I bought a Jeep a couple years ago with 31s and approximately a 3in lift already installed. I am not sure what lift or any of the modified details. Previous owner bought it that way too. I think it is time to replace/upgrade some things. I need to do control arm bushings but forum research suggests to just buy new arms with the bushings already in place. Happy to do that but what arms are good on a vehicle with 3 in lift? I am also going to do a new trackbar (probably iron rock) and steering stabilizer. Any other areas I should be looking to freshen up? I would guess the lift is more than 5-6 years old at this point and has seen some wheeling.

Also working on the front brakes. Looks like just pick my preference on pads but what stainless brake lines will work for my height?

 

IRO makes good Arms with new bushings. Get the adjustables. JKS or Rubicon Express for the Track bar/mount/brace. As far as brake lines, just search around. Im sure someone makes a length variant that will work. I ran 4-6" lift lines on my 3.5" lift for a year with no issues. You will more than likelly want new bumpstops, look at Daystar. Good time to go ahead and replace ball joints and upgrade your steering to the ZJ steering. Crown auto carries the complete setup for $185 new.

 

What shape are the leafs and coils in still the proper ride height for a 3" lift? If its sagged you may have to consider a new kit and some items "May be" included with a new kit.


As for the steering stabilizer just but the cheapest you can find at the parts store and your good to go. Shocks are a different story there Bilstein 5100's are a good choice for a reasonable price for on/off road use.


If you want the best in stopping power and fade resistance I use "Hawk" pads on my Jeeps and have used them for yrs. on my race cars. As for brake lines I used the Crowns multi-layer ones but any brand will work.


A complete ZJ TRE setup from AutoZone is just over a $100 for the 3 pcs. if you still have stock.

 

I was checking out the IRO site. It looks like they have a combo set of upper and lower arms. Should I consider both or just go with the lowers?

I also noticed the JKS is much more expensive than the other options. Any notable reason for that? Thanks for the suggestions. Much appreciated.

 

As for the kit starting to sag, I think its holding up ok. I have a winch and heavy steel bumper up front and I am still looking decent. I will check out more details in a full kit vs cost of buying the parts I need separately just in case it makes sense to save a little.

I checked the front end and it looks stock for the steering so the ZJ stuff will probably be a good option. I was able to search and find part numbers. Thanks for that tip.

You also mentioned the Bilstein 5100 shocks. I was looking at those. Is there a model number that would be the correct size and valving? I have Bilstein coilovers I installed on my Audi and I really like them.

 

I looked for part #' but all I still have are The ones for a 4 1/2" lift, 4 Wheel Parts, Morris or Quadratec any one should be able to help with the correct #.


Rustys Off Road makes a 3" coil spring for a winch/bumper combo that works very well if you ever need one. I'm still running it with ACOS for my 4 1/2" lift. The ride height stays good even with the load on them and still has a good ride.


The ZJ TRE's are a good choice and many times stronger than stock, I run it with my 33's and 35's but that is max for it.

 

Any additional suggestions on control arms, lower or upper and lower?

Any other suspension freshening items to consider or perhaps I should just look at whole new lift kit and have everything new all at once?

 

Consider Rusty's adjustable upper/lower control arms. I have the "Forged Flex" version that has an adjustable/rebuildable heim joint. Check 'em out.