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mawillia

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Im looking to get a lift for my 93 zj sometime this summer (when Im working full time). I want a lift so I can run 33x12.50s. Ive narrowed my choices to Rustys 5.5 inch short arm lift and Kevins 4.5 inch short arm lift. I like the components in both kits but Im leaning to the Rusty's because of the price. But I do have some questions. The Rustys lift comes with fixed lower control arms, and looking at Kevins site, he says fix arms are useless. Second, he says lifting a zj over 4.75 inches without a long arm kit makes the on-road ride terrible. So I want to know what you people have experienced with fixed lower control arms with a fairly large lift, and if lifts over 4.75 inches give bad on road performance, since my zj will be a daily driver for a while after I lift it.

Thanks!!
 
i recommend kevins 4.5" kit. re components are well proven and highly spoken of and kevin is a great guy to deal with.

that is true, fixed control arms are useless. adjustables allow you to properly adjust your pinion angles and adjust your axle from front to back so your tires are clearanced as best as possible.
 
Fixed arms aren't useless if they are the right size,example your factory arms are fixed...useless I think not. anyways if your going to go 4.5 or 5.5 I'd spend the extra money on a long arm set up. More money yes but more ppl would say it's worth it to fit 33's, keep in mind your going to need a sye kit and drive shaft at taller lifts.... good luck.
 
1996zj said:
Fixed arms aren't useless if they are the right size,example your factory arms are fixed...
true, but for the money you have to invest in them its a pretty big risk to take and have to hope everything will fall right into place where you need it. then it leaves you limited if you ever want to change your lift setup since you can't make adjustments.
 
1. welcome to the boards.
2. Why are you stuck on 33s?
3. Are you willing to spend at least 3K on parts?
4. Are you wanting to regear?
5. What are your plans for this? DD or trail only?

I'll do my best to get you all taken care of. I'm running 33s but, have made significant mods to make the ride very streetable and trail capable.

Hunter

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All of the above is good advice for you. I've been running the RE 4.5 lift which will clear 32 11.50s just perfectly with 3.75 to 4.0 backspacing on rims. 33s will fit but you'll have lots of tire rubbing and destroy those new tires.


I'm at 6.5 the 4.5 and 2 bb stacked on the top. I've regeared the front and rear diffs to get back the same acceleration as stock to 4.56s. I'm running the Super 35 with detroit locker in the rear and the front has the truetrac limited slip. I'm running bilsteins with BPEs and shock loop adapters at the top.

Oh yeah, I've also been wheeling since 1982 and had several different types of trucks. So, before you go taking advice from someone who bought or was given a Grand last year when they turned 16, make sure to ask a couple of people.

BTW, have you looked through the pic page here and on www.jeepforum.com? Those will give you a better idea of what's out there. You can also PM the owners and ask them what they like and dislike about their setups.

Hunter
 
Check out Rock Krawler's 4in kit, its only 899 and it comes with four lower adj control arms, track bar, shocks, coils, quick disconnects and some other smaller stuff. Really all you would need for the kit is atleast a transfer case drop kit, some upper control arms and longer brake lines.
Ive heard alot of good things about Rock Krawler and right now that is what I am leaning towards for my Jeep.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Thanks Tex,
When I got my zj back in high school I planned on going with a 3in lift and running 33s. Then I got to college and in the auto repair program and saw guys in the wheelin club running 35s, I wanted to go bigger to run 33s. But I read some of your advice about picking a lift and I think Im gunna go back to a 3 or 3.5in lift. Then I can save money to make other stuff like bumpers, sliders and a roof rack. Then in a couple years, when Ive got more wheeling and vehicle experience I could swap axles, swap out the 249 and get a long arm kit, to run 33s.
 
Okay,

first the RK kit can be yours but, don't come back crying about things not working right.


second,

you will not fit 33s under a 3.5 lift unless you seriously trim with a sawzall and extend your bumpstops and regear.

So,

6.5 and 33s:

Image


Image


Hunter
 
mawillia said:
Sorry for not being clear. I meant going to a 3 or 3.5in, running 31s now, not 33s. Then in a few years getting a LA kit to run 33s.
If this is your current plan, I would do a F->R swap for now. Then save $ and get a long arm kit. This is what I would do if I knew about the F->R swap back when I got the 3 inch kit years ago.
 
SOLITUDE said:
I wanna see pics of that. prove it.
SOLITUDE, I know you've seen it. I have posted a few pics on here of it when it was at 3". Now its at 5" but here's a pic of her at 3" on 33's:
Image

Image

Old pics. But I had it flexed out more than it is on this pic. I deleted it off my camera but I have an actual picture of it. I'll get to a scanner and try to post it. Its my ZJ on a wood pile, I'll try and get it up here soon.
 
Why not lots of trimming? That actually looks pretty good. Aside from cutting the outer skin, did you have to cut, weld or bash in anything inside the wheel wells to make them clear? I'd like to keep a low center of gravity.
 
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