Lift Kit Recommendation for YJ

[Kevin]

Anyone driving a lifted YJ on the raod?
Thinking about lifting mine, but I drive it daily
Thinking about RC or Zone
Suggestions or Comments?

Thanks

 

[Kunker]

Twinkie (Terry) and YJ_Driver (Richard) have both driven lifted YJ's in the past, and can likely comment with the positives and negatives. Some general questions would be - how much lift were you looking for? Do you have a tire size and goal in mind? Keep in mind, you may need to re-gear as well to regain your current performance when you change tire size.

You can also fit larger tires by looking at "hi-line" fenders - basically they raise the fenders (and cut part of the hood) for more room allowing you to keep the stock springs, and have a lower center of gravity for better off-camber wheeling.

 

[Kevin]

2-3" lift
I will just run 31's or 33's
Very little offroad
Basically the original 1988 Leafs and old shocks are pretty tired so could use replacing
Lift kit is the cheapest way to go
(I don't want to pay $1000 for a kit either)

 

[Twinkie]

SOA with stock leafs for added flex. 33's and 4.88's if running a 4 banger, 4.56 or 4.10's if running a 4L. Best ride/flex out there for a YJ. Add a track bar to the rear to keep the axle wrap under control, SYE to make sure the drive shaft doesn't fall out and you're done. I miss my YJ....it was simple and very effective.
Most of the lift kits will ride harder then a SOA setup as the leafs are not as soft. Look at the guys that run 10-14" lift springs in big ole Chevy trucks and ask them how they ride. LoL

 

[junkpile]

...... Best ride/flex out there for a YJ. Add a track bar to the rear to keep the axle wrap under control.....

Surely you meant - ditch the factory front and rear track bars(aka frame rippers) and add a traction bar to the rear.

 

[Twinkie]

Precisely. I didn't know YJ's even had track bars (to locate axle position), figured the leafs did an ok job keeping axle location sorted out, mine certainly didn't have front or rear bars on it. Just the "traction" bar added to the rear after axle wrap became a problem for it in Moab. Built by the previous owner.....in the campground @ Moab.....from junk parts laying around. LoL I eventually rebuilt it with a stronger mounting point at the belly pan.

 

[junkpile]

Precisely. I didn't know YJ's even had track bars (to locate axle position), figured the leafs did an ok job keeping axle location sorted out, mine certainly didn't have front or rear bars on it. Just the "traction" bar added to the rear after axle wrap became a problem for it in Moab. Built by the previous owner.....in the campground @ Moab.....from junk parts laying around. LoL I eventually rebuilt it with a stronger mounting point at the belly pan.

To quote Goldmember, "vierd eh?!"

 

[Richard]

Mine was SOA for 6 years and I loved it, though it's not for everyone. It may be more lift than you want at ~5", and though the ride is smooth it will also lean more when turning and nose dive more when braking. You still need good stock springs plus new shocks, longer brake lines, SYE eliminator and new rear CV driveshaft, traction bar, relocated spring mounts etc.... so it's not cheap, likely >$1000, and not easy to do.

As much as it may provide the best ride and off-road performance, I think for your needs you should look for a mild lift kit or springs, it will also be easier to insure (search 'insurance' on here and you'll see what I mean).

I can't recommend any particular company or kit as I haven't had any and I don't keep track of them.

 

[Kevin]

Thanks for all the info
It's looking like it will be a Zone lift

 

[DannyL]

Thanks for all the info
It's looking like it will be a Zone lift

Just to let you know we sell Zone products at their internet prices indicated on their site. From personal experience and customer feedback highly recommend the BDS springs as well....

 

[Kevin]

Won't be upgrading spings
Just need to get rid of the ones from 1988..lol
I've got some pretty good prices so far
Pm me a price on the 2" with shocks shipped to K2S 1M8