Calgary Jeep Association
4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: samm on January 17, 2013, 02:15:44 PM
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Hey guys, I have a stock inline-6 4.0L 2006 TJ.
Before I lift it and add bigger tires, what should I consider upgrading first?
I've done some research and so far the big thing seems to be the air filter and cold air intake.
What are your personal opinions? What brands should I look into?
Also, I'm university so there is the money factor, haha.
I don't plan to ever be a crazy off roader, so things like a snorkel aren't really in my plans.
But right now I just want ideas and input. The build up will definitely take a while.
Thanks all!
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Personally, Id leave the engine alone, cold air intakes do more harm then good, same goes for k&n air filters. It's a great reliable engine that doesn't need to be fugged with.
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truck nutz.
it will throw the boyz for a loop!
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truck nutz.
it will throw the boyz for a loop!
LOL, i was considering the decal 'this isn't my husbands vehicle' instead :P
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Johnny has a set on his zj, cuz his other set is in his wifes purse. :o
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The first purchase I made for my 2006 was a winch. Then swaybar quick disconnects. These two items alone will allow your jeep to do soo much more than you may think.
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Skip the quick disconnects and go straight for the anti rock, much safer!
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No, no. Throttle body spacer. ;)
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In all seriousness though. A good tow point/tow strap and a tank of gas. Go exploring and have fun
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What is your goal with this jeep? Looks like daily driver with light wheeling on the weekends. A stock TJ can do amazing things. But stock isn't much fun. TJ's are like Lego, so many easy bolt on options. It's too easy to let it get out of hand. Keep it simple and basic. I'd upgrade for comfort, reliability and a few personalized mods. Better quality seats with heaters, upgrade the shocks, and a 1" body lift to clear a set of 31" tires on whatever rim looks good to you. If you want performance maybe a cat back exhaust and an electric fan. Air intakes do help but some filters let more of everything through.
Unfortunately this isn't a cheap sport.
The number one thing to do with your jeep is maintenance. Make sure you have tow hooks. Then go wheel it;)
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If you decide to run 31s, I have a 1" body lift (new in box) that we can negotiate over. I run 31x10.5 on my TJ (stock height) and I have no rubbing at full steer. Only a slight rub on the shock tower at full flex. I definitely agree with everyone here though: solid tow points front and rear and a good strap will get you on pretty much any stock friendly open run. Going out this Saturday if you are looking for the adventure.
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Most important question.
What is your total budget right now?
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Thanks for all the input so far guys :)
And yes, this is definitely my daily driver - with light off roading on the side.
It will remain my daily driven vehicle so I'm not looking to do anything outrageous. If the trail required a snorkel, I wouldn't be on board for that haha.
What is the benefit of doing a 1" body lift vs a 2" suspension?
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Thanks for all the input so far guys :)
And yes, this is definitely my daily driver - with light off roading on the side.
It will remain my daily driven vehicle so I'm not looking to do anything outrageous. If the trail required a snorkel, I wouldn't be on board for that haha.
What is the benefit of doing a 1" body lift vs a 2" suspension?
a body lift will just lift the body of the jeep frame it self, most people do it to clear the tires from rubbing on the body, suspension lift lifts the whole jeep frame but keeps the axles in place
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1" body lift gives a little extra clearance for a larger tire. But it doesn't affect steering or suspension so it handles and rides the same but has the room for bigger tires.
There are many ways to build a tj.
Research your options. Call/email some of the local shops and get their opinions and maybe even a quote.
Now go wheel it:)
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a body lift will just lift the body of the jeep frame it self
Sense; This makes none. ???
Samm, the hardest part of owning a jeep is getting advice from everybody else that owns one.
Good luck with your jeep and be sure to check out the "Jeep 101" course that the CJA offers in the spring.
Pook
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a body lift will just lift the body of the jeep frame it self
Sense; This makes none. ???
Non-sense, an XJ owner trying to make sense of body lift? ::)
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I lift my body every time I go over the curb at the mall! :P
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a body lift will just lift the body of the jeep frame it self, most people do it to clear the tires from rubbing on the body, suspension lift lifts the whole jeep frame but keeps the axles in place
A body lift helps accomplish a few things, and, as part of a complete build can be extremely beneficial. For example, my 1.25 inch body lift allowed be to lift my gas tank 1 inch, my motor 1 inch and transfercase almost about 3 inches. I now have about 4 inches more ground clearance under the belly than stock. The extra inch of belly clearance came from a lower profile transmission mount which allows the skid plate to be mounted about an inch closer to the transfercase than stock.
