Body lift VS Suspension lift

           I'm looking into buying a new '97 or never TJ when the new year rolls around, and I had a few questions, answers from some owners would be appreciated.

           I was just trying to decide whether i should go with a 3 inch suspension lift and 1 inch body lift to clear the 33X12.5 radial super swampers that i want, or if I should just go with a 3 or 4 inch body lift, which I have seen done before with the tires I want. Keep in mind that I won't be taking it offroad hardly at all, save a few camping trips but nothing extreme, in my first few years because I'll be very busy with work and school.  After my first few years the sky's the limit with what I'll do once I get more into it, I just don't have the time now. So I'm going for simply cosmetic, I want that badass Jeep look. Will a body lift suffice without rubbing? 

         In JP magazine (July 2000, page 14) there is a picture of a TJ with 33X12.5 with a 3 inch body lift. So for you doubters out there, it can be done! Just wanna hear from someone with some experience with it! Thanks guys!

       There is a fact of life you need to think about before I get to the question, Right, I know,"It will never happen to me",LOL. But the fact is, Jeeps tip over easy, even unlifted ones. Even on the street, maybe more so on the street. I don't know if I would want 3" long plastic blocks between my tub and frame. You see my point? You could end up being the ball in some twisted game of auto pinball. I have a 2" in mine but I Don't use it to drive to work, so maybe 5k a year is it. Driving a lifted Jeep, or any other short wheel base rig, things happen very fast if you have to get out of the way. I've had mine up on 2 at 65mph...... and you do alot of thinking after that. You almost have to have the same mind set as if you were driving a bike. It depends how "you" drive it. I myself wouldn't use any more than 2", 1" if its your driver, and you do a lot of highway miles. I guess I just lookat it this way, if I ever do roll it, I don't want to have to worry about getting hit by my own frame. If you go this way, just make it a point to go around and check your body bolts once or twice a year. The tub will move around more, and they can get loose. Good luck  

Yeah thanks for the response. You're right, I do know the rollover factor will be escalated.  Anyone out there have more than a 2 inch body lift and got an input?  Money and labor is out of the question seeing as I am a mechanic, I'd just like to know if a body lift is okay without any offroading, and I doubt I'll be hotrodding it much, I know better than that.  And you're right, until I get a little Honda to beat on and drive to work, etc, I don't want to mess with the driveline, brake lines, and everything else, because when I do I want to do some pretty hardcore rock-climbing.  Although, I must just have to bite the bullet and lay down a few more dollars for a standard 3 inch suspension and 1 inch body to clear the 33X12.50.  Well, thanks your input Paul.

      To be honest with you, if you just go by the numbers. Your center of gravity would be better, lower, with just the body lift. Your not lifting frame and drive line mass, just the body. Handling, would be about the same, sans the larger tires. I guess the point I was trying to get at is (maybe not very well most of the time, if ya ask my oldlady LOL) that a 3" longer bolt is a big lever on your floor pans, and cab mounts, keep an eye on them, or you may get backed in to in a parking lot, and get the whole tub pushed off one side. Its a very weak link. Things that make you go hhmmmmmmmm. Good luck, and enjoy.