ZJ Project

[Crasher]

After spending another 3 months in Benson, I have returned to snowy WI. This year, I got a taste of some challenging trails, like Charaleau Gap and Chivo Falls, which has caused me to want more. I dragged my 97 ZJ back with me intending to modify before going back next fall. Currently, it has the 249 tc,(working great) a 3" BDS lift w/ 3/4" pucks, Rancho 9000 shocks, aussie locker in the dana 44a (reenforced with the MVC truss and skid), skid plates and JKS discos on 31" tires. I will replace the 3/4" spacers with a 2"BB for a total lift of 5". I will never (shouldn't say never) go any higher because my height challenged wife would have difficulty getting in and I sometimes use it as a DD. I will also go to 33" tires along with the iceland fender flares if needed. I will probably have to replace the front drive shaft as it is at its max length now. The rear seems ok.

My question is, at what point do I consider adjustable short arms and what would they do for me at a 5" lift? With 3 3/4" now, the ride is slightly rougher, but ok, no DW and it drives fine. Are adjustable short arms a waste of money? If it were necessary to go to long arms at 5", I might not go that high as I can't justify the cost for something I only get to use for a few months a year. Should I stay at 4-4 1/2" lift and keep the stock control arms?

I know these are a lot of concerns that I need to decide, but it can be helpful having the input of those of who have "Been there and done that".


Thanks, Doug

[scully]

Did you get your sliders on yet?

Its been awhile since I was playing with lifting the ZJ, but the adjustable arms help with getting your pinion angle set correctly.

If you haven't found these sites yet, you should check them out.

http://mallcrawlin.com/

http://www.nagca.com/forum/

[p14175]

Iceland fender flares? I heard some fiberglass shop in California was making 'Baja-style' fenders for ZJs a while back.

[Crasher]

I didn't get the sliders on yet. Just got back home and will get them painted to match the Jeep. Hope to have everything done in a couple of months.

[pitch]

I really would not suggest going any higher than 4" with your stock arms... and even that is pushing it. Adjustable arms will help you center your axles in the wheel wells, and dial in your driveline angles for reducing vibrations. Adjustables are almost required above 3.5", and when you get above 5", you should really be looking at long arms. Sure, you can go higher, but the ride will be rough. In my opinion, adjustable short arms are an unnecessary expense, unless you can find them used.

If cost is a concern, why not just keep it low (at your current height), and familiarize yourself with a sawzall/jigsaw for some fender trimming. If you take your time it will still look nice, and some moulding will make it look pretty. you can fit larger tires, keep the costs low, and keep your center of gravity down. Plus, the wife can get in. Wheel travel and traction are often more important than lift height!

[p14175]

I had a 6" coil lift on my old 93 ZJ. I sold it a few years ago to pay for my Willys project.

I used adjustable short arms because long arm kits were in their infancy and not that great. I used coils with spring rates around 175#/in. That's a lot less than the aftermarket suspension kits use these days, but back when RE created their original 4.5" lift, that's what they used and I really liked the added flex they provided. Anyway, the ride was wonderful, not rough. But it rolled like a boat unless the front sway bar was attached and, even then, it was not a 'street safe' vehicle.

Anyway, you can run 33" tires with a 4.5" lift if you use narrow tires such as 33x10.50s and keep the scrub radius as close to stock as you can. You'll still need to do a little fender well trimming, but mostly on the inside of the fender wells. You'll probably have to remove the plastic liners from the fender wells to get more room and there are some body welds inside the fender wells, front and rear, that you will need to hammer flat. They will be easy to spot. The front fender will need to be trimmed back from the wheel well openings about 3-inches.

Good Luck!

[Varkyl]

Go long arms if you want good road manners and good offroad ability.
As the others have said try to keep it low and make it flexy.