33's on TJ

[saf98tj]

Hi
I am interested in putting 33 x 12.5 x 15" tires on my TJ. At this point, I am looking to keep it simple and not make too many significant changes. The bigger changes will come with time. I am currently running 31" BFG ATs.

I currently have a 2" BB lift that the previous owner installed. As far as I can tell, I have 15"x10" wheels with about 4" of back spacing. Its difficult to measure them accurately as my jeep is currently buried in snow but its close. I have a dana 44 with 3.73 gears.

I am thinking of just putting on a 1.25" body lift with motor mount lift as a stepping stone for now to clear the tires. I have a Saavy gas tank skid that could be raised for more ground clearance with the body lift so I believe I have nothing to lose by doing it and is short money.

I also have extra wide flares that the PO installed which should add clearance.

Any issue with this setup for most club runs? Down the road I will likely regear and upgrade the lift.

Thanks,
Scott

[ChrisD]

I think your going to need the BL in order to clear the flares. You might have some rub when turning, wheel spacers would solve this. In the end, this would be a really nice setup.

Hope to see you on a run.

Chris

[mark2215]

plus the body lift will help when you replace the transmission skid plate. With the body lift you'll be able to run a high clearance skid.

[saf98tj]

Exactly what I was thinking as well. One question. Is there anything else I will need to change. I am not sure if the PO changed the suspension bump stops when the BB was installed they look stock to me from pics online.

[Frank]

You dont have to change the bump stops with a BB. Only suspension lift. You will feel the lack of power without changing the gear ratio but a stick is probably better than an auto. 33s is the best on off road tire size for several reasons as the cost ,balancing, wear, all go up after that. I wheeled on 32s for 5 yrs. and when my experience grew my capability did also. Asking questions is the best way not to waste money. FjR68

[ChrisD]

Without knowing what you already have installed..... Other suggestions would be.... CB, first aid kit, tow Strap, proper tow points, power steering pump skid, after market control arms, and oil tank skid...

[saf98tj]

You dont have to change the bump stops with a BB. Only suspension lift. You will feel the lack of power without changing the gear ratio but a stick is probably better than an auto. 33s is the best on off road tire size for several reasons as the cost ,balancing, wear, all go up after that. I wheeled on 32s for 5 yrs. and when my experience grew my capability did also. Asking questions is the best way not to waste money. FjR68

Thanks frank. Regarding the bump stops, I was referring to the budget boost 2" suspension lift the PO installed. I want to make sure the 33" tires do not hit the fenders when flexing. Looking at them they look original. I would think they would have been extended.

Any suggestions on a body lift. JKS and Zone seem popular on the forums. JKS is more expensive though.

[saf98tj]

Without knowing what you already have installed..... Other suggestions would be.... CB, first aid kit, tow Strap, proper tow points, power steering pump skid, after market control arms, and oil tank skid...

Thanks LN

Already have tow points front and rear, strap, first aid kit, extinguisher, and cb. Oil pan skid is on the list.

[ChrisD]

JKS all day long

[saf98tj]

JKS all day long

Any particular reason?

Thanks
Scott

[ChrisD]

They build a great product, proven time and time.

[Frank]

There are so many good Co. out there. Clayton is well known for indestructibility. I think what ever kit you buy , not the cheapest or the most expensive, buy one thats complete. . All brackets,shocks,link ends or complete new links,steering correction, If its going to need a SYE or new D-Shafts , so when you drive it , It works. If your going to buy a piece at a time , check with the coil spring guys as to what comes firt,second and so on. Just Empty Every Pocket ! FjR68

[Carl McFly]

Hi

I am thinking of just putting on a 1.25" body lift with motor mount lift as a stepping stone for now to clear the tires. I have a Saavy gas tank skid that could be raised for more ground clearance with the body lift so I believe I have nothing to lose by doing it and is short money.

Thanks,
Scott

Scott - regarding a BL, all you're basically buying are some pucks and longer bolts. If the kit comes with the 4WD-shifter-relocator-bracket thing, before you waste your time installing it, make sure you need it. Ask me how I know. BL kits aren't feats of engineering, I don't see any need to go with a big name. Critical suspension components? Don't cheap out. Get a good name with a proven track record

Carl

[saf98tj]

I went with JKS. I am doing a MML so I shouldn't need the tcase bracket.

[saf98tj]

So I was checking the travel and bump stop and measured the axle travel distance. 4" is stock. My measures 6" so my stops are not extended. I also pulled the boots off the shocks and was horrified to see that I only have about 2" of extension when the Jeep is at rest. So it looks like the PO installed shocks that were too long and the shocks are now my bumpstops!

Any recommendations for shocks that are not too expensive?