Help please

[blackjeep24]

Hello everyone!
I am currently a new Jeep YJ owner and have a question about wheels/tires and how they are related to body lifts. The Jeep I have aquired is not lifted however it has 31" tires on it. My question is can I add a lift to it (1-2") for an affordable price? Thanks!

 

[almostcj7]

Sounds like a body lifft would be good for you. I recomend not going more than 2" because the longer bolts tend to flex a little. You may have to lengthen your t-case shifter, but thats easy.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Best bang for the buck would be a 1" body lift, can be done the NHL way for as little as $25. Or pick up a set of used TJ fender flares for $50 and get out the sawzall for more tire clearance.

It's a little more work, but pick up some spare front spring packs and you'll have enough to cut up for an add-a-leaf at each corner, giving 1.5" of lift without stiffening the ride or adding any other parts.

I'd stay away from lift shackles with stock springs.

Oh, and welcome to the Z.

 

[blackjeep24]

Thanks

Thank you for the help it has pointed me in the right direction. I look foward to learning as much as I can and enjoying the Jeep community to the fullest!

 

[jfrabat]

Hello everyone!
I am currently a new Jeep YJ owner and have a question about wheels/tires and how they are related to body lifts. The Jeep I have aquired is not lifted however it has 31" tires on it. My question is can I add a lift to it (1-2") for an affordable price? Thanks!

I dont know how much offroading you do, or the conditions of your YJ springs... I have a '94 YJ with 31" and they work OK for the highway, but on any bump (or if I get in the Jeep with 2 other friedns), the fenders will rub on the tires. But then again, my springs have negative arches, which is why I already ordered my lift kit...

But to get my 2 cents out there, in your case (which I am currently in) I would either go with a body lift to clear the tires for everyday use (most likely NHL), or get a suspension lift that is really worth it. Many people get a small lift first, only to get a higher one later to clear larger tires, so make sure you get what you will ultimately want as far as suspension lift goes... Otehrwise, you will make twice the investment you will need to make. But do also consider ALL the costs involved in larger lift kits (springs, shocks, steering, SYE, shaft, etc.) before commiting...

Felipe

 

[blackjeep24]

Great advise

You know that was extremely helpful! I never thought about the long term off getting a small lift and then eventually having to upgrade anyway. As far as the YJ it is a 1990 with Mickey Thompson 31 Baja mtx's and I was considering the $90 kit which adds 1" based on spacers I believe, I have not done much off-road at all, but I want the Jeep to be ready for that in the future. Also have you tried any fuel efficiency products out there that might be worth investing in? Again thanks for the help.

 

[blackjeep24]

Fuel Efficiency

Has anyone tried products which claim to add horse power and fuel efficiency? If so, are there any that you recomend? Thanks

 

[jfrabat]

1" wheel spacers will move the wheels out, not lift the Jeep up... If you want small lift, and dont want to spend too much, I would go with Bounty's suggestion of the NHL Body Lift (use hockey pucks to lift the body of the Jeep), as it is cheap, and you can keep taht lift if you add a suspension lift later on.

In my case, I am adding a Rubicon Express Standard 4" lift, which will probably lift the Jeep about 5" because my springs are so sagged that they now have a negative arch. This kit comes with shoks, brake line extensions and most of what I will neet. But to accomodate for that lift, I am also installing a Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE) Kit, a Constant Velocity (CV) shaft with the corrected length, and a Dropped Pitman Arm to compensate the steering for the lift. So if you decide for a suspension lift, keep in mind what else you will need to install also, as depending on the amount of lift, there are things you need to consider...

Felipe

 

[jfrabat]

Re: Fuel Efficiency

Has anyone tried products which claim to add horse power and fuel efficiency? If so, are there any that you recomend? Thanks

Some work, some do not... There are a GREAT MANY posts here if you have the time to look for them. One of the past issues of JP magazine has an article on this, which I would recommend, also. But this subject will most likely lead to a LOOOOOOONG debate, as not everyone agrees as to what works and what does not.

From my experience, things that will improve your performance are an electric fan conversion (I will be installing a Ford Taurus Dual Speed Fan this weekend; does not add more power, but rather frees up power you already have), and a good exhaust system (especially for the 4.0L, but also helps in the 2.5L, includes headers, high flow cat, and cat back system) with a good air filter (K&N or cold air intake) will make sure the engine breathes easier, adding more power. I hear replacing the computer chips will noticeably increase power, but I do not have done that (no chips available for my Jeep), so I cannot say for sure. Removing the restrictors from the air filter box did not noticeably increase the power in my Jeep, but I just could not pass up on a free mod, so I removed the 2 on mine (some Jeeps have only one). Throttle body spacers are also fuel for debate. I have one installed, but have not noticed any changes in performance.

The biggest change will probably come from changing your gear ratio, but it is not cheap. IF you DO decide to go this way, though, install your lockers at the same time and save on labor costs!

There are are A LOT of posts around this site about how to improve performance; I recommend you take a look at them, as they will answer most of your questions (they did for me anyway!).

Hope this helps.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

www.4bangerjp.com/forums for 4cyl power mods. Many result in improved mileage as well. Best I've gotten is around 21 or 22mpg, and now get between 15mpg and 18mpg with 36" tires and 5.38 gears.

 

[blackjeep24]

Gear ratios

I know little about the gear ratios when concerning bigger tires, but if the Jeep I bought came with 31's what ratio should I have and how do I find out whats in the Jeep currently?

 

[jfrabat]

Bounty, you got 21 to 22 mpg at one point? What size tires and what gears were you using at that time? The most I have gotten is maybe 20, and I am currently getting about 16 (of course, I should also point out that I could be a little easier on the gas and still get around, but I dont consider myself heavy footed). n I do have the AC on all day long (I do live in Miami, after all!), and that probably does not help the gas mileage!

Current mods to my 4 banger include removing the air box restrictions, TB spacer, Accel 40K Volt coils and low impedance wires, K&N Air Filter. Soon to be installed (most likely this weekend) are the new aluminum radiator with the electric fan conversion, and the 4" lift (which I am guessing will lower my gas mileage because of more wind resistance from the esposed wheels).

Felipe

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

That was with stock 4.11 gears and 32" tires I believe. It was GPS verified so the mileage was pretty accurate.

I still get great mileage considering the super low 5.38 gears and heavy 36" bias ply tires. 18mpg coming home from my last wheelin trip was real nice. I do push a lot of wind, so it's surprising.

I've got a 4.0L airtube with conical K&N, Performance Distributors Livewire kit, plugs are around 0.050" (may try the recommended 0.065"), 4.0L TB and spacer, 4port Ford injectors, Taurus electric fan, Mopar Performance cam and valve springs.

 

[jfrabat]

Well, let's see if my electric fan helps in the Highway mileage... I think it will.

Felipe

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Every little bit helps with the 2.5L, all part of the larger package.