read on another site that the Nevade legislature and Department of Conservation were trying to make it illegal to offroad in the desert out there. That means established roads only for you guys if that passes.
Anybody else hear that rumor?

 

[Sully]

RE 4.5 inch lift just plain works. I have that kit on my CJ with YJ front springs and it just loves to flex! I dont have my CV driveshaft yet but with the stock driveshaft I cant go over 35 without the t-case and driveshaft making all kind of noise. The kit is really complete and is easy to instal.