Newbie questions about my jeep

[theksmith 4,143]

Woo, that's good news Scout, thanks!

 

Oh, and the tires I have on now are 265/70R17's

 

so you have about a 31.5" x 10.5" now.

 

stepping up to a 33" is a good recommendation. whether or not to re-gear really depends on how it "feels" to you afterwards. if you're happy with the performance now, then you may still be with 33's. if it already feels sluggish to you, then you'll want to re-gear after the size change.

 

as far as the type of tire... if you intend to run offroad alot, then consider a mud-terrain. otherwise an all-terrain will be a better compromise for street manners and noise. BFG, Goodyear, and Toyo are all top brands that make both A/T and M/T tires. we are running DuraTrac's on Aimee's Jeep as they seem to be one of the most aggressive looking A/Ts.

 

it looks like you already have some sort of side-bar/rock rail. and i'm assuming since you have bumpers and such that you also at least have the factory transfer case skid. so you are well covered in the armor and tow-point departments, which are usually the first mods you want to make.

 

for anti-sway-bar disconnects just get the JKS brand, they are the best and you'll be glad you did.

 

i don't know much about the lifts available for JK's specifically, but i'd say get the kit with new shocks (if they are indeed a bit longer and matched to the lift). also you might want to check out Old Man Emu, they only make short lift kits, but make some of the best riding progressive springs and shocks there are - not super cheap though. Also 4 wheel parts now owns Rubicon Express, those were always good lifts.

 

some people on here have had good luck with 4 Wheel Parts in Mesa for installs. i personally stay away from chain stores though. you might look up Absolute Offroad and talk to them, i always had good luck there, but recently the owner got out of the business and sold the shop to one of his helpers. i have not worked with them yet since that change. wherever you go, just ask lots of questions and if the mechanics don't have time to answer you or don't explain things to your satisfaction, then go somewhere else.

[theksmith 4,143]

also you'll want a CB and a 12v air compressor or CO2 tank.

 

the compressor needs to hook directly to the battery, this is my recommendation for the cheapest one that will do the job, they are also available at Pep-Boys: http://www.amazon.com/Industries-MV50-SuperFlow-High-Volume-Compressor/dp/B000BM8RT8

 

if you want a much nicer compressor, i think the best bang for the buck is the Puma, search ebay for "Puma 12v".

 

and don't let all this stuff overwhelm you - you don't have to buy/do everything at once. most people build up things slowly over time.

[In-A-Rut 3]

I sell off road parts. Let me know what kit your looking at and I will see if I can get you a better price.

[ob1jeeper 564]

Having owned and driven a stock suspended 1976 CJ7 (currently with over 400K on the odom, much of it offroad), and having done all of the trails that many folks here with lifted/modified vehicles have done, and some still struggle with... It is my recommendation that you first focus on getting some seat time and experience with your vehicle before modifying it, so that you know what if anything you NEED to traverse the trails you want to run...

 

That said, it is not very often that newbies to our sport want to hear that, and even fewer who follow it... In any event welcome to a WONDERFUL family activity...

[Cloudjc 0]

Thanks Jeeper, that's great advise... I was actually already thinking that.. I'm gonna take the class next week and see how that goes.. And I had plans on taking a trip of my own to the places I remember going with my dad as a kid, then decide from there..( i.e. crown king, bumble bee, and Mormon mountain/Munds park ) One thing is for sure tho, I want a more aggressive tire on there.. I parked next to a Rubicon today at work, with what looked like a lot of off road mods, and I sat at the same level.. And that really got me thinking *speaking of which, do any of you guys work at John C. Lincoln.. There's a lot of rubi's and raptors in the parking garage at work lol*

 

 

And as for the lift kit I'm looking at... I think, if i decide to lift it, it's going to be the Terraflex 2.5" budget boost with shocks.. On the Quadratec website they were asking around $510.. But I'm gonna need someone to do it for me too, because I wouldn't know where to start lol, I'm not too car savvy, heh.

[aloysius80 0]

As ob1 said welcome to the fun.

I have never had any experience with either a BB or with wranglers so if there is a hidden trap some one else speak up. If you have another car or can survive without it for the weekend if you run into problems have a go at the install your self. If i understand correctly a BB you will only need basic hand tools (socket set and combination spanners) which can be purchased for a similar price to paying some one else to do the job if you don't have them and you will have them for years. You will skin your knuckles but you will learn what you are doing and have pride in what you've done at the end of it. some jobs look quite daunting at the start but take your time and do it one step at a time you'll get there. have respect for the vehicle, there is a lot of power wound up in those springs if you don't work accordingly they will hurt you.

dont work under a car with only a jack holding it up, and spring compressors will make it easier but are not necessary. I'm sure you will hear something along these lines on the weekend. But whatever you decide to do, HAVE FUN DOING IT.