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View Full Version : Realistic Lift Height for 35s



nate
01-05-2005, 07:44 AM
I am looking at running 35s, thinking SSRs, which come in at 35.3". FYI MTRs are 34.7"

Currently running sagging 4.5" RE coils and 2" pucks, just under 6" of lift. I'd want to ditch the rear pucks, they are mushroomed pretty bad and I just don't care for the way they fit.

I don't want to go nuts with the sawzall. For the front, cutting up to the part that flares out at most (keep tires covered as much as possible), and the rear will be pretty much whatever I can. Not a whole lot of material to remove there.

I am thinking that new coils would be the best option, as the current coils are slowly getting shorter and shorter. They are 3 years old, guess it's normal?

I'm looking at the 7" RK coils. Interested to hear opinion or other setups that have worked out.

nate
01-05-2005, 07:47 AM
Like that, or up to that lip if need be. Thanks Matt :D
http://www.fccsonline.com/pic/jeep/5.13.04.c.jpg

MaineZJ
01-05-2005, 09:25 AM
moderate trimming, and 6" will clear 36" SX's

OverkillZJ
01-05-2005, 09:31 AM
Like that, or up to that lip if need be. Thanks Matt :D
http://www.fccsonline.com/pic/jeep/5.13.04.c.jpg

I saw that and was like, HEY! That looks like the same color as my Jeep! And the jack stand looks similar. And well who the hell works on a Jeep on wood flooring... WAIT! THAT IS MY JEEP!

I'm slow early in the morning.

FWIW I think my trimming could clear 36" TSL's, it better, because that's what I plan to run next. I'm about ABOUT 5.5", sometimes measures 6" if I've recently had it flexed out.

Trimming really isn't as bad as you'd think, a lot of people don't know I've trimmed until I tell them. Just be steady and dremmel the rough parts down.


EDIT: I dog go crazy with the sawzall up in front of the unibody though, I think you'll have to... tires get caught on all kinda of stuff up there (like the sheet metal tabs that held the stock bumper on).

gearhead313
01-05-2005, 11:08 AM
This is my 4.5" RE kit pretty fresh. 35" wild cats that measure exactly 35 mounted with air. Mine is cut there, most people can't tell.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/gearhead313/zj%20pics/d83c1f09.jpg

ATL ZJ
01-05-2005, 11:51 AM
Here's mine at about 6" before extending the rear lowers to center the rear tires in the wheelwells. I had to trim a little in the rear before then, as you can see. No front fender trimming yet, and the only place I rub is on the front of the inner fenders in the yellow circle. Anyone have any good close-up pics of trimming tthere? Last time out it chewed up my tires.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/sideyellowcircle.jpg

Jim311
01-05-2005, 02:11 PM
My tires are effed up from rubbing on that same place as well. I just took a big hammer and beat the fuck out of the sharp points so I wouldn't damage the tires anymore. I'm running 33s with 4.5 inches of lift as well. I'm pretty sure it's possible to fit 35s with 6 inches, but it might be a tight squeeze.

ATL ZJ
01-05-2005, 03:54 PM
I'm pretty sure it's possible to fit 35s with 6 inches, but it might be a tight squeeze.

It is possible because I am doing it. I'll just pick up some beer and fire up the angle grinder and see what happens to all that shit in the yellow circle.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-05-2005, 05:37 PM
I'm at 5.5" right now and I test fitted 35's the other day from a friends TJ. They fit for normal street driving, but i dont have the huge stock front bumper and the rear has been trimmed up. I'm still running 32's because waiting on tax returns (just filed it today :D ) but when i plan to wheel w/ 35's I'll be doing about the same trimming as Matt.

JeepinHank
01-05-2005, 05:44 PM
For your part in the yellow circle,

I just cut off the entire outer portion of that front bumper/cross member. You'll be able to trim away all of the front fenderwell up to that point after cutting that out of the way. You'll need to relocate your horn, charcoal canister, and the Air Bag sensors to another location. The horn is easy. I haven't gotten around to relocating the charcoal canister or air bag sensors yet. On the air bag sensors - you'll need to make sure you re install them in the same orientation as before. I still have the pieces I cut out lying around so that I can make sure I mount them the same way if/when I get around to doing it.

