Jeep JK Overlanding Lifts, Suspension, and Tires

[biglad]

Hello everyone!

I've began gathering money to put my lift/suspension set up on my 09 JK. I've been offroading for a little while and know what lift tire combo works for rock crawling, but I'm less familiar with what works best for Overlanding. So I have a couple questions that, if you can answer, I am dying to know.

1. Is it best to have equal lift in front and back, or different heights to manage weight in storage areas (ie 2.5 front and 2.5 back vs 2.5 front and 3.5 back)
2. Negating lift size, would a 35 or 37 tire be better for Overlanding
3. What are the most important parts to reinforce in the suspension catagory

Finally, if we were to cast a vote, which is more appealing/well rounded for Overlanding

1. 35 inch tire/2.5 inch suspension lift/no body lift
2. 35 inch tire/2.5 inch suspension lift/1 inch body lift
3. 37 inch tire/3.5 inch suspension lift/no body lift
4. 37 inch tire/2.5 inch suspension lift/1 inch body lift

I know this is a lot but I'm genuinely wondering everyone's opinions on something as important as suspension and tires.

Thanks all

 

[w0lfpack91]

Stay far away from Body lifts. Ive never seen one work or last without tearing out body mounts. You get short term gains and long term structural damage. They are fone for mall crawlers but if you ever plan to see dirt and rock just do yourself a favor and spring for the extra few inches in suspension.

Personally id do 3 in suspension and 35s with flat fenders should ho anywhere on a JK and keep your COG low.

 

[Kent R]

Metalcloak.com and think about OME heavy springs in the rear for the extra gear you will cary

 

[SubeeBen]

I have a teraflex 2.5” lift. It’s actualy 2.5” in the rear 3.5” in the front (to level out). You do not need to change driveshafts, control arms etc. went with fox 2.0 shocks (huge difference) still running stock 255/75/17’s as I only have 10 k miles. Plan on putting on 285’s but as it is now I haven’t been on a trail I couldn’t go up. The Jeep Wrangler jku’s are amazing vehicles bone stock. If your overlanding I would say go mild on lift tires etc. which will give you more $ for equipment,recovery gear etc. if your not rock crawling no need to run 3.5 to 4.5 lift with 37’s as it will tear your vehicle apart unless you plan on dumping another $ 10,000 to $15,000 on axles brakes drive lines.etc. Just my 2 cents. Had to comment on hour post because I have been there & done that with my 97 TJ & my 2017 jku was more capable bone stock. With the lift,shocks, swaybar disconnects, & when I get larger tires not to sure what I won’t be able to conquer. Good luck with your build & show some pictures of your progress. Thanks. ✌