My stock 89 2.5L YJ suspension is quite worn out and I wanted to replace it all with an aftermarket lift kit. The Jeep is for my 16 yr old daughter but my wife thinks she’s getting it as her weekend toy once our daughter goes off to college. It’s going to be a pavement queen no matter who drives it. So the lift is strictly for appearances and better ride quality than the current 30 yr old suspension. I was originally thinking a Rubicon Express 2.5” lift with some new/used tires/wheels. My tires are quire old too even though tread is decent and not too dry rotted. After looking for prob 2-3 months I found a really good set of five tires and wheels in North Texas. So I snagged them. The tires are 33” BFG Mud Terrains which are almost new, still have the knobbies on the tires. Since I bought the tires and have them sitting at home, I’ve been looking at lifts more seriously. And I see RE states that a 2.5” lift is only good up to 31” tires. And other lift manufacturers say about the same. So if I stick with the 33s, it appears I need a 4” lift. Which def pushes me into a SYE and rear driveshaft purchase as well for another $600 or so. Which I didn’t really wanna do just because of cost.
So here’s the question. Are the tire size limitations listed by lift manufacturers gospel? Or are they just ultra conservative in their listed tire sizes? If I tried to get away w a 2.5” lift and 33s, what would the tires rub on? Just the fender flares? Would it only rub on a full tight turn? Also, I know the 2.5L with the AX5 trans is already a dog with no giddy-up, which I’m fine with. You don’t buy an old YJ to drag race people anyway. But am I gonna burn up the trans by putting more load on it with the 33s? I wouldn’t think so for a Jeep that isn’t mudding or trail riding. Also, any opinions on lift brands (good or bad) I’d appreciate. Just looking for some opinions.
Thanks
So here’s the question. Are the tire size limitations listed by lift manufacturers gospel? Or are they just ultra conservative in their listed tire sizes? If I tried to get away w a 2.5” lift and 33s, what would the tires rub on? Just the fender flares? Would it only rub on a full tight turn? Also, I know the 2.5L with the AX5 trans is already a dog with no giddy-up, which I’m fine with. You don’t buy an old YJ to drag race people anyway. But am I gonna burn up the trans by putting more load on it with the 33s? I wouldn’t think so for a Jeep that isn’t mudding or trail riding. Also, any opinions on lift brands (good or bad) I’d appreciate. Just looking for some opinions.
Thanks