Topic: want to go to 33's

[mad mike]

i have a 93 wrangler yj that i just bought awhile back and it has 31 inch bfg all terrains with no clearance problems and no lift at all that i can see i really want to go to 33 inch tires on a budget what about lift shackles? or maybe a 2 inch body lift? any suggestions or ideas would be great i would like to hear what everyone has to say about this

[Jeffy]

i have a 93 wrangler yj that i just bought awhile back and it has 31 inch bfg all terrains with no clearance problems and no lift at all that i can see i really want to go to 33 inch tires on a budget what about lift shackles? or maybe a 2 inch body lift? any suggestions or ideas would be great i would like to hear what everyone has to say about this

I think Dex was looking to do something similar with his new YJ.  I can't find it post though.  Basically, It was discussed to spread the lift around so not one thing gets too much (which causes other problems like driveline angles).  A .5-.75" shackle lift with a 1-2" body lift and TJ flares (1-2") should give you enough room while keeping the cost down and not causing any other problems.

Keep in mind that it will also depend on your tires of choice and the wheels you use, too.  33 AT's are around .5" shorter then a radial MT.  You start getting larger differences with tires like the Interco Bias ply's, too.  You can get 33's in 9.5,10.5, 11.5 and 12.5" wide.  Wheel width will push the tires further outwards which will give them more clearance inside but making them stick out too far makes them rubs the flares instead of tucking into the wheel well.  Also, the leafs may sag a bit because of the age of the Jeep.  This will reduce the overall height more so.

[Jesse-James]

You're going to need about 3-4" of lift. How you get it is up to you, but I wouldn't recommend tall body lifts or rediculous shackles. 2" BL and 1.25" shackles might do it depending on how much your stock springs are sagging. I would recommend a spring lift though. Either a 3.5" kit or a 2.5" and a 1" BL and a 1" motor mount lift. The latter would be better for you driveline angle. It would leave you the option to do shackles later on if you still want more. There has been several posts on this if you do a search.

[dexetr30]

I've got the same vehicle. Just like jeffy stated... I'm going with a .75" shackle lift and a 2" body lift. The way my shackles sit now is 8.5" from eyehole to eyehole. However, they are adjustable and I'll be dropping them down to 5.5" from eyehole to eyehole. Then I'm cutting the excess off the bottoms of the shackles so it doesn't look rediculous. I've got a 3" BL on the way but I'm sending it back to exchange it for a 2" BL. Thanks to some help from some of the other members here and some research I have learned that a 3" BL is to unstable and dangerous to use because of body and frame flex. Also, I'm saving my pennies for this.
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/Products.aspx?Cn=187&Pn=2008&Vid=0E227635

[might4banger]

FWIW - I installed the RE 4" std. about a month ago... Keep looking, I don't think it lives up to the hype. I ended up with 6" of lift and it's stiff as h3ll, and has minimal droop. BTW - I have checked my shackles and they are not too tight. Also I have put several hundred miles on it, it will flex, but, it does not live up to my expectations. Your results may vary... (I still need to get bigger tires - good thing I waited to see how much lift I got out of it!)

On the good side - I don't think my gas tank skid is gonna take a beating anymore. It does ride better on the road, just a little bit more squirrly due to higher CG.

Just my $.02

[Jesse-James]

According to what I've heard, that lift should soften up, and that most 4" spring lifts will be similar. That's one benefit of spreading the lift around Between spring, shackle, and BL.

[might4banger]

^ A little??? I'll take a lot! - :D

[Jeffy]

I'm not sure about the current kits but the earlier kits were off the shelf leafs from a large leaf mfg. company in Canada.  The only kits I'd ever consider for a YJ would be a OME 2.5", Rubicon Express ED 2.5" and 4.5".  Otherwise go custom with some Alcan Springs leafs.  They can make custom leafs built to the Jeeps specs and your needs for around $150 a leaf.

[mad mike]

thanks alot guys i really want to go 12.50 wide tires but i may go with some tires more narrow i am also on that unending search for the perfect tire but thanks for everyones input

[jagular7]

I'd go with quality lift springs, then add some Baja bushings from Deaver Spring (http://www.deaverspring.com/BajaBushing.htm) in the frame end of the spring.
Here is a little write-up/install about them (http://www.trailslesstraveled.com/news.php?id=58). They are the 'johny joint' for the leaf springs. There is another similar product, the orbital, but it requires install when fabbing the spring. I don't think Advanced Offroad Research (AOR - aor4x4.com) is still viable.

[Jeffy]

33.9.5 or 33.10.5 isn't a bad size.  Lighter tire with less rolling resistance but still has 33" dia. Depending on where you go this could be a better size.

[jwrape]

Here is mine when I first put the 33's on. I had a 2" BL and a 2.5 Shackle Lift.






Now it's still on the BL, but stock shackles and a bolt on Spring over

[might4banger]

^ Bolt on SOA! Where did you come up with that? How do ya like it? Never seen one b4.

[dexetr30]

Here is mine when I first put the 33's on. I had a 2" BL and a 2.5 Shackle Lift.

Looks damn good. Is it me or are your springs worn flat :?:

[mad mike]

i like the spring over but with that much lift didnt you have to extend your driveshafts? and i love that rear tire holder and rack where did you get it?