LJ Lift Question...

[Marksman]

I'm normally on the Grand Cherokee side, so I'm new the the Wrangler forum, but I'm planning on ordering an '06 Rubicon Unlimited in the near future.

I plan on putting on a "mild" lift as soon as I get it, probably just enough to run 32's. I've done the search, & read through the posts, but I still have a couple of questions.

I'm looking at getting the Rubicon Express 2" "budget boost". I think this will allow me to run 32x11.50's without rubbing. I don't plan on doing much rock crawling, just mud & trail stuff. Will I experience much of a rub with this set-up? Can I keep the factory Rubicon rims with these tires & this lift? It sounds like I could get by with the factory shocks, but should I buy longer aftermarket ones?

The Rubicon comes with 4.10's, so I doubt this small tire size increase should affect performance much... anybody have any experience with this? Thanks!

[Benz0]

yes to all your questions...the shocks will be fine but may have issues if you disconnect the front axle...but add some washers to your steering stop to eliminate rubbing IF you get any

[Marksman]

Not to bring up this debate again, but from previous threads it sounds like the Rubicon express lift was by far the favorite "budget boost" lift on this forum. Is this still the case?

[Ramajama]

Originally Posted by Marksman

Not to bring up this debate again, but from previous threads it sounds like the Rubicon express lift was by far the favorite "budget boost" lift on this forum. Is this still the case?

yes

[Marksman]

Originally Posted by Benz0

yes to all your questions...the shocks will be fine but may have issues if you disconnect the front axle...but add some washers to your steering stop to eliminate rubbing IF you get any

Since a 32x11.50 is wider than the stock tire, (I think roughly 10.5 inches on a Rubicon) would any potential rubbing occur while steering during daily driving or only during compression of the suspension when wheeling? Where does it occur (on the shocks, frame, etc)?

[ehirner]

The stock shocks are too short. I didn't have an issue with the stock front shocks and a 2" spacer but I also didn't disconnect during that time. The rear shocks however were too short just for street driving. Replace the shocks with some that are of appropriate length.

[Marksman]

Anybody here re-geared after going to 33's with their Rubicon (specifically the LJ). I doubt there would be little, if any, difference in going up to 32's, but I'm curious about 33's.

[otisdog4]

4.11's will work well with 33's. I'm still running 3.73's with 33" tires and even that is acceptable.
Jim

[Marksman]

Originally Posted by otisdog4

4.11's will work well with 33's. I'm still running 3.73's with 33" tires and even that is acceptable.
Jim

So by acceptable, do you mean it's close to stock performance or that it's bearable?

I'm still trying to decide whether to go with a 2" BB & 32x11.50's on stock Rubicon rims or go for a 3.5" RE lift & go with 33x12.50's (which will require aftermarket rims, new shocks, etc.) & cause a noticable drop in on-road performance.

[otisdog4]

Originally Posted by Marksman

So by acceptable, do you mean it's close to stock performance or that it's bearable?

I'm still trying to decide whether to go with a 2" BB & 32x11.50's on stock Rubicon rims or go for a 3.5" RE lift & go with 33x12.50's (which will require aftermarket rims, new shocks, etc.) & cause a noticable drop in on-road performance.

4.11's would be close to stock performance and 4.56's would take it a bit lower which would be good for me with the 4 sp auto. Heck my wife drives it everyday and it does fine on the trails. Going up into the mountains is where it slags somewhat but still it's ok. I say go with the 3.5" and the 33's. I think you will be glad you did. I don't think you will notice too much of a drop in performance.
Jim