Jeep Modifications
Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:13 pm
Modification to Jeeps differ than most cars for the way they are manufactured, the purpose they were built for died over a period of time, however, this machine saved Chrysler from shutting down after Chrysler bought the Jeep from Willis.
I would not say that Starting from the the modification that makes the most difference: (most of this was learnt painfully)
01) Lift kit:
It will change the geometry of your car, centre of gravity, 2 inch lift, no need to drop the transfer case (2" BB, not recommended). More than 2 inch lift: Drop transfer case *1, change shocks.
(Recommended is no more than 3.5" due to the fact that many other things has to be changed).
02) Shock absorbers:
With any lift you have to change the shocks, please don't listen to people who tell you that there is no need to change it if u go for 2 inch lift because you'll end up breaking lots of things due to the stiff ride (including your back).
03) Tyres:
In my opinion any bigger than 28" will affect the performance of your car, still its not very noticeable until you go more than 31x10.5xR15. For any tyre bigger than 31" you'll also have to change the rims/wheels to a new one with a back spacing of 4", backspacing in easy words is how far is the rim for the inside of your car so that it won't hit at a full turn)
Recommendation:
31x10.5xR15: no need for a lift or any change of gears.
More than 31x10.5xR15:
32x11.5xR15: 2.5" lift or more. regearing is required due to big lose of power and pressure of the diffs.
33x12.5xR15: 3" or more lift is required + regearing.
(any bigger tyre is not recommended).
04) Regearing: (This is like the chip tuning for the Wranglers)
31x10.5xR15: no need.
More than 31x10.5xR15: regearing is required. Recommended new gear ratio is 4.56 (stock is 3.73).
Advantage = gaining the lost power and gaining more torque (huge difference even on stock)
* you have to change the rear diff carrier at least to add the new gear ratio.
Recommendation:
3" full suspension lift kit
33" Tyres
Regearing to 4.56 with rear locker at least.
Adjustable trackbars.
So now, you can calculate how things are done:
Q1: Can I add 33" tyres to my car?
Ans.: Yes, please do the following:
33"-> 3" -> Change shocks -> drop transfer case -> regear -> add rear locker.
Q2: Do I have to lift my car to add 31"?
Ans.: No, but you'll lose some power.
Other Recommended Mods:
1- Air Intake System
2- Catback System with headers
3- Throttle Body Spacer. (Air flow through is done, more HP and more Torque)
4- Headers
* Alternative for dropping the transfer case is to buy an CV/SYE drive shaft. (a bit expensive but will save you 0.75" drop of transfer case drop. This is not a must but recommended.
01. Recommended Lifts and shocks:
2-2.5": Old Man Emu OME spring and shocks.
3" or more: Teraflex Springs and Rancho Shocks or Rubicon Express Springs and Shocks.
02. Tyres:
You have to decide on the following:
Will you be able to tolorete the noise for the looks and desert performance?
- Yes, go to M/T.
- Not sure,go to A/T.
- No way i dont want noise at all and i dont want to go to the desret and i want my car to look stupid with small tyres, go before i catch you. (wont give advise here).
*Always Remember the bigger the tyre, the less performence onroad, more performance offroad, unless you regear then it'll be best on both terrains.
M/T Recommended:
- Intreco Truxs M/T
- Kumho Road Venture KL71 M/T
- BF Goodrich M/T
- Yokohama Geolander M/T
- Goodyear Wrangler M/T
A/T Recommended:
- Yokohama Geolander A/T
- Pirelli Scorpion A/T
- Mickey Thompson A/T
03. Ring and Pinion (Regearing):
- Alloy USA
- Yukon Gear
- Percision Gear
04. Lockers:
- ARB Air Lockers
- OX Lockers
I would not say that Starting from the the modification that makes the most difference: (most of this was learnt painfully)
01) Lift kit:
It will change the geometry of your car, centre of gravity, 2 inch lift, no need to drop the transfer case (2" BB, not recommended). More than 2 inch lift: Drop transfer case *1, change shocks.
(Recommended is no more than 3.5" due to the fact that many other things has to be changed).
02) Shock absorbers:
With any lift you have to change the shocks, please don't listen to people who tell you that there is no need to change it if u go for 2 inch lift because you'll end up breaking lots of things due to the stiff ride (including your back).
03) Tyres:
In my opinion any bigger than 28" will affect the performance of your car, still its not very noticeable until you go more than 31x10.5xR15. For any tyre bigger than 31" you'll also have to change the rims/wheels to a new one with a back spacing of 4", backspacing in easy words is how far is the rim for the inside of your car so that it won't hit at a full turn)
Recommendation:
31x10.5xR15: no need for a lift or any change of gears.
More than 31x10.5xR15:
32x11.5xR15: 2.5" lift or more. regearing is required due to big lose of power and pressure of the diffs.
33x12.5xR15: 3" or more lift is required + regearing.
(any bigger tyre is not recommended).
04) Regearing: (This is like the chip tuning for the Wranglers)
31x10.5xR15: no need.
More than 31x10.5xR15: regearing is required. Recommended new gear ratio is 4.56 (stock is 3.73).
Advantage = gaining the lost power and gaining more torque (huge difference even on stock)
* you have to change the rear diff carrier at least to add the new gear ratio.
Recommendation:
3" full suspension lift kit
33" Tyres
Regearing to 4.56 with rear locker at least.
Adjustable trackbars.
So now, you can calculate how things are done:
Q1: Can I add 33" tyres to my car?
Ans.: Yes, please do the following:
33"-> 3" -> Change shocks -> drop transfer case -> regear -> add rear locker.
Q2: Do I have to lift my car to add 31"?
Ans.: No, but you'll lose some power.
Other Recommended Mods:
1- Air Intake System
2- Catback System with headers
3- Throttle Body Spacer. (Air flow through is done, more HP and more Torque)
4- Headers
* Alternative for dropping the transfer case is to buy an CV/SYE drive shaft. (a bit expensive but will save you 0.75" drop of transfer case drop. This is not a must but recommended.
01. Recommended Lifts and shocks:
2-2.5": Old Man Emu OME spring and shocks.
3" or more: Teraflex Springs and Rancho Shocks or Rubicon Express Springs and Shocks.
02. Tyres:
You have to decide on the following:
Will you be able to tolorete the noise for the looks and desert performance?
- Yes, go to M/T.
- Not sure,go to A/T.
- No way i dont want noise at all and i dont want to go to the desret and i want my car to look stupid with small tyres, go before i catch you. (wont give advise here).
*Always Remember the bigger the tyre, the less performence onroad, more performance offroad, unless you regear then it'll be best on both terrains.
M/T Recommended:
- Intreco Truxs M/T
- Kumho Road Venture KL71 M/T
- BF Goodrich M/T
- Yokohama Geolander M/T
- Goodyear Wrangler M/T
A/T Recommended:
- Yokohama Geolander A/T
- Pirelli Scorpion A/T
- Mickey Thompson A/T
03. Ring and Pinion (Regearing):
- Alloy USA
- Yukon Gear
- Percision Gear
04. Lockers:
- ARB Air Lockers
- OX Lockers