Hey everyone. I just got my new JK last week and I've been looking at a few different options. So far I've come up with the following...

Rock Krawler 3.5" lift (I live 5 minutes from them and know they do a great job)
17x9 Rugged Ridge Black Satin Wheels
35x12.50x17 Mickey Thompson MTZ's

My JK is a Deep Water Blue Pearl Unlimited. I think the black on blue is really nice looking. Will this combo have a lot of gap between the tires and wheel wells? Any other suggestions or does anyone have any pics of this set up or similar? Any help and pics are appreciated!


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This was taken 2 days after I got it. Completely stock and itching to get building!

 

Yes I'm going to be going to them for the install. I'll be headed there sometime this week when the weather gets a bit nicer to get an estimate done.

I'm looking into the mid arm flex system for now for $1100. (Until I can afford to upgrade to the triple threat)

I'll be getting the bumpstops and am swaying between using RK's shocks, or Bilstiens. Any suggestions? Going to be 60% on road use & 40% trails for now till I move out to California this summer.

It's an automatic and I'll be getting the Bushwacker flat flares (and a lot more) as soon as I recover from the hole in my pocket that the lift kit and wheels are about to burn into it.

I've seen lots of JK's with huge gaps between thier tires and fenders and don't like the look. If I'm going to do it, I want to do it right, the first time around.

Also, should I get the RR 1.5" wheel spacers?

 

Here is mine-- a 3" fabtech and P295 70 17 -- they measure just over 34" so it gives you an idea!

 

WOW! Thanks for the great info Planman. It's GREATLY appreciated.

Looks like I'll be doing more searching for a lift. I've been looking at Teraflex a lot so we'll see. Thank you everyone for the info and pics.

Anyone have pics of a TF 2.5 lift on an Unlimited with 35's and flat fenders? LOL

Also, Should I get the wheel spacers?

 

QuadIdaho, I looked at your pics on your profile and that's almost exactly the height I'm looking for!! Very nice setup!!

Now lets hope I can see something similar with flat fenders.

 

To get what you ask Planman has great advice. But there is a reason for the "gap" you don't like. It allows room for the tire to stuff. Now there are different thoughts on this and you need to make up your mind which way you would like to go. For me form follows function.

Growing up in the 80's we lifted to get on bigger tires period....the only time we heard the word articulation was concerning our speech. Running leaf springs with very limited flex, we ran bigger tires for ground clearance and the bigger the tire the easier it rolled over larger objects.

Now Low center of Gravity (LCG) is very popular and rightly so. In order to have the body as low as possible you limit the upward travel of a tire. Keep in mind if the other tire can droop a long way you still have a good amount of articulation.

So let’s put all this together. If you have the factory or similar suspension and you put on larger tires without raising the body you limit your articulation. (bad thing) This is the reason for the "gap" you don't like the looks of, to allow for maximum range of articulation.

Now yes you can keep the body low and run larger tires and make suspension changes to allow for more droop but then you get into more money. Is it better, yes large tires and LCG is awesome....but you have to pay for it.

So the compromise is keeping the full range of articulation and raising the center of gravity for budgetary concerns. And with owning a jeep you have to manage the disease.

 

Planman & Toymaster hit the nail on the head.
The 3.5" and the flats just scream 37's. I basically have the set-up you talked about in your OP, other than I run 37's (36.25" actual)

Teraflex 2.5" BB Spacer lift - 33" tires and flat fenders


Rock Krawler 3.5" Mid Arm (it added 3" more lift before settlement)- 33" tires and flat fenders


Rock Krawler 3.5" Mid Arm - 37" tires and flat fenders

 

Toymaster, thanks for that insight. Definitely makes sense.

I just don't want to look like one of those guys that lifts their rig, and then have RC car tires and wheels on it.

Yingyang....GRRRRRR!!!! You got it prefect! That's exactly the look I want for the most part.

I'd definitely consider the 37's...But..

Here's my issue...I take care of a couple friends who are disabled and in wheelchairs. One can get in on his own with some assistance, the other I have to completely lift up and into the Jeep. It's not too bad as it is stock. I just don't want to go too high where I cannot get them into it. They loved riding with the top down and doors off in my old Wrangler and I don't want to exclude them because my lift is too high to get them in it. Which is why I'm trying to stay away from going to 37's. I'm looking into getting a stepping stool at this point.

 

Thats a great thing you are doing with your friends!!
With that being known... The height to the top of the Teraflex rails is 27". Height to rear seat is 42" little over my waist (im 6'-0"). If you normally pick up your friend that is in the wheelchair it could be done. You probably have to bend down to set him into the rear seat now. This way it will be straight in. Hope that helped.

My tires only measure 1.25" taller than a true 35" so that only added .63" in height over the 35's.

Its pretty high for my wife who is 5'6" to jump into. She can do it its just funny to watch.

 

I have another friend who is 5'2" and he has to almost run and jump into the passengers seat, and I'm at stock height! Too funny!

Thanks for the info.

Now I'm trying to decide on a 2.5" TF lift with 35's...or a 3.5" RK lift with 37's.

I guess my brother was right....

J.E.E.P. - Just Empty Every Pocket