I have an 08 Sahara JKU. It's a daily driver so my initial thoughts were a 2.5 lift on 35s. I bought 14 rubicon wheels and tires and will keep the wheels on after the lift. I can't find my exact gears and am reading different info. Just looking for some tips on doing this on a budget and it being my first go round. The most I'll do with it will be some weekend camping or the easy stuff at Uwharrie. Thx in advance.

 

There might be a few people who think that 35's with a 3.8 is acceptable. Drive it and see what you think, but I would go ahead and plan on re-gearing. $1500-$2000 sound about right for your location? Or are you an east coaster who can expect closer to $3000? (find the Contact Us email on the jeep website, send your VIN, and ask for the build sheet. It will show what gears it left the factory with)

35's with stock rims? Plan on running spacers, or buying new rims with less backspace.

For the lift, any of the 2-2.5" BB's will be fine for your needs. If you plan on disconnecting, you might consider chopping the stock flares.

Read a few (dozen) threads on front housing strengthening. Price out the options, with labor. This is just fact gathering to help you make a decision on your wants/needs.

 

Great info, thanks for the heads up! I'll look into everything you suggested.

 

Search YouTube for a video on how to determine axle gear ratio. Shouldn't take you more than 10-15 minutes time to lift one axle, count and calculate. This is best way, unless you know for certain that a prior owner hasn't regeared.

 

33" will do everything in Uwharrie. I go there quite often, as do some of the guys on the forum here. If you are wanting to test the waters and be budget minded, go for a budget boost. You won't gain articulation, but you will get enough to clear the tires and get your under carriage up a little bit to avoid scrubbing.

If you go with a 33x11, like a 275/70, you won't need wheel spacers with a 2" lift on stock wheels. I run stock wheels with that size tire. Look at the Mastercraft MXT's or Cooper ST Maxx. Great tires and won't break the bank.

 

Could you post a pic of your set-up? Interested to see what the 33s look like. Think I'm going with a 2.5 rough country. Could still change, just leaning that way.