I thought I had taken a few pics, but I can't find them at the moment.

nate
01-05-2005, 11:45 PM
My next question would be what spring combo will net 6"?

I was thinking putting some RE 3.5" in the rear, but I'm told it will net around 7".

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-06-2005, 12:28 AM
maybe some XJ front 3.5s in the rear of yours?

Tommy
01-06-2005, 01:00 AM
If you go XJ springs in the rear go with the RE4.5" ones. They tended to be a little softer and you will notice some sag after time. When I first installed them in the rear the were close to 7" but sagged to around 6.5" or so. That was with a 35" spare in the rear and a TR bumper though. I would go RE 4.5" front springs with an ACOS for the front and the RE4.5 XJ springs in the rear. I like the combo and it worked well for me. I beleive both papromike and ChrisL ran that same spring setup.

Tommy
01-06-2005, 01:52 PM
Sorry this shot really doesn't show much. But here is the setup I mentioned with about 2 inches cut off the front fender and not cuting in the rear. On the front only the lip was trimmed, I didn't trim at all in the back of the wheel well.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid54/p85dd61d5559e65c179ffc62049040c71/fc83a654.jpg

KevinM
01-06-2005, 04:38 PM
Nate, if you run 6 - 7" ish of lift you need only minor trimming. Mostly up front inside the fenders, as mentioned.

If you are around Jan 12-16 I will be in Anchorage, I can help show you where to cut your junk.

Kevin

Swamp boy
01-09-2005, 10:06 PM
I am at 5.5 and I just put on 35's. .They fit fine..
I had to bash the crap out of the pinch weld but thats no big deal..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/swampboy/Swampy%20Pics/5472cc50.jpg

robselina
01-09-2005, 11:47 PM
man, we just put 35" MTRs on a friends ZJ. 5.5" with adjustable control arms all around. Granted he's only running 2" bumpstops out back and stock up front, but we had to trim the snot out of that thing. On the passenger side rear I think I think I took about 3" of the section that goes into the interior and welded plate over to stop him from catching it (I think it was Kraqa who did this too). Guess everyone's situation is different...

OverkillZJ
01-09-2005, 11:56 PM
man, we just put 35" MTRs on a friends ZJ. 5.5" with adjustable control arms all around. Granted he's only running 2" bumpstops out back and stock up front, but we had to trim the snot out of that thing. On the passenger side rear I think I think I took about 3" of the section that goes into the interior and welded plate over to stop him from catching it (I think it was Kraqa who did this too). Guess everyone's situation is different...


....Are you sure he's at 5.5"?

That's my height, and I'm running the same tires... I had no such problems...

robselina
01-09-2005, 11:57 PM
well, guess he's actually at like 5"-5.25", but keep in mind that's short arms...and 15x8 wheels....

OverkillZJ
01-10-2005, 12:30 AM
well, guess he's actually at like 5"-5.25", but keep in mind that's short arms...and 15x8 wheels....

Hmmm... I think I'm closer to 5.75" maybe even pushing 6" unloaded, LA's and 15x8s, but I've got room to spare, and I only took off maybe 1.25- 1.5" out of the fenders.

In the back at leasts, the front I hacked up pretty good!

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-10-2005, 02:51 AM
man, we just put 35" MTRs on a friends ZJ. 5.5" with adjustable control arms all around. Granted he's only running 2" bumpstops out back and stock up front, but we had to trim the snot out of that thing. On the passenger side rear I think I think I took about 3" of the section that goes into the interior and welded plate over to stop him from catching it (I think it was Kraqa who did this too). Guess everyone's situation is different...

i'm getting scared now, i dont wanna hafta kill my sheetmetal just to fit some 35's. I should technically be at 5.5" (RE 3.5" + 2" bb) and considering RE runs a little big maybe I'll be at 6".

