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Post by fat2k3 on Feb 6, 2006 1:30:25 GMT -5
What's up Jeep People.....Glad I found a site dedicated to Unlimited Wranglers. Instead of watching the Super-bowl today...I went out and traded my Acura RL sedan (leather, seat heaters, chrome wheels, etc.) for a '06 Unlimited. I went with the Red, Auto tranny (SoCal traffic SUCKS) Dana read end, soft top (Didn't want to hassle hard top removal). I just wanted to get a vehicle I could have some fun with, drop the top and enjoy the great California weather. I just going to come right out and start asking for help! I happy with the unlimited, I almost went with an "X" that was already lifted by the dealer with ProComp suspension, Bushwhacker Fenders,nice bumpers (don't know what kind, the had a "W" cut into the metal)....only problem was, the ride SUCKED! It was very loose feeling, kinda felt like it didn't want to track while driving straight, and the steering required constant correction. My thinking was the Unlimited would track and ride better than the shorter wheel-based X? Only problem is, IT LOOKED AWESOME!, so my question is: Can I do a lift, flares, Tire & Wheels and suspension without losing the stock ride comfort or safety? Where can I check out accessories? What should I be looking at? Where's the best stuff? HELP! Most of my driving will be paved roads, however I do go dirt bike riding a lot, so I can't wait to carve some trails in this Jeep. I'm stoked to start dialing this sucker in, any help you guys or gals can offer would be appreciated. Sorry for the long "Rookie" thread, but I'm ready to hit the trail! Merlo  |
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Post by nfunlimited on Feb 6, 2006 15:25:30 GMT -5
I guess it depends on how big you want to go. I added a 2" coil sapcer on top of each coil to give almost 2" of lift, and I added 31" tires. The ride is close to stock as long as you leave out the extended bumpstops.
I am told that OLD MAN EMU brand lift kits have the best ride, and are available up to 2.5", with 32" tires. They say the ride is better than stock, but I have never tried one
Good luck!!!
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Post by Belfast on Feb 6, 2006 19:31:55 GMT -5
Congrats!
I went with RE 2" coil spacers and Old Man Emu shocks - the ride is as good as, if not better than stock. They were a little pricier, but this being a daily driver, worth it IMO.
Keep in mind that with every lift you have to get an alignment - chances are the X you test-drove was out of alignment.
Depending on how high you want to go, a long-arm suspension is supposed to ride pretty well on higher lifts, but it comes at a cost.
You get out what you put in - if you skimp, you will feel it.
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Post by moneypit on Feb 6, 2006 19:40:56 GMT -5
Welcome to the board. You will love the Unlimited. I installed the Old Man Emu lift . It's a 2 1/2" lift and I run 32" tires. It rides just as good if not better then stock. If you are interested talk to Dirk at WWW.DPGOFFROAD.COM. He has great prices and really knows his stuff. Good luck, you have just entered the black hole of never ending Mods. |
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Post by jeepnut on Feb 6, 2006 19:44:54 GMT -5
Congrats man. The unlimited will completely satisfy your trail needs. Post some pics and don't forget to wave.
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Post by fat2k3 on Feb 6, 2006 22:43:35 GMT -5
Thanks for all the great info guys....I'll post some pics soon.
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Post by treeofliberty on Feb 6, 2006 22:48:47 GMT -5
The best move you made was not buying the dealer-installed lift. I guarantee you it came with the added feature of 100% markup. It was probably the same crap installed by our dealership (which we also passed on). Nobody who knows anything about lifted Jeeps would pay that kind of markup, so they are relying on somebody buying on looks alone. Because of this, it was probably the cheapest lift made.
Like everybody else said, you have to guage how much you want to spend and what kind of offroading you intend to do. Also, only the completely delusional would claim that looks are not a factor.
I find that 4" lifts with 33x12.50 tires and 15x8 wheels are a great look. I also like 5" lifts with 35's. These two combinations look like they should be stock on the Unlimited. Further, you'd really love the performance offroad.
Be sure to get a lift that includes quick disconnects for the front. You won't regret that move. Its a totally different ride when the front suspension can flex to match the trail, leaving the rest of the vehicle level and smooth.
I have a Teraflex kit, and have been very happy with it. The Rubican Express kits are very popular. I read about them all the time on the forums.
