Joe Jeep Owner wrote:
So if I'm not doing anything extreme where I need a ton of flex, would it benefit me to get the Frankenlift (Premium package and probably Al's A-Arms) and run a larger tires OR replace stock set up with OME shocks and struts without lifting and stick with the current 245/70/16's I have?
I want to upgrade for the better on/offroad manners but dont want rreally want to get into cutting and all that until the Jeep is paid off (about a year and a half). I was going to wait but I figure if I get some input it will make my decision a little easier.
Even an inch or two of lift will make your KJ more capable offroad and enahnce its appearance with a more aggressive, truck-like stance that most 4x4 owners like. The only way to gain true ground clearance (i.e., raising up not only the bottom of the chasis but also the differential housings) is by installing taller tires. However, big offroad tires are expensive, and, unless you invest a lot of time and money into regearing to 4.10:1 gear ratio, the weight of oversize tires reduces your KJ's acceleration and gas mileage a little (1-2 mpg). Going with really big tires causes your speedometer and odometer to under-report by a small percentage, as well. If you don't go offroad on really aggressive terrain on a regular basis, I think a Frankenlift would be wasted on your rig. If you're already running 245/70R16 tires and want those fabulous OME shocks, consider adding the OME coil springs as well to get a solid 2 inches of lift over stock height. (You've already gain a half-inch from the 29.5" tires. OME springs will give you at least 1.5 inches.) You'll spend a few hundred dollars less than the Frankenlift, but have a capable Liberty that's well-mannered on the road and off, without making 245/70R16 tires look small. In fact, having a little more space in the wheel well draws attention to the suspension lift, especially when parked next to a stock KJ.
If you want a little more lift than OME but don't want to spend as much money, the 2.5" coil spring lift kit from Rusty's Offroad might be the lift for you. I don't have personal experience with this lift, but many L.O.S.T. members use it and speak highly of it. (I have heard of Rusty's springs sagging prematurely, which could be a problem.) Skyjacker offers a similar lift kit costing about $200 more (around the price of the full OME Liberty suspension).
Old Man Emu and parent company ARB have a reputation for durability. If I had $700 to spend on suspension upgrades, OME would be my choice for a rig that's a daily driver.
If you decide to save your money for the Frankenlift and associated mods, but still want to ride a bit higher, gain about 1" by raising the height of your struts in the strut forks (a.k.a. the clevis lift) and inserting extra Mopar islolator pads above your rear springs.
Sounds like you're not interested in a spacer lift as a compromise, so I won't even mention them.
I hope this helps.
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