Hello everyone,
I want to lift my rig 2 or 3 inches.. my quests are as follows;

1) How far can I lift it with out having to buy oversize rims/tires?

2) Is a leveling kit required after a lift kit is installed??

3) Does having a lift kit put on adversely affect steering/handling?

Thanks

 

In my opinion if you installed ZJ V8 Up-Country springs it would lift your 6 cyl equipped ZJ at least 2"s.
Here's a write-up with a chart giving the spring's part #s http://www.geocities.com/frankieroti/UpCountinstall.htm

 

Actually,the 4.0's are heavy pigs,only a few pounds lighter than the 5.2's so the UC springs would probably only give about 1".

To answer your Q's:

1)Thats up to you,looks wise 2" is the most i would go on stock tires.

2)It's not required,depending on how you lift it or what components you use you might sit level. (you always want the back at least 1/4" higher loaded anyway on a lifted rig)

3)Yes. But steps can be taken to correct it. At 2" it probably wont be too bad.

 

Thanks for the info guys!!

 

Just remember that a lift will raise your center of gravity, making it easier to flip. Shouldn't be too much of a difference with just a couple inches though.

 

If you stick with 2" you will not have to change out a lot of the extra stuff (drive shafts, sye, steering, ect). I have a 2" BB on my 98 zj and have no problems. The kit I have came with Rancho 2000 shocks that are 2" longer than stock. The shocks are a bit stiffer than you would like for highway driving. I figure that is what you are after since you don't want to go up in tire size. You probably wouldn't have any trouble keeping the stock shocks if you are not looking for articulation. imo

 

Thanks for the great input everyone!
I do some off roading but nothing very serious. I just want to get over deeply rutted trails with out high centering. Highway performance and comfort are very desirable for me.