Jim311
01-10-2005, 07:32 AM
Longarms and shorarms work a little differently... you have less of an arc with the longarms, so there's not quite as much fore/aft travel and you can center the wheels somewhat easier. But everyone's setup is a little different.

deadman
01-10-2005, 08:01 AM
For your part in the yellow circle,

I just cut off the entire outer portion of that front bumper/cross member.

I thought I had taken a few pics, but I can't find them at the moment.

You mean like that:

http://jeep.cfasp.de/upload/2872.jpg

:D

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-10-2005, 11:47 AM
not much to rub on there! doesnt the front bumper provide some kind of structural integrity when it comes to the front end? I'm always weary of cutting anything off like that. Why not just hammer the seams flat until it doesnt rub anymore?

Jim311
01-10-2005, 11:52 AM
I'm not really sure what advantage there is to just chopping the ends off, but it shouldn't affect structual rigidity unless you cut between the frame rails. Looks like he just cut off the ends, which probably wouldn't hurt anything. Still looks fugly and leaves the lights REALLY exposed too.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-10-2005, 11:54 AM
trew, and if you've ever had to replace the header panel, thats one thing you wanna protect!

OverkillZJ
01-10-2005, 12:49 PM
I'm not really sure what advantage there is to just chopping the ends off, but it shouldn't affect structual rigidity unless you cut between the frame rails. Looks like he just cut off the ends, which probably wouldn't hurt anything. Still looks fugly and leaves the lights REALLY exposed too.

I'd love to cut the ends off. Allows you to approach bigger rocks at that tire and climb on up. I get so sick of getting hung up on the corner of the bull bar.

Jim311
01-10-2005, 10:18 PM
I'm not really sure what advantage there is to just chopping the ends off, but it shouldn't affect structual rigidity unless you cut between the frame rails. Looks like he just cut off the ends, which probably wouldn't hurt anything. Still looks fugly and leaves the lights REALLY exposed too.

I'd love to cut the ends off. Allows you to approach bigger rocks at that tire and climb on up. I get so sick of getting hung up on the corner of the bull bar.


I'm tired of smashing my headlights :D




I'd love to have a better approach angle, but not at the expense of my headlights.

nate
01-11-2005, 06:22 PM
What I am thinking at this point is the 7" RK coils. 6" works good for chained up 33s, so I think another inch and some trimming will clear chained 35s. I don't run chains all the time, but for slick trails (ice/mud) chains are the shiz.

KevinM, check your PMs.

JeepinHank
01-11-2005, 07:29 PM
You mean like that:


:D

Yep, just like that. Sorry I seem to be out the loop - I just looked back in on this topic.

On the structural issue. Yeah, that's structural if you're talking about impact areas and collisions. In terms of strengthening the unibody or anything, I doubt it. Cutting it does dramatically improve your approach angle, but I'd still suggest running some sort of high clearance front bumper to protect the front end. Head lights get expensive you know.

The biggest benefit from doing this (aside from the approach angle) is that you're able to cut away more of the front fender well. I don't know about you, but with my short arms extended all the way out, I'd catch the front of the fender well / front cross member when I stuffed the tires - And that was running 32's. Now that I've cut all of that out of the way and trimmed the front fender lip, I don't have any rubbing at all up front. I think my bumpstops are extended around 1.5" (whatever a stack of washers up top and a hockey puck glued into the bottom of the spring perch adds up to. :lol: )

MaineZJ
01-11-2005, 07:55 PM
I don't seem to recall Cody cutting it like that... can't make all that much difference then

metalman0286
01-13-2005, 10:30 AM
off subject:

is there any where to get a TR bumper without spending the $950 through RE

Jim311
01-13-2005, 01:46 PM
off subject:

is there any where to get a TR bumper without spending the $950 through RE



Buy one used from somebody off a forum ;)



I've been waiting around for an ARB for quite some time, but no luck so far.

