Alright, folks, I've been perusing these forums for a few months and have finally decided to take the plunge with my zj. It is my daily driver and I expect it to be for a few years more so I'm not doing anything extreme to it just yet. Everything I do, though, will be done with the long range goals of her just being a trail rig in mind so some things I do will be a little overkill for being a dd, but I'd rather do it right the first time. I'm coming up on 150k miles so I'll have everything serviced at that time, too. The new 4.0 has nearly 2k miles on it and runs strong.

First purchase:
I've decided on the 3.5" lift from IRO with new springs all around as well as the double-shear adjustable trackbar, Bilstein 5125s, and JKS quicker discos. Nearly all of my steering components are shot so I figured it was a good excuse for a lasting upgrade here. I went with the IRO Heavy Duty OTK steering kit (yes, I know, heim joints) Tenneco steering stabilizer. I also got the wheel spacing kit just in case I use my OEM wheels for a bit longer.

Upcoming:
Wheels/Tires
Front Bumper
Rear bumper w/tire mount

Once I have the lift on and then install the new steering components, I'll decide what tire/rim package I want to run.

Expect to see pictures once all the parts come in. I'll do before and after and probably some from during the process.

Thanks for reading! I accept any and all comments/suggestions/questions y'all can come up with

 

Lift kit came in yesterday but the OTK kit did not. Turns out it hasn't even shipped yet. Kristen at IRO said it should go out today. It ain't easy waiting for all the parts...

Anyways, here's the before:

 

Alright here's the final product after the lift and OTK

 

That looks good man... I have a 97 as well im looking to just do a 2" lift and stuff some 31s under her...

 

Yeah my original intentions were along those lines too haha. I ended up deciding to go as high as possible without having to make drastic changes.

 

Yeah i would like a 3" but i really dont get to crazy.. A little mud, light trails, and what not.. Also when she has stock 265k i dont want to empty pockets everything on her... What size/style tires you looking into

 

I think with these vehicles, height is more for aesthetics than anything. They're very capable bone stock and just adding tires and locking the axles will work wonders. I'm thinking about just getting some 32" ATs since I don't do much wheeling. I had to put wheel spacers on so that the stock wheels would clear the OTK kit so I don't think I'll have an issue clearing the 32s.

 

Yeah she does look mighty nice... I should be getting my spacers an tires around christmas just in time for a little holiday mud bath for her.. So what else do you have planned for her?

 

How do you like the IRO kit? I might get the 4.5 inch kit for my zj.

 

To be honest im not very familiar with all the lift terms... Just getting into everything really... 4.5 would be a nice lift also

 

Sweet! My girlfriend is getting me tires for Christmas so I imagine I'll be right there with ya. I've got a lot of minor stuff to fix like locking mechanisms, master control switch, antenna, rear wiper motor, etc. Little inconveniences that don't make her undrivable. The next big thing will be front and rear bumpers. No idea which ones though.

 

I haven't been on any trails since the install but the on road drivability is great. After an alignment it handles and rides much better than pre-lift. I definitely recommend IRO. The install was rather easy and I was able to do it in a weekend by myself.

 

Yeah i may have to look into that... I have a few issues myself such as exhaust o2 sensor heater core leaking and rear wiper arm.. Other than that shes chuggin along pretty good. Just got her passenger headlight assembly today(some *** clown bump into it a while back)... Than on to the lift and rear wiper arm.. Heater core will hae to wait till its warmer lol

 

Finally got them in and on! Brand new 32" BFG ATs. Maybe I'll get to test them some next weekend...