Beginner JLUR Build

[Bcthomas74]

Hey All,

First post here. I am the proud owner of a 2018JLUR that I bought new in July 2018. Since then I have left the vehicle almost completely stock from factory.

Budget and overall life has allowed me to begin planning some modifications but this is my first Jeep, and I want to do things right.

I’m thinking about a “Stage One” style upgrade in my mind. That would be a mopar lift with the fox shocks, aftermarket rims (I’m addicted to the method 105 beads but nervous on maintenance) and hopefully running some cooper 37s.

Main question is I am reading a ton but still don’t quite understand different tire load ratings / widths and options. I want to make sure everything I purchase will be compatible. Is there anyone with a similar build that could share their thoughts and the specific tire / rim measurements they went with? Also lift kit recommendations.....I’m thinking mopar because I will honestly not wheel it very hard 99% of the time but am open to other recommendations from people.

Thanks for reading and all of your help in advance.

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[Bcthomas74]

Realized probably want some additional context. I’ve put about 50k miles on the Jeep in stock form. Mostly commuting, but some light trail use / camping too. Wanting to change that and get some real trail use. Before COVID I worked from home 50% of the time but my commute is about 45 miles each way. I expect to return to commuting roughly 200 miles a week next year.
Looking for a DD set up that gives me all the stuff needed to take on more terrain in 2021. Thanks!

 

[Stormin’ Moorman]

I would say that the Mopar 2” lift is closer to 3,5-4” on most people’s Jeep. It was on my wife’s. It rides a little rougher than stock and does not come with a way to correct the geometry, like adjustable lower control arms or geometry correction brackets. This is important because without something like this your Jeep is going to drive squarely as hell. You can but those separately if desired.

I would caution against true bead locks unless you’re going to be OG rock crawling every weekend. All but one tire shop around me won’t touch them and the one that will charges $350 to mount tires. I recently switched back to non-beadlocks for that reason.

The 37s will look great with the Mopar lift but may drive a little sluggish so you may want to regear sook after. Some do, some do not.

Good luck on your build!

 

[Maverick909]

im with stormin. a few things to take into consideration. Mopar lift i hear works very well. But you will want to get a adjustable track bar to re-center the axles and possibly a set of adjustable control arms

 

[MtCamper]

I've got a 2018 as well. I found some Raptor take-offs at a great price so I went up to the 315 KO2s on stock rims. That lead to a 2" RC lift. If you commute that far, I'd suggest not going past 35s. As you get bigger pavement driving needs greater attention. I wouldn't go any bigger until you start wheeling it on a regular basis and then only if you need more lift for the places you want to go.

 

[Goin2drt]

Based on your first post I would really consider just 35” as well. Mopar lift is nice but as mentioned to get geometry right you are adding other things so why not go with a kit that has it all.

 

[Bcthomas74]

Thanks for all of the feedback on this guys. I had read a bit on concerns around the mopar kit. Any suggestions on brands for control arms / track bars. Seems like a lot of quality options out there. Last guy makes a great point. Reconsidering thinking I'll do some off road style wheels and bump up to 35s or 37s. Only concern with 35s I have is if the mopar lift is really that big will it look silly with "Only" 35s on it.

Thanks again, Did not expect the resounding quick support. I'll be sure to update if I make purchases / install. Gonna be fun!

 

[fat_head]

I'll echo kind of the same. You aren't going to like commuting that many miles on 37's. 35's max, but even then you'd be advised to stick to a solid all terrain tire like ko2's. With the lift and 35's your mpgs is going to take a nice fat hit too. The mopar lift is kind of made for 35's. It's a nice lift for that size tire imo.

 

[Zandcwhite]

2.5” budget spacer lift and 37x12.50 on stock rims, had some rubbing on the sway bar and inner fender liner so have since added a set of 1.5” wheel spacers. You don’t need to re-gear if you have an automatic in my opinion. Our 4.7-1 first gear is more than sufficient with 4.10 axle gears. It will still chirp the tires under hard acceleration and had no problem with the cruise control set at 85 mph through the hills coming home from Moab. The Mopar lift comes with longer lower control arms in order to fix caster, they don’t need to be adjustable. The axle may be slightly off center without an adjustable track bar, but it isn’t noticeable to the naked eye even if you’re looking for it. Relocating the steering stabilizer and adding an engine skid are far more important in my opinion. We smashed the stabilizer and put a dent right next to the drain plug in the oil pan on Holcomb creek even on 37’s and 2.5” of lift.

 

[Stormin’ Moorman]

Thanks for all of the feedback on this guys. I had read a bit on concerns around the mopar kit. Any suggestions on brands for control arms / track bars. Seems like a lot of quality options out there. Last guy makes a great point. Reconsidering thinking I'll do some off road style wheels and bump up to 35s or 37s. Only concern with 35s I have is if the mopar lift is really that big will it look silly with "Only" 35s on it.

Thanks again, Did not expect the resounding quick support. I'll be sure to update if I make purchases / install. Gonna be fun!

So before I got retarded and thinking I needed to build some ridic rock crawler, I had the Dynatrac Endurosport 2” lift with 35” Nitto Ridge Grapplers. I did 5 Badge trails and 35,000 miles with this configuration; it rode great on the road, gave enough articulation for moderate trails and worked with 35s and 37s. Because you only get 2”, the geometry doesn’t need correcting and it rode like stock. You may want to look into this setup.

 

[Maverick909]

this is a good insight on lifts. 6 " budget kits" all put against each other. good information too. I went JKS mfg 2.5" J-konnect. great kit with a set of lower control arms that are adjustable. they also have preset arms

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