help

[HarrysTJ]

I have a 97' TJ and I want to upgrade stock tires. what is the best choice? do I have to buy a lift? any suggestions helpful. thanx

[JeepnPit]

Well, what are your plans for the Jeep? Daily driver or Trail rider or both? Sorry to answer your question with a question. Gotta know.

[RICK]

Harry, if you'll let us know exactly how you're going to be using your Jeep you'll get dozens of recommendations.
For example: daily driver and occasional off-roading in the northeast
or second vehicle and moderate off roading

[HarrysTJ]

both

[Chris S]

My suggestion:
Get a 2" spacer lift that includes new shocks (around $200.00) and get 32x11.5" tires.
You may need to get cam bolts for your control arms in order to get your U-joint angles correct.

[JeepnPit]

I agree with Chris S. That's a good way to start. I am running that set up and it works fine. It was easy to install and for some reason I don't have "vibes" which works out really well.

[Jerry Bransford]

A 2" spring or spacer lift with 32" tires is a good suggestion. However, drivetrain angles should easily still be ok with that small amount of lift so cambolts wouldn't be needed to cure driveshaft vibration. Plus cambolts are a PITA to install and there are much better ways to cure drivetrain vibration if it happens. 2" suspension lifts rarely cause drivetrain angle problems in a TJ.:D It wasn't until I extended my initial 2" suspension lift up to over 3" before my TJ developed its first drivetrain (driveshaft) vibration.

Without a suspension lift, you can go with 30x9.50 tires and, most likely, 31x10.50 tires without a problem. You MAY develop a slight amount of inside sidewall rub with 31x10.50 tires but that is easily and completely fixed with one or two spacer washers under the steering stop bolt located near the front steering knuckle (we can tell you how if you need to make this adjustment).

Tires are of course personal preference but a VERY good all-around tire is BFG's All Terrain KO tire. It's quiet on the road, lasts seemingly forever before wearing out (50-60,000 miles not uncommon), yet is aggressive enough for most offroading needs. Hope this helps.

[lonegpr]

I wished it had been that easy and simple with my Teraflex 2" lift. But I guess nothing in life is, or not for me anyways. :)

Ended up with close to 3" of lift though, which required just about everything necessary and available to fix the driveline vibes.


Also, keep in mind of the actual tire size. If you're planning on running a set of 32" Swampers, you'll be pressed to make them fit under with just 2" spacers. 32" tires of any other brand though will work. Just something to keep in mind.