The thing with these internet forums, is that they lack face to face interaction, and the people responding don't really know each other. Harbourone doesn't know me, I don't know him, and the OP doesn't know either one of us. Harbourone telling me I need to drive better is ok with me, but I don't think it helps the OP with his original question.

I think my definition of a "challenging trail" and Harbourone's definition of a challenging trail are different. I think I've got a fairly good grasp of the Unlimiteds capabilities. It is too low for its length. The first thing it needs is a small lift. Flat flares only if even bigger tires than will fit with the lift are desired. A body lift allows for bigger tires without hacking up the flares, but does not address the too low underbelly.

So for the OPs original question, definitely go with a suspension lift first.

 

Going through the same thing, I opted for the fender flares (didn't trust my shaking hands with cutting, although they look just as good). I am running 35" tires with no lift. I plan on lifting in the near future. 4wheel parts gave me the best price around.

 

Mopwr2, I would agree that you have many more years on much more challenging trails then I do. No question at all. I just find that the longer wheelbase requires different lines. Anyway, your right, unless larger tires bring the diffs up significantly the lift would be a better option.

And yes our definitions of challenging differ. By a fair amount lol.

 

Ok, so far it seams the lift is winning out over just flat fenders. Although I still kind of like the flat fender idea.
Follow up question: Should I just go with a budget boost for now to compensate for the extra weight and wait until it's time for a tire upgrade to go with a full lift?

I just hate the idea of doing a lift and bigger tires AND having to regear to make up for the larger tires. Seems like an awful lot of coin to drop at once.

Thanks for all the input.

 

With all the extra weight you've added with bumpers and a winch I would go with a coil spring lift that uses aftermarket coils that have a higher rate than stock. Spacers are better than nothing, but not as good as new coils, ... in my opinion.

How much money did you plan on spending?

 

Actually I was looking for donations. Contributions, anyone?

But seriously, I found decent coil lifts, 2.5" for between $500-$600. Same with the flat fenders. I'll be looking more in depth after the holidays, hence the questions now.

When my tires wear down I'll be looking to upgrade and I'd hate to have to spend the cash on a regear while also dropping probably $1000ish on rubber (I have to have 5 matching) So I'd probably go wider and not too much taller.

I'm open to suggestions. Except a fender chop.

(Once again I thank you all for your interest and time!)

 

How important is road handling to you? A vast majority of the 2.5-3" lift kits in the $5-600 range do not come with upper or lower adjustable control arms. Just the springs, links, trac-bar bracket, and bump-stop extensions. This leaves you with a limited amount of options to adjust your suspension geometry in case the lift/tire combo changes your handling on-road. I would start a new thread up for the guys using 2.5-3" lifts who are happy with what their kit yielded, and what size tires they run.

 

To be honest. I don't really like the look of the body lifts on JK's. Maybe I just haven't seen it done right.

See... I kind of like that^

 

I wasn't suggesting this as a replacement for flat flares but in addition. You can use 1" less of rear bump stop with the 1" body lift and there is an easy way to deal with the only unsightly seam. That gives you an additional 1" of up travel on the rear axle.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-write-ups-39/1-bodylift-rear-gap-elimination-32592/

Here's a shot of redrockin7's rig after doing the rear gap elimination procedure.

 

Ario I would go with the flat fenders now and then lift later if that is not enough.
Flat fenders will get what I think you are after and no complications that a lift may create (realignment, death wobble, extra parts needed, etc...)