Thoughts on how to build up a 2012 Liberty...

[Dozilla]

Daughter just bought a 2012 Jeep Liberty. She would like it to be OVERLANDING capable. Can anyone chime in with your thoughts on lifts, wheels and tires?

Are BB lifts OK on these? Tire size thats too much? We are in Arizona and I'd like her to be able to follow the wife and I in our JK out into the desert. WE aren't into the rock crawling scene BUT sometimes here in AZ you do need to deal with a few rocks from time to time to get to some of the cooler sites.

Donny

 

[Espo78]

I'd say most vehicles/SUVs are "Overland capable" out of the box, but that depends on your definition I suppose. She may want to add an overhead rack (if there is one available) for more storage. ARB fridge and some extra fuel capacity. If it doesn't have a full size spare I would figure out a way to carry one of those as well. Add some auxiliary lighting in the front and it should take her most places where there are dirt roads. The JK is much more capable in off camber situations but there is usually more than one way around an obstacle unless your point is to tackle it.

 

[mwhite]

Don't use a spacer lift. An OME lift and some 245/75/16 all terrains or mud tires will make it much more offroad capable. There is lots of Liberty information at lostjeeps.com.

 

[Espo78]

You should make it look exactly like this one:

 

[tommudd]

For lifts go to jeepinbyal.com
Lifts from the OME lift at around 750 -775 on up to and including their adjustable coilover lifts which of course are much more but the ride on and off road is great. They also have the aftermarket UCAs which make alignments so much better.
Stick to 3-4 inches of lift, 245-75-16 tires and you're good
Front takes the same as the 02-07 Libertys so if you have questions just ask , I've done close to 30 of them
For a good strong roof rack check out Rock Lizard fabrications. We just installed the one in the picture a couple of weeks ago. Only shown in primer since it was a crappy day to paint it

 

[91AzXJ]

I have a 2011 KK and it is quite trail capable as it is. I have full skid plates, 3.73 gears and can handle most moderate 2-3 of 5 trails without any problems. The 4" lift would be a great addition and 245's are the largest tire you're going to fit under it. Make sure she has adequate recovery gear.

 

[ZMagic97]

Being an AZ residnt, I have seen some awesome Liberty's on the trails and I love them.

Depending on what you do and what you want to invest, i think a BB lift would be fine is most situations.

As for overlanding, it is certainly possible with enough thought and planning. I made my 2 door JK into and overland vehicle even though most said it isn't possible. It may not be as roomy as a JKU or a Land Cruiser, but it does the job not problem. I think on a fair budget and good planning an overland Liberty is very possible and shouuld be a great end result.

 

[tommudd]

BB lift = NO
Simple reason why is due to he fact all KJs / KKs came with very soft springs from the get go ( rated at 310 lb) its been proven time and again that any type of spacer lift will not ride well and will sag quickly.
LOSTJEEPS/ JEEPKJ are two site where you can read about members installing a budget boost/ spacer lift only to remove in 2-3 months and do a full spring lift. I won't waste my time or the owners time/money installing one

 

[Dozilla]

Thanks for all the info and the links guys!!! I'm gonna do a bunch of research for her (since I will be doing all the installations). Your info gives me some good guidelines to stay within...

I run a 3.5 AEV lift with 35's on my JK. Way overkill for overlanding here in the west BUT I also have great piece of mind that I won't come across to much that I can't work my way around or over if I really had to.

Donny

 

[Dozilla]

You should make it look exactly like this one:

Aside from the paint job....I honestly like this set up If I would have bought my JK in white I would have run white steelies too. BUT I got lucky and found a NON-Rubicon in DOZER yellow after they announced they were discontinuing the color...I couldn't buy it fast enough!!!

Donny

 

[Dozilla]

I have a 2011 KK and it is quite trail capable as it is. I have full skid plates, 3.73 gears and can handle most moderate 2-3 of 5 trails without any problems. The 4" lift would be a great addition and 245's are the largest tire you're going to fit under it. Make sure she has adequate recovery gear.

Recovery gear is good to go....donations from me
Where did you get your skid plates?

AND the big question have you gone the back way to crown king or to Sedona on Broken Arrow or any of the other trails there? Those are the two "worst" rock climbing type trails that she would like to be able to run....

Donny

 

[jeepmedic46]

The Jeep Liberty is more capable then a lot of people think, good sites are Lost Kjs. I miss my 04 but tough to haul hay in a liberty.


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[Espo78]

Aside from the paint job....I honestly like this set up If I would have bought my JK in white I would have run white steelies too. BUT I got lucky and found a NON-Rubicon in DOZER yellow after they announced they were discontinuing the color...I couldn't buy it fast enough!!!

Donny

Funny you should say that. I have a white JK and just got steelies delivered today and painted them white.

 

[Bikemobile]

A friend of mine has a 2008 Kk. We've taken my wk and his Kk to some off the map places with no issues.

 

[phxtoad]

Agreed that pucks are not as good as a true suspension lift, but I ran the Daystar pucks for 5 years of pretty heavy off-road activity before I switched to the OME / Frankenlift set-up. It's not a huge difference between them in ride quality, so if your budget IS a concern, spend your money on aftermarket UCA's. With either type of lift that is where the wear and tear really is. (Did they ever make the KK stock arms with replaceable ball joints?)

Todd