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Gold Hills Posse 4×4 Club · Folsom, CA

Best Lift kit for a '97 Jeep Wrangler

  1. Specialsoundman Member Joined: January 2013
    #113 Apr 2014, 11:12 AM

    We took some friends of ours out to Prairie City in their stock 1997 Jeep Wrangler. This was the first time they have EVER 4 wheeled, They had a blast out there. They both drove on the hills and trails out there. They drug the skid pan a couple times & the rocker. Each time the husband is saying see we need a lift kit. I think we got them a little bit “hooked” [https://posse4x4.org/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/icon_clap.gif] because the wife secretly asked Lori if we could check on a lift kit cost for her to buy as a surprise. What is the most “cost effective” lift kit out there? the most bang for the buck, not top of the line, just a kit to get them about 4″ with out breaking the bank and one that won’t break out there on the trail. Their just getting interested in wheeling so I don’t want to scare them with cost, but also don’t want to recommend junk either.

    David and Lori
  2. k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
    #213 Apr 2014, 11:57 AM

    I'll let the TJ owners comment on actual kits but with 4" you'll likely need a SYE kit and CV driveshaft in the rear.

  3. BKGM Jeepers President Joined: June 2003
    #313 Apr 2014, 3:13 PM

    Correct Kevin, unless you use a tcase drop kit.

    A super lift short arm kit or pro comp base kit is most economical and not poor quality. I think you can run 3.5" and 33s. Probably the best bang for buck. Good luck.

    Kathleen and Brad
  4. JohnDF Member Joined: July 2003
    #413 Apr 2014, 11:29 PM

    Probably the most budget friendly method to get onto 33" tires is a 2" spacer lift, 1" body lift, and 1" motor mount lift. The 1" body lift is hardly noticeable on a TJ and totally safe, the motor mount lift helps with driveline angles and they may get away without a SYE, and the spacers are a cheap investment. If, or when, he goes bigger, you are only tossing the spacers and the body/motor lift can stay on the Jeep. No expensive parts to toss later when the "Jeep Bug" hits them. Nice cheap way to test the waters.

    I used to wheel a lot. . .
  5. BKGM Jeepers President Joined: June 2003
    #514 Apr 2014, 12:49 AM
    JohnDF said

    Probably the most budget friendly method to get onto 33" tires is a 2" spacer lift, 1" body lift, and 1" motor mount lift. The 1" body lift is hardly noticeable on a TJ and totally safe, the motor mount lift helps with driveline angles and they may get away without a SYE, and the spacers are a cheap investment. If, or when, he goes bigger, you are only tossing the spacers and the body/motor lift can stay on the Jeep. No expensive parts to toss later when the "Jeep Bug" hits them. Nice cheap way to test the waters.

    plus the spacers can be re-sold if/when they upgrade.

    Kathleen and Brad
  6. Specialsoundman started this Member Joined: January 2013
    #615 Apr 2014, 5:00 AM

    I get the body & spring lift. I think I get the motor mount lift, does that raise the front of the motor to let the transfer case down so it is lower and less steeper angle for drivelines?

    David and Lori
  7. JohnDF Member Joined: July 2003
    #715 Apr 2014, 7:14 AM

    Yes, sort of. It raises the front of the transfer case so the rear drive line angle isn't as severe.

    I used to wheel a lot. . .
  8. Specialsoundman started this Member Joined: January 2013
    #815 Apr 2014, 8:59 AM

    By doing that won't it make the front driveline have a steeper angle? And that won't be a problem?

    David and Lori
  9. BKGM Jeepers President Joined: June 2003
    #916 Apr 2014, 1:59 PM
    Specialsoundman said

    By doing that won't it make the front driveline have a steeper angle? And that won't be a problem?

    Front DL is much longer than the rear.

    Kathleen and Brad

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