86cj
Explorer
kodiak 1232003,
I have a 04' LJ and have many of the same things in mind. I use mine for summer DD and long trips camping.
I run 3" BDS springs (air lift bags in rr) w/ JKS arms and use their 1.25" BL ,1" MML combo. It clears 285-75-16 MT/Rs on AEV wheels easily with no vibes on the stock shaft. I also ran 33x10.50x15 BFG A/t's on stock rims with a BB and the BL,MML combo for a couple thousand miles.
The LJ works great, I drove 1700 miles to MOAB and scared my self with its abilities and it's not locked yet. I went 849 miles the first day in a softtop without falling out the door when we stopped, that to me is its biggest accomplishment, but I have done 500 miles in our CJ so Im easily impressed.
I think your (don't go big) plan is a great one and easily accomplished.
If you put the MML on at the same time as your BL it actually makes engine and body go up 1" together and makes for a great combo and easy install. (if you do a OME lift and a tummy tuck you will need the help with vibes a MML provides). I get a little vibe if I am empty w/ no top and have to much air in my bags .
I also recommend looking at the 33x10.50-15 BFG A/T or M/T tires on your stock wheels. My LJ loved the B load range lightweight tires compared to my E load range MT/R's. The ride, power, handling, steering kickback, MPG, braking are all very good with that size tire. The sidewalls really took the horrible road conditions here and soaked them up nicely. Discount tire stocks them here, the 33x9.50-15 is special order. The 10.50" width will also clear your coil buckets on the rear springs, a wider tire needs spacers or wheels with more B/S for clearance. (some people get by with a 32x11.50 on stock wheels).
The load range is a C not B....My bad....I can tell you their alot easier to put on the rear tire carrier than my other tires and wheels.....
Good luck with your build up..............
Hey Beowulf,
Great setup looks good...I am still looking for that extra $1000, let us know how the tank install goes...........
I have a 04' LJ and have many of the same things in mind. I use mine for summer DD and long trips camping.
I run 3" BDS springs (air lift bags in rr) w/ JKS arms and use their 1.25" BL ,1" MML combo. It clears 285-75-16 MT/Rs on AEV wheels easily with no vibes on the stock shaft. I also ran 33x10.50x15 BFG A/t's on stock rims with a BB and the BL,MML combo for a couple thousand miles.
The LJ works great, I drove 1700 miles to MOAB and scared my self with its abilities and it's not locked yet. I went 849 miles the first day in a softtop without falling out the door when we stopped, that to me is its biggest accomplishment, but I have done 500 miles in our CJ so Im easily impressed.
I think your (don't go big) plan is a great one and easily accomplished.
If you put the MML on at the same time as your BL it actually makes engine and body go up 1" together and makes for a great combo and easy install. (if you do a OME lift and a tummy tuck you will need the help with vibes a MML provides). I get a little vibe if I am empty w/ no top and have to much air in my bags .
I also recommend looking at the 33x10.50-15 BFG A/T or M/T tires on your stock wheels. My LJ loved the B load range lightweight tires compared to my E load range MT/R's. The ride, power, handling, steering kickback, MPG, braking are all very good with that size tire. The sidewalls really took the horrible road conditions here and soaked them up nicely. Discount tire stocks them here, the 33x9.50-15 is special order. The 10.50" width will also clear your coil buckets on the rear springs, a wider tire needs spacers or wheels with more B/S for clearance. (some people get by with a 32x11.50 on stock wheels).
The load range is a C not B....My bad....I can tell you their alot easier to put on the rear tire carrier than my other tires and wheels.....
Good luck with your build up..............
Hey Beowulf,
Great setup looks good...I am still looking for that extra $1000, let us know how the tank install goes...........
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