hello all. i have a 2006 wrangler unlimited. instead of being an off-road jeep it has become my daily driver. i hope that will change soon. here is my dilemma... i would like to add a lift kit to run bigger tires (32 or 33's). i want the best highway ride possible, since i do that more now, but also a good off road choice as well. i anticipate in the near future i will have time to go off-roading. i am  not into rock crawling, more mud. being new to the jeep world i would like some input. i don't know which way to go with the lift - body, suspension, both, or just simply mount tires as is?
thanks for the help
scott  

One of the new trends is to stay as low as possible, with as big as tire as possible to gain ground clearence. I prefer this as I also drive my jeep every day. You do give up flex, unless you modify or replace body parts (such as tube fenders). I guess it's all in the look & performance your going for. I would always add more suspension verses any body lift. My tj has a 3" lift & I'm running 35's and still have 24" of front wheel travel before anything rubs. It has never been more stable or drove better on the hwy than it does now.  

i agree with th etop post, when it comes to brands i love my BDS lift rides better then stock. I persoanly went with 3" bds suspension and 3" body and i run 37" truxes, but when i get the money i am putting a 6" long arm on and taking the body lift off.  

what is the difference between the "load" on some lift kits? specifically i was looking at a 2" old man emu lift  kit and it said it came in light, medium, and heavy loads. any other advice on lifts body vs. suspension? thanks.  

the body lifts can be a headache. I stay away from them unless your looking to gain some belly clearance and are putting a high clearance or a flat skid/crossmenber that will put the tranny up into the body.

the load ranges depend on what your going to use it for, towing, or have a 6 cyl and plan on a heavy bumper and winch for example. the heavier you go the stiffer the ride.

a simple 2"-2.5" spacer lift will give you what you need to run 32's with no issues, 33's if your up to a couple other easy mods not involving any cutting.
also a new set of aftermarket shocks for upto 3" lift will give your stock suspension some amazing travel with the sway bar disconnected.  

rhyan6:
i agree with th etop post, when it comes to brands i love my BDS lift rides better then stock. I persoanly went with 3" bds suspension and 3" body and i run 37" truxes, but when i get the money i am putting a 6" long arm on and taking the body lift off.

I want to see some pics of the 37's under a 3" suspension and 3" body lift!

and lets hear the other mods you made to keep the tires out of the fenders....shift linkages, radiator shroud..you know all the problems encountered to get where it is....  

new coils are the way to go...heres what a 2" spacer lift and 32" tires looks like....

click here


 

I am also considering a few diferent lift for my 04 wrangler unlimited.  I have noticed that some manufacturers run the same rear springs as a standard TJ and others run a heavier spring just like the stock ones on an unlimited.  Anyone have any input either way?  Is anyone else running a lift on an unlimited?  and if so, what kind and how has it worked for you?  Thanks Justin  

buy an AEV highline body kit and bolt on those 33's It keeps your suspension stock and give you great tire clearance.  

well, i guarantee if you go with 32's, a month later you will want to go with 33's. use a spring spacer, your ride will suck, but it will give you what you need, with out alot of work.  

Why will your ride suck?

Just so people know what you are referring to.  

lol, if ya got a crappy ride from a 2" spacer lift it is from the shocks you stuck on, not the spacers...