Thanks for that info Steve. I didn't think about the pumpkin being that much larger. I'll probably end up throwing a 29 spline 8.25 on there and doing a modest suspension build.

 

Wise decision to dump the 8.8 being you are only going to run a 31" tire, you would lose clearance with for sure. I run up to 35's on Bead Locks @ 5 PSI with a Chy 8.25 29 spline/D30 both stock.


The springs are high quality from Rustys and hold up well best of all they are the proper length not like most. As for CA's there are quite a few very good Adj. U/LCA's out there I used the HD Rustys on mine but with only a 3" lift stock ones work fine. I ran the stock ones for over a year and a half till I upped the lift.


The bad part about that lift is your stuck with it and if you decide to increase the lift height (or decrease) you have a lot of new things to buy or trash out. That is all I was trying to tell you, try to plan ahead if you ever plan on changing anything. JMHO

 

You are absolutely correct. My brother and my best friend live with me and see me going nuts researching and planning this jeep out. I was trying to explain this "domino effect" to them the other day:

Tires determine wheels, fenders, gearing, spare tire mounting, and lift (to an extent). Lift height determines shock length and the necessity of additional components (SYE, control arms, etc).

I wanted to get it perfect the first time... But my AC going out made me stop and think. I have a hard time going middle of the road and not going ***** out. If I went with the above components I'd be out $2,200. Then I'd want 32's for it to look right with flat flares and a 3.5"... and with 32's I'd want a swing out spare tire carrier, and with 32's Id need a re-gear... and with a re-gear I might as well do lockers, and so on. I'd end up with a $20k cherokee all said and done. I've been down that road before with multiple cars, and am going to practice restraint this time.

I canceled the Metalcloak kit this morning. I'm going back to my original plan of a ~2" lift with 31's and hacked fenders. It'll be more than enough for what I plan on doing with it. This isn't a dedicated wheeling rig after all.

Thanks again for your continued input. I'll let you know what my modest build plans are once I have it all sorted out.

 

What about Moog leaf-springs and coils ($300) that give 1"-2" lift.
Bushwhacker flat flares.
Bilstein shocks.
Adjustable shackles.

 

Ok, now I got ya.

Well, if you're already going to hack your fenders and are going no more than 31s AND you're not doing a TON of wheeling... then 2" will be more than plenty.

I'm on 31s with cut fenders and no lift at all (hopefully only until this weekend) and save for my tires rubbing on the LCAs(because of my wheel backspacing, not the height of the jeep), it does great...

Observe:




So 2" and properly cut fenders will do you quite nicely.

 

Beautiful Jeep! Thank's for the reply. I'll be running aftermarket flares. :-) What backspacing is that? The wheels I'm ordering are 3.625 so they stick out pretty far lol.

 

LOL that's very close to the build I have spec'd out. Bilstein 5100's, Crown Upcountry leafs, shackle relocation, 2" coils, and some other stuff. I'm still researching.

My username should be IndecisiveXJ... I'm going to try to sell a motorcycle I never ride and a couple of guns for funds... Those funds will either be for a new fence or a higher budget jeep build.

 

I suggest Doorman leaf springs over Crown. And they come with bushings. Coils are Moog brand.

 

Sounds good. I'm going to shoot you a PM.

 

Took me about 10 minutes to decide on my OME lift. No regrets and no thoughts of ever going higher.

 

Thanks! She's a work in progress. Those are stock backspacing @ 5.5". The Canyons will be swapped out for 15x8 Pacer D-Windows w/ 4" backspacing soon though. I never planned on running these Canyons, but they were mounted and balanced on the tires when I bought them so to save time and money initially, I just put them on and figured I'd swap the wheels out later. Still waiting for the funds for that.

 

i was going to say just get really fat & you should be good.

 

No, trust me - that just makes it lean to the driver's side - I know from experience!!!