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drive
this Jeep regularly on paved roads?" If you've
bought your Jeep so you can trailer it to the trail and
back then this article is not for you. You have too
much money and I'm definately jealous. So for the
rest of us lets look at lifts.
The first thing you really need to look
at when deciding on a lift is what size tires and
clearance you're looking for. After doing more
research on TJ lifts than NASA has on Moon landings, there
are only three lift kits out there regardless of clearance
and tires you want to run. They are all Long Arm
kits. Long Arm kits are kits that replace the
factory control arms that locate the axle to the
frame. Extending the arms and not only increasing
articulation but also improving the factory driving
characteristics. The kiits are the Fabtech 6 or 8
inch Long Arm kit, the Rubicon Express 5.5 Extreme Duty
Long Arm Kit, and the Full Traction 6 inch Long Arm
kit. I believe you can't go wrong with any of the
kits so I will feature the highlights and shortcomings of
each.
The Fabtech kit features the
elimination of the stock link pockets keeping the upper
and lower links on the same plane. It also includes
non-adjustable control arms which keep the caster constant
which improves on road handling but also reduces off road
performance. I would consider the Fabtech kit the
middle of the road when it comes to installation. I
definately ranks first for price, offering shocks with the
kit, and the best dollar for dollar performance.
The Rubicon Express Kit features a some
great advantages with adjustable control arms and a 3
piece Belly Pan. RE is known for making the best
Jeep kits in the business and has the loyal following of
many a dedicated Jeeper. The RE kit also features increased wheel travel for better traction off road,
minimized axle steer through the suspension cycle, and decreased torque roll, providing a safer, more controllable vehicle.
The kit also tucks the driveline better than any other kit
decreasing the chance of high centering.
Unfortunately, this feature also causes it to be the most
intensive when it comes to installation. Don't let
just anybody install this kit. The installer must be
very compitent welder. In addition to the severity
of the install the kits sits slightly lower.
The Full Traction kit is the only bolt
on kit of the bunch and is also the most expensive.
The FT kit utilizes a true long arm rear 3 link, the upper triangulated bar pivots on a high-misalignment uni-ball joint. This eliminates the need for a rear axle track bar. The result, is incredible linear wheel travel and axle articulation, without the binding caused by the rear track bar.
According to the tech editor the FT kit offers the best
rear artticulation of the group and improves on road
performance. Although the kit is completely bolt on
you will have to completely customize the exhaust to
install this system. Unless your going to upgrade
all of the exhuast components don't buy this one.
All of the kits have great advantages
and disadvantages. You really can't go wrong with
any of them. All of the kits also require the use of
a slip yoke eliminator and a CV driveshaft. Both
cost more money but are really necessary if you're going
to take out your rig on even moderate terrain with even
the slightest lift. Now on to tires.
What tires do we want and what
size. Well if you're not going to add either coil
spacers or body lift or both, the largest tire size you
will run with any of the kits previously discussed will be
35s or 36s. The 37s that are ever increasingly
popular on and off the trail really require some more
additional lift. Fabtech does offer and additional 8
inch kit if you choose to go with the 37s.
Lets take a look at 35inch tires because without immediate
axle and gear upgrades they can be run right out of the
garage with any of these kits.
Ok... I really don't know where to
start. There are more tire companies offering
incredible off road extreme traction tires. Now
unless your budget is endless price will always be an
issue and outside of the BFG Krawler most of us can offord
a great tire. Now I love some of the unidirectional
tires that are offered out there, like the Yokohama
Geolander, or the Mikey Thompson Baja Claw, or the
economical Pro Comp Xterrains but I don't recommend unless
you are very patient and can deal with swaping tires and
rims constantly. Of course your going to buy 5 not 4
tires. Well how do you mount the fifth tire, for
which side. and if the other side punctures on the
trail you'll have to run it backwards. In addition
it makes it a real pain to rotate the spare through to
extend the life of these soft rubber tires. Tires
are as much a matter of what you like for looks as they
are performance. I really like the look of the
Geolander and almost got a set even though they are
unidirectional. My top picks are either of these
three. The Goodyear MTR, BFG Mud Terrain, or the old
stand by TSLs Super Swamper. I don't believe you can
go wrong with any of these tires just remember if you want
traction you have to sacrifice for road noise. There
are no quiet, great performing off-road tires.
None! So don't ask. I like the Goodyear MTRs.
They are regularly seen on the pro curcuit and offer a
very puncture resistant sidewal and aggresive tread
design. There are so many different write ups on
tires that the information is readily available on every
tire. My only suggestion is to check www.tirerack.com
for prices. Even after shipping they are usually far
less expensive than any local shop can do. Plus no
local tax.
Well, with the lift kit installed and
new tires, slip yoke eliminator, cv driveshaft, and rear
bumper (to hold that new spare), you are ready to hit the
trail. So whats next?
Well here is a short list of other
items which you should address and add to your TJ:
Manual Front Hub Conversion
New Front and Rear Gears
Front and Rear Lockers
New Superior 35 Axle Upgrade
Additional Lighting
The TJ is the ultimate in off the show
room floor performance and requires much less than its
parents popular parents, the CJ and YJ Wrangler. If
you have any questions or comments regarding this article
or any other items on this site please feel free to drop
me a line at scott@4x4garage.com
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