Need some input on Modding!
08-07-2009 | 08:05 PM
#11
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Here's my humble opinion.......
I am similar to you....really don't wheel, but may - won't ever rock crawl, yet I do drive around on our farm and hunt - but I have an old TJ for that and Polaris Ranger. This is my DD too. I wanted a better look, but keep a good ride and not drop TOO much cash!
So, one new MBRP bumper (sans the winch....but probably will get it eventually) and a new set of wheels and tires......did the trick, no lift necessary. I'll get some pics up tomorrow (too tired to screw with it tonight), but as bigbluejk said.....you can get alot of wheel and tire for the cost of 18" tires.
My new boots were installed today - - Pro Comp 8179's 15x8 ($102.99) and Goodyear DuraTrac (VERY aggressive tread - never know its an AT) in a 33x12.50x15 C Load Range ($147.00). ONE new 18" Duratrac was $230......so, for $20 DOLLARS MORE.....I have new tires AND wheels.
BTW, the 8179s fit with NO MODIFICATIONS to my calipers. And, if you are interested, the DuraTracs ride great, have a small, but pleasant road hum....only gripe at all is they are 32.25 on a 15X8.....would have liked 33 even (like the Goodyear site said they would be
). My stocker sahara bridgestones were a full 32, so no speedo mod for a 1/4 inch, but these tires LOOK 2" taller at min......thanks to the 15" wheel!!! OH......and this wheel and tire weighs LESS than my stockers.....so no unsprung weight issues or horsepower loss trying to turn bigger boots. 
(Props here go to planman, RedneckJeep, BryGuy and ryanclimbs for input and advice)
So, buy some wheels and tires in a 15" and stop.....look.....assess......then decide if you need a lift. I don't. BUT, I might get spacers for the front to remove the rake......seems more noticeable now with these wheels...
Then add a bumper (I like full widths- lost a 1/4" in front height) and roll on.........
I am similar to you....really don't wheel, but may - won't ever rock crawl, yet I do drive around on our farm and hunt - but I have an old TJ for that and Polaris Ranger. This is my DD too. I wanted a better look, but keep a good ride and not drop TOO much cash!
So, one new MBRP bumper (sans the winch....but probably will get it eventually) and a new set of wheels and tires......did the trick, no lift necessary. I'll get some pics up tomorrow (too tired to screw with it tonight), but as bigbluejk said.....you can get alot of wheel and tire for the cost of 18" tires.
My new boots were installed today - - Pro Comp 8179's 15x8 ($102.99) and Goodyear DuraTrac (VERY aggressive tread - never know its an AT) in a 33x12.50x15 C Load Range ($147.00). ONE new 18" Duratrac was $230......so, for $20 DOLLARS MORE.....I have new tires AND wheels.
BTW, the 8179s fit with NO MODIFICATIONS to my calipers. And, if you are interested, the DuraTracs ride great, have a small, but pleasant road hum....only gripe at all is they are 32.25 on a 15X8.....would have liked 33 even (like the Goodyear site said they would be
). My stocker sahara bridgestones were a full 32, so no speedo mod for a 1/4 inch, but these tires LOOK 2" taller at min......thanks to the 15" wheel!!! OH......and this wheel and tire weighs LESS than my stockers.....so no unsprung weight issues or horsepower loss trying to turn bigger boots. (Props here go to planman, RedneckJeep, BryGuy and ryanclimbs for input and advice)
So, buy some wheels and tires in a 15" and stop.....look.....assess......then decide if you need a lift. I don't. BUT, I might get spacers for the front to remove the rake......seems more noticeable now with these wheels...
Then add a bumper (I like full widths- lost a 1/4" in front height) and roll on.........
08-10-2009 | 06:45 PM
#12
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, IA
08-10-2009 | 07:00 PM
#13
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, IA
Again, thanks for the great suggestions guys! Sounds like if a lift is needed a suspension kit or the Tera flex leveling kit is the way to go! I've also decided to go with a little smaller wheel to allow for a wider more aggressive tire! It's always great to be able to ask people with the first hand experience! Thanks for all your ideas, and input! Anyone know of a good 4x4 Shop around the Des Moines, Iowa area?!