Lifting WJ without sacrificing much towing ability.

[Jimmy the Heater]

Looking for opinions on lifting and towing. Here is my situation and I'm hoping y'all can help me out.

01 WJ, 4.0, tow package, totally stock.

I'm smacking my transfer case cross member pretty often on even mild trails so I would like to lift it up some to avoid as much damage as I can. However I have a 3500 lb trailer that I need to pull frequently so I cannot sacrifice towing ability for off-road prowess. Trailer does not get pulled on trails. Its my base camp.

I'm not wanting to build a rock crawler by any means, but more of an expo style rig. Working on a farm means that I'm going offroad 3-4 times a week so it's a pretty common occurrence.

I believe a lift in the 4 inch range would suit me and the trails I go on but would going that high cause towing issues? Should I stick with 2 inches, or even stay stock and armor up the underside instead?

Thanks for your input.
Jimmy the Heater

 

[larrydallas]

Check out www.jeepforum.com and visit the WJ section. Lot's of info there, just do some searching. Given what you want to do I'd stick at 3" lift or less - going to 4" creates a whole new challenge and additional costs. For towing I'd look at 3" OME HD springs, which might only net 2.5" of lift after settling. You'll need springs, shocks, extended bump stops (if you plan on running larger tires), rear sway bar extensions, maybe an adjustable track bar (not required), and a new steering stabilizer. Most people get new spring isolators too. I would also get a transfer plate skid myself, but it is easy to get carried away. On the tire side, don't go over 31". Like a 4" lift, the larger ties can open up a can of worms. A 245/70/17 or 245/75/16 is the largest tire you can fit in the spare well. Also, larger than that doesn't fit the wheel wells very well.

Go the jeep forum, do some reading, and contact Kolak for the best prices. You'll find his contact info on that site as well.

 

[Jimmy the Heater]

I'm not much of a one to go larger on a tire size. In fact in my previous 4x4's I can't think of a single situation where I've gotten stuck that a larger tire size would have helped vs what I was running. Tread type...oh yes, absolutely. Street treads and weak AT's have caused me plenty of needless stucks, but tire size, nope.

Also oddly enough, I'm not hitting the axles at all either, strictly the T-Case.

I'm a member over at Jeepforum as well and there is a TON of info about lifting the WJ, but I couldn't find anything specific to lifting while towing anything more than a light trailer. 3500 lbs is not anywhere near the max towing capacity but its not as insignificant as a 500lb Harbor Freight trailer either.

 

[brianwj]

I ran the OME HD springs for years in my WJ and towed a 5000 lb camper I wished I swapped them in sooner it was such an improvement.

 

[jpat30]

As has already been mentioned, stay under 4 inches of lift on the WJ. Too many issues (read additional $ needed) to go above. I run OME HD springs front and rear on my 03 WJ along with a JKS adj trac bar and bilstein shocks. I replaced my rubber isolators at the time of install and recommend you do the same. You will see why when you get the stockers off. I netted right at 3 inches of lift. In my opinion, it is hands down the best set up for a DD/ weekend warrior WJ. The ride is firm, but not abusive-way better than stock. OME offers differing spring rates, but since you tow, go with the HDs front and back. As far as tire size, you look like you are running 16 inch wheels in your pic; 245 75 16 is great size and will indeed fit in the factory spare well. Oh and definitely contact Nick (Kolak) for your parts. He really knows his stuff and has great customer service. I ordered all my stuff through him. Hope this helps.

 

[Jimmy the Heater]

It absolutely helps. Thank you all very much. Had another off road excursion during work today and smacked the T-case pretty hard. This is going to have to happen right when farm work tapers off so I don't damage anything.

Yup, running 245 75 16 for the tires and I'm quite happy with the size. They only have another 10k left in them and will replace them with the same size most likely unless I find a really good reason to change. Thinking about giving the General Grabber AT2's a try.

Notes taken on vendors, will certainly give them a ring when work permits. Thanks all, again. This really helped.

 

[Lecoq]

I ordered my OME HD and Bilsteins from Kolak as well. I'm really happy with the setup. I'm running General Grabbers AT2 right now in a 265-70-17 (32"). Slight rubbing in the front of the wheels behind the front bumper. It's better since I installed the ARB bumper. I would highly recommend this setup.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Jimmy the Heater]

Lecoq...That is the 3" OME lift correct? That is EXACTLY what I had pictured for my Grand, thank you so much for sharing!

Also are you happy with the General tires performance and any issues towing with that lift?

 

[comptiger5000]

I'd personally go OME HD springs (fairly stiff) and a skinny 32 for max clearance. 235/85R16 should fit with very little or no trimming (although it might not fit in the spare tire well). That setup should still tow fine, and you could add 3/4" spacers later if you need a little more height. Especially for towing, don't cheap out on shocks. They'll make a world of difference in how the rig performs and rides.

 

[Lecoq]

Lecoq...That is the 3" OME lift correct? That is EXACTLY what I had pictured for my Grand, thank you so much for sharing!

Also are you happy with the General tires performance and any issues towing with that lift?

Yes it is. I actually only got 2.5 inches out of it since I have the bumper and a bunch of stuff in it. I'm really pleased with the tires so far. I haven't had time to give them a try offroad yet but I will soon. No issues towing at all.