The body lift was key to all of this and allowed me much better off-road performance while maintaining stock 'street-friendly' suspension performance and ride (the total package was well over $2000.00 though).
Some folks will say a body lift uselessly raises the center of gravity - I haven't noticed any ill effects...actually, it doesn't even feel like the center of gravity has changed at all.
Samm, Pookapotamus is right that the hardest part is getting advice. Everyone will provide advice from their perspective (ranging from mall-crawler :o to high-performance off-road 8)). Just keep that in mind when going through the advice ;)
Right now, I feel my jeep is a great balance between on and off road (but it's a Rubicon, so it started with a great off-road advantage).
hps4evr has some really sound advice too: go wheel it a bit so you can see where the weaknesses and strengths are - join a stocker-friendly run or two. You might find that your best performance gain is some different tires.
;)
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If I were building on the cheap, I would do a 2" Budget boost, run 32" AT tires on stock rims and call it good.
Less than $200.00 plus tires of your choice.
That setup will look good and take through most of trails around this area and have minimal effect on road manners.
Good luck
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no more Rubigrator Darren??? :P now who is going to go infront of me so i can get down the trails?? :'(
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no more Rubigrator Darren??? :P now who is going to go infront of me so i can get down the trails?? :'(
No more Rubigrator ;D and I haven't been high-centered since!!!!!!! 8)
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If I were building on the cheap, I would do a 2" Budget boost, run 32" AT tires on stock rims and call it good.
Less than $200.00 plus tires of your choice.
That setup will look good and take through most of trails around this area and have minimal effect on road manners.
Good luck
Thanks :)
And thanks everyone else who's posted their 2 cents so far as well!
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yup dont do that cold air intake stuff get a winch thats no. 1
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If I were building on the cheap, I would do a 2" Budget boost, run 32" AT tires on stock rims and call it good.
Less than $200.00 plus tires of your choice.
That setup will look good and take through most of trails around this area and have minimal effect on road manners.
Good luck
A modest body lift is an awesome upgrade, it is ultra cheap clearance, doesn't effect the cog, and makes cleaning and wrenching easier. IMO a 3" and 1.25" body lift is pretty ideal. 2" suspension and 1" body is good too
Winch only becomes a priority when you are going to be using it regularly...I personally wouldn't bother until you start running trails where semi regular winching becomes the norm. oh and as far as winches are concerned don't cheap out, buy something reasonable, like a good used Warn
Cold air intake.....as everyone else said....money could be better spent
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Darren's lifted... Oh my snuff. :o. Can't wait to go wheeling with you now. Honestly. A stock jeep is so much fun, wheel it first that way. To find obstacles that you can't get passed the first time and then re-attack them later with a lift, tires etc. is an adrenaline rush to say the least.
Oh and I forgot to mention... Welcome to the addiction.
Personally my first addition was a soft top, and better speakers ;)
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We can give you all kinds of ideas but UNTIL you give us your max budget, everything suggested is moot ::)
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An '06 TJ is pretty much ready. Just get out there and drive it off road.
The only things to really improve are good tires, air pressure and articulation. But you need to start exploring first. That will help you pick the areas you need to upgrade. Leave the engine alone. Ground clearance, traction and articulation rank way higher on the must do list with any Wrangler.
Oh ya... and a group of guys to go wheelin' with so the best use for your money is... buy beer !!!
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I agree totally with Vinman!! But also, for a daily driver, some charmy armour. Just some rock sliders/ Stiff running boards and something for the corners. It is just so much more relaxed if grinding some rocks or corners. Have fun, go crazy as you go ;-).
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Reading all of the good comments and suggestions before me, there isn't much more to be said at this point in terms of things to do the a TJ.
Personally, I agree with the avoidance of changing anything to do with the motor at this point. Tires and Suspension are the biggest two items to look at in the future, based upon the type of 4 wheelin' that one choses to do.
However, the first thing that I would like to suggest is to invest in some basic safety / rescue items for the trail. For example, in my Jeep, I carry the following:
1. First aid kit
2. Fire Extinguisher
3. Quality Tow strap and some D rings
4. Portable CB Radio
5. 4L jug of drinkable water
6. Good condition spare tire, complete with tire iron, working jack, etc.
-Byron
'05 Jeep TJ Renegade