Cody
01-13-2005, 11:30 PM
I don't seem to recall Cody cutting it like that... can't make all that much difference then

before
http://www.fototime.com/D1F766C66387380/standard.jpg

after

http://www.fototime.com/0399DC1F078C1EE/standard.jpg

I didn't have problems clearing the tires (37's at ~5"), just got tired of getting hung up on that stupid ugly bumper. Looks much more bueno now--but I have tagged my lights a couple times--lenses are 5 bucks.

I'm not that sad about the lights since I destroyed 3 of the stock ones with the bumper intact. It isn't that much worse.

Here are a couple so you can see my trimming. I just cut all of the 'flared' portion of the fender off. It' doesn't get close to rubbing (although my passenger side does rub on the inner fender).

http://www.fototime.com/BDFDFE1C21FF6FE/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/D692EFA66F6CAE3/standard.jpg

hth

Cody

Jim311
01-14-2005, 01:23 AM
I rub right above the spring where the fenderwell comes out a bit.

MaineZJ
01-14-2005, 09:26 AM
I stand corrected. I keep thinking of the pics in the Rock Control thread where it's not cut.

nate
01-15-2005, 09:37 AM
Well I got a price for tires today.
35" SSRs $249 ea shipped :shock:
33" TSLs $160 ea shipped

Hmmm....

OverkillZJ
01-15-2005, 01:00 PM
TSL > SSR

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-15-2005, 06:09 PM
TSL > SSR

thornbirds > TSL's

:lol: :lol: :roll: :lol:

nate
01-15-2005, 07:21 PM
Like, duh! :lol:

I'm looking at street life/handling as well. ZJ isn't my DD, but it's not close to a trail only rig either.


TSL > SSR

Tommy
01-16-2005, 11:14 PM
Well I got a price for tires today.
35" SSRs $249 ea shipped :shock:
33" TSLs $160 ea shipped

Hmmm....

That seems outrageous. I bought 5 35" X-Terrains for around $700 bucks from 4wheels parts. Shit my 38.5 boggers were cheaper than $249.00 a piece. Get somebody to low ball you a qoute and go to 4wheel parts. They beat any price by 10%. I have bought my last 3 sets of tires this way.

Jim311
01-16-2005, 11:36 PM
The SSRs are stupid expensive. And they're not even a very good tire IMO. Way overpriced. Go with the TSL radials.

robselina
01-16-2005, 11:55 PM
if you're pulling DD duty don't rule out old standards like the BFG Mud Terrain.... they're cheap and get the job done....

Cody
01-17-2005, 02:03 AM
Well I got a price for tires today.
35" SSRs $249 ea shipped :shock:
33" TSLs $160 ea shipped

Hmmm....

That seems outrageous. I bought 5 35" X-Terrains for around $700 bucks from 4wheels parts. Shit my 38.5 boggers were cheaper than $249.00 a piece. Get somebody to low ball you a qoute and go to 4wheel parts. They beat any price by 10%. I have bought my last 3 sets of tires this way.

Something tells me that 4wp doesn't have a location in Alaska lol.

I can't imagine what shipping is up there, but I would expect for tires to be more expensive.

Cody

Tommy
01-17-2005, 10:12 AM
Well I got a price for tires today.
35" SSRs $249 ea shipped :shock:
33" TSLs $160 ea shipped

Hmmm....

That seems outrageous. I bought 5 35" X-Terrains for around $700 bucks from 4wheels parts. Shit my 38.5 boggers were cheaper than $249.00 a piece. Get somebody to low ball you a qoute and go to 4wheel parts. They beat any price by 10%. I have bought my last 3 sets of tires this way.

Something tells me that 4wp doesn't have a location in Alaska lol.

I can't imagine what shipping is up there, but I would expect for tires to be more expensive.

Cody



Okay that makes a little more sense

gearhead313
01-17-2005, 10:20 AM
TSL radials bring the suck. Go bias...

nate
01-18-2005, 11:37 AM
Yeah no 4 Wheel Parts here. Shipping is around $20-30 a tire, so it's not too bad.

