Expert: Carl Brandt - 3/22/2006

Question
Hi, Carl.
I just purchased a 2003 Rubicon (don't tell anyone--it's the special edition Tomb Raider model).  I'm wondering whether or not it's worth lifting the suspension 3.5" and putting on 33s to achieve better off-road performance--this has been recommended to me, for more than a few pennies.

I'm transitioning from a 3" lifted 97 F-250 4x4 xtra cab/LB, and I'm concerned about lateral stability, wheel offset, tire width, and rolling it over out in the rough.

The Jeep presently has the stock Wrangler MT/R 245/75R16 tires with loads of tread left.  I will be in NV and UT in moderate off-road conditions--no rock crawling needed, just need to get up the trail as far as possible to sample rocks (I'm a geologist).

For the other 9 months of the year I am a light commuter, back and forth to the school where I teach, with occasional off road use during field trips and vacations.

So, will a stock Rubicon really be sufficient to handle this, or should I sink some cash into mods?  And if I do the 33s, what else should I worry about:  brakes?  drive train vibration?

Thoughts?  Opinions?

Thanks for your time!

Answer
Larry,

We have several stock Rubicons in our club, and they do just fine.  It sounds like yours will do the job quite well for your needs.  If your needs change, or you decide to do some major trails, such as the Rubicon, then I would suggest that you install a lift so that you could run 33's, or 35's.

Remember, the Rubicon is set up to go through the Rubicon trail stock, and is an extremely capable vehicle.  Of course this is with an experienced driver, and a good spotter.

As far as stability goes, you shouldn't have any problems with a lift, as long as you stick with one of the major brands.  The Wranglers major advantage over the older CJ's is that they have a much wider wheel base, and are quite stable.  With any lift, there is a vibration concern, and there are some modifications that should be considered, such as custom drive lines, transfer case lowering kits, steering, shocks, amongst others.  How much you need to modify really depends on how much lift you go with, and what components are included in the lift you might purchase.

Carl