6:12 pm
Club Member
June 4, 2012
Offline
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” 
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.
If I can't build it, then it's something that should be bought.
6:57 pm
Club Member
January 20, 2009
Offline 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.
10:13 pm
Club President
April 2, 2003
Offline 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.
6:29 am
Club Member
July 10, 2003
Offline 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. . .
7:49 am
Club President
April 2, 2003
Offline 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.
12:00 pm
Club Member
June 4, 2012
Offline 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?
If I can't build it, then it's something that should be bought.
2:14 pm
Club Member
July 10, 2003
Offline 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. . .
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