A few guys run SSRs here and they like them. They aren't as good as a TSL on the trails, but better on the road, and last longer. With the sipes, they are also decent for winter, so I wouldn't need to run summer and winter tires.

I mounted a 33 TSL, and it will fit without much trouble, but it's small IMO. With chains on, I'd be all set as well, which is nice, but I've only "needed" chains a few trips too. I just would need to be careful with flexing with a bigger tire and I'd be ok.

I can't think of many good tires in a 35" really.

Jim311
01-18-2005, 12:27 PM
TSL radials bring the suck. Go bias...


Bias ply tires BLOW if you're driving on the street.

nate
01-18-2005, 01:57 PM
Agreed. It's always a compromise between a good trail tire and a good road tire.

I don't understand why the SSRs are so expensive?

Jim311
01-18-2005, 02:36 PM
That's reason enough for me not to buy them. I've seen them on the trail, and they didn't do much better than any other MT that I've seen. A friend of mine runs them on his CJ and he doesn't go any further than my Jeep does.

nate
01-21-2005, 04:47 PM
Well I called about the Q78s and they will be $190ea shipped. I think it will take some work to get them to fit though...

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-22-2005, 02:10 AM
Just a little sidenote: I went to costco today and got quoted $131 a piece for BFG M/T's in the 35x12.50 flavor. :shock:

nate
01-22-2005, 08:27 AM
That's not too bad. About the same price here as well.


Anyone have pics of a ZJ on Qs? I know Brentt was running them... his Jeep was a little more... uh "trimmed" than I'd like though.

nate
01-24-2005, 05:07 PM
I guess no one else has run the Qs?

Texas ZJ1
02-02-2005, 05:09 PM
I ran them on a 83 Ramcharger but, that was 20 years ago.

Hunter

NAFTEL
04-21-2006, 04:46 PM
i'm getting scared now, i dont wanna hafta kill my sheetmetal just to fit some 35's. I should technically be at 5.5" (RE 3.5" + 2" bb) and considering RE runs a little big maybe I'll be at 6".

i've got 3.5 Re springs and 2 bb as well as i tried fitting 35"s a couple weeks ago- with short arm suspension i couldn't clear em- even with 15X10 rims and 1.5" wheel spacer- rubbed on the LCA when on the street and i'm sure it would rub on the footwell when flexing on the trail. so i guess its LA suspension before i go any bigger.

redzj
04-21-2006, 05:16 PM
I have the RK 7" springs and a homebuilt LA. The springs ride great and flex well, I clear 35's no problem. No trimming in the rear, but they do rub pretty good on the rear bumper at full stuff. I cut the front bumper and the rear pinch weld a little in the front.

nate
04-21-2006, 07:50 PM
yah I run the qs. basically measure to a 35.5. Just a bit shorter than a 37" bogger

Swamp boy
04-21-2006, 10:09 PM
I am gearing up to do a 7" long arm.. And I will be running either Q's or maybe some 37" swampers SSR's

nate
04-22-2006, 11:38 AM
Yeah the Qs fit perfect with 7" of lift and the proper bumpstops. If I flex the front real hard it grabs the sheetmetal under the battery, etc a bit, but oh well.

OverkillZJ
04-22-2006, 11:56 AM
Meh, stuff like that is usually "self clearning"

Most of my sheetmetal was self cleared haha

nate
04-22-2006, 12:01 PM
Yeah. I hooked on the metal under the battery hard and it actually folded the front end of my fender in half :doh:

Cutting up tires sucks, so I'd rather trim and have it not rub.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
04-22-2006, 12:38 PM
yea I used to be worried about chopping sheetmetal but whatever, its a fact of life. I run 35's now effectively at 5.5" no rubbing except under extreme articulation. I'll probably throw under a couple bumpstops to prevent that.

Sheetmetal is cheap, tires aren't.

nate
04-22-2006, 03:57 PM
Yeah pretty much. With the Jeep as long at I don't blow up windows too often, I'm not really too worried about body damage.