minimum lift for 33x12.50s

[justinfonder]

there are tons of threads for lifts and I've been reading them for the past hour but would really like a definitive answer from the pros (you guys).

i just bought an 81 CJ5 . the guy gave me a set of 33x12.50 Pro Comp tires for it and I'm wondering what the minimum amount of lift i can use to have good clearance (i.e. minimal rub, room for some articulation).

this jeep is my daily driver so I don't want to ruin the ride or drive-ability but i would like to make it a little more aggressive for some light off roading and a more aggressive look. Is this achievable without having to modify the rest of the drive line, like the steering, brake lines, drive shaft, etc?

any and all help is appreciated. thanks

 

[CJ]

I ran a 2.5 inch lift, no drop pitman, 33's and slightly adjusted the steering stops, and had no trouble with your setup... Your mileage may very....

 

[justinfonder]

i wish i could see it with a 2.5 and a 4" lift with my tires to decide... if only it were that easy

 

[justinfonder]

i was looking at replacing the body mounts as well, they are shot. would i be better off with all lift via suspension, or a combination of smaller suspension lift and 1" body lift? I certainly don't want to make it ride any rougher than it already does.

 

[Kane]

2.5 inch lift with one inch body will have plenty of clearance. The body lift isnt even really needed. Keep the shackle the same length as they are now. Shackle lifts are dangerous and a hack lift.

 

[the chief]

2.5 inch lift with one inch body will have plenty of clearance. The body lift isnt even really needed. Keep the shackle the same length as they are now. Shackle lifts are dangerous and a hack lift.

How about for 35" inch tires. Would a 3" lift and 2" body be about right?

 

[CJKrawler]

You would be better off with either just a 4" lift, or add a 1" body lift for the 35's. The less body lift, the better.

 

[54cj3b]

this jeep is my daily driver so I don't want to ruin the ride or drive-ability

If you want a better ride why you want 35s 33s is more than enough for about just any trail

 

[MtHo0dMaster]

The 4 inch lift is the way to go. I run 35s with a 4 inch no prob. The 1 inch body lift makes it easy to clean mud out from under your rig. Even thu you have 33s now you might want 35s later so go 4'' now and be set up for 35s later? My lift 4'' ez ride w/pitman arm! good flex no rub soft ride!

 

[the chief]

The 4 inch lift is the way to go. I run 35s with a 4 inch no prob. The 1 inch body lift makes it easy to clean mud out from under your rig. Even thu you have 33s now you might want 35s later so go 4'' now and be set up for 35s later? My lift 4'' ez ride w/pitman arm! good flex no rub soft ride!

OK, so with my 35s a 4" chassis lift is the way to go. Do I need to lift the body an inch too? and would doing that mess with my pedal linkages? or do you think the 4" lift is enough? Thanks for the help!

 

[MtHo0dMaster]

No you dont have to put the 1 inch body lift on the 4'' will be just fine! I put new braided steel brake lines on and the swaybar quick disconnects!

 

[Out of my mind CJ5]

or if you wanted to go all out go SOA and 3'' lift and 1'' drop shackles like me so you can clear 38's and noone over the age of 30 can get in it

 

[IOPort51]

If you are going to drive this as a DD the 2.5 and 31s will make it the most street worthy. 2.5 with a 1" body lift will carry the 33s in all but the most extreme flex. Any thing bigger than 33s take the fun out of driving it. IMHO.
These are, of course, my own opinions. They reflect the way I drive and the terrain I I choose to travel.
I do find it amusing to encounter an individual that makes tire choices based on the "it looks right" paradigm. Remember the first rule of good engineering and design, form follows function. make it work before you worry about what it looks like.
If you lift over 2.5 you will start changing the geometry of the vehicle and start changing the alignment of the drive train and the steering linkages, it just goes on and on and on. As far as SOA goes, you need to really know what you are doing or you are going to end up with a Jeep you don't want to take out of the drive way, it will no longer be fun to drive because it will be too much work just to keep it between the ditches.
Don't forget that when you do the larger tires you will need rims with a greater off set. this goes for the 31s as well as anything larger.
Have fun, good luck.

 

[Coop]

I am new to this site but here is what mine looks like with 33's, a 4 inch lift and a 1 inch body lift.

 

[BrockGrimes]

Hit my gallery and see the white and black CJ5 it's 4" with 33x14.50x15 super swamper tsl's

 

[justinfonder]

i didnt choose the 33x12.50 based on looks. it just so happens to be what was on the jeep when i bought it. the guy put them on, with a set of black steel wheels with the stock suspension. turning sharp is not an option at this point. but seeing how i have a good set of 33x12.50 pro comp mud terrain tires and knowing i dont want to go larger than that, but want to lift to compensate and add some aggressiveness, i'm choosing to stick with that size tire. i think i'm going to just stick with the 2.5" to maintain streetability as this is my daily driver. thanks for all the help. this site has been incredibly helpful thus far and i am only in the first stages of my build.

 

[the chief]

Put some wheel spacers on and you'll get that sharp turning option back

 

[Chevy350 CJ7]

I am new to this site but here is what mine looks like with 33's, a 4 inch lift and a 1 inch body lift.

Nice job. Clean Jeep.