For the wheels, you can use the stock wheels with larger tires, but you're going to need spacers so they clear the fenders if you go wider than 10.5". A better long term choice would be to replace them with wheels with the proper backspacing for the tire you select. You can sell your stock wheels/tires on Ebay for $500-700, which will offset your costs. Getting the lift, tires, wheels at the same time will usually net you a package deal.
At the same time you get your lift, tires, and wheels, consider a replacement tire carrier, because the stock one will deform under the weight of a large tire. I like the Bestop carrier we bought, but I'd choose differently if I did it again. The Bestop carrier doesn't have a good option for jerry cans. Many other bumper/carrier combinations do have mounts for cargo, jerry cans, hi-lift jack. Of these, I like KOZ Offroad and the Garvin combo's.
Don't fool yourself on the lift. The better the offroad performance, the more you'll sacrifice onroad. There are happy mediums. 3" of lift, 32x11.50 AT tires, on 15x8" wheels would be a good compromise between trail and pavement. But that's just my opinion.
Welcome to the forum, and congrats on one of the most enjoyable purchases you'll make. Try this: try running with the top down and doors off (pull fuse #4 to get the dome lights to turn off). There's nothing better on a beautiful day.
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Post by 2hi2cme on Feb 6, 2006 23:22:28 GMT -5
The best move you made was not buying the dealer-installed lift. I guarantee you it came with the added feature of 100% markup. It was probably the same crap installed by our dealership (which we also passed on). Nobody who knows anything about lifted Jeeps would pay that kind of markup, so they are relying on somebody buying on looks alone. Because of this, it was probably the cheapest lift made. Like everybody else said, you have to guage how much you want to spend and what kind of offroading you intend to do. Also, only the completely delusional would claim that looks are not a factor. I find that 4" lifts with 33x12.50 tires and 15x8 wheels are a great look. I also like 5" lifts with 35's. These two combinations look like they should be stock on the Unlimited. Further, you'd really love the performance offroad. Be sure to get a lift that includes quick disconnects for the front. You won't regret that move. Its a totally different ride when the front suspension can flex to match the trail, leaving the rest of the vehicle level and smooth. I have a Teraflex kit, and have been very happy with it. The Rubican Express kits are very popular. I read about them all the time on the forums. For the wheels, you can use the stock wheels with larger tires, but you're going to need spacers so they clear the fenders if you go wider than 10.5". A better long term choice would be to replace them with wheels with the proper backspacing for the tire you select. You can sell your stock wheels/tires on Ebay for $500-700, which will offset your costs. Getting the lift, tires, wheels at the same time will usually net you a package deal. At the same time you get your lift, tires, and wheels, consider a replacement tire carrier, because the stock one will deform under the weight of a large tire. I like the Bestop carrier we bought, but I'd choose differently if I did it again. The Bestop carrier doesn't have a good option for jerry cans. Many other bumper/carrier combinations do have mounts for cargo, jerry cans, hi-lift jack. Of these, I like KOZ Offroad and the Garvin combo's. Don't fool yourself on the lift. The better the offroad performance, the more you'll sacrifice onroad. There are happy mediums. 3" of lift, 32x11.50 AT tires, on 15x8" wheels would be a good compromise between trail and pavement. But that's just my opinion. Welcome to the forum, and congrats on one of the most enjoyable purchases you'll make. Try this: try running with the top down and doors off (pull fuse #4 to get the dome lights to turn off). There's nothing better on a beautiful day. well said ........ i'll remember that when i do my lift............ |
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Dixiefried
Trail Guide
Reactionary Target
Posts: 174
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Post by Dixiefried on Feb 12, 2006 0:51:48 GMT -5
Amen Brother....
But I will say that IMO my LJ rides better on the 4" Teraflex kit and 33's then it did at stock, the only thing I lost was some of the highway gearing since I haven't redone my axles yet.
Oh, BTW where at in socal are ya...maybe we could hook up and hit the trails, I'm in San Diego for the next few years at least.
Congrats man, and see ya out there.
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Post by unlimitedrubi on Feb 12, 2006 22:25:04 GMT -5
My unlimited rides and drives just as good or better with 37's than it did stock. My wife drives it to work from time to time at 75 mph on the interstate without any trouble.
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Post by salyers890 on Feb 16, 2006 17:39:58 GMT -5
most of the guys here are pretty apt when it comes to wheeling, and most if not all of their rigs are awesome. Go to the "show off your ride" thread and look for a setup you could see yourself in.
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