2.5" Lift and 32" Tires on a Jeep TJ | 003

Scott and I install a Rough Country 2.5" lift and 32x11.50 R15 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2s on his 1996 Jeep Wrangler TJ and then go find a dirt road to get some footage of it with the DJI Mavic.
All of this is in preparation for our expedition to Moab this fall.
Update Video: • VLOG 003: Jeep Update

[@JeepTJWheelin]

I thought about a 3" lift w/ 33's but fortunately very early on getting into off roading Jeeps, many told me, their TJ became very sluggish going from just 32's to 33's in addition to a domino effect of needing additional expensive parts. And I'm glad I listened! Because I drove a TJ with this set up and it didn't have that low end torque and was very slow off the line. And most of them returned to 32's while some fell for the aftermarket bait, very expensive bait. I get many who want to know what is the perfect build. Which is not easy to answer because everyone does different things with their Jeep. But I would like to share mine since my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn drives and handles absolutely amazing on and off road. Keep in mind, I am NOT a rock crawler, I'm an adventurer who takes the family beach wheelin, beach camping, surf fishing, and we hit fun, moderate trails in the fall and winter getting to our favorite fishing holes and camp sites. Which is why the build is for what's near and for what we do, nothing was put on this TJ unnecessarily for show. I see too many "spotless Jeeps" with 33's - 38's. As long as you have good off road instincts and common sense, a modest, high quality build will allow you and your family to have a lot of fun! All in, I'm at $25k with my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn. And I can honestly say build wise, I'm done!! I might Raptor line it since the TJ has a few rough paint spots and won't ever have to worry about off road pinstriping again. The best part is, this TJ not only keeps up, but outperforms a lot of these $40k - $75k JK's & JL' s. Due in part to people's inexperience and just "over building". The '05 TJ has a modest build, yet is extremely capable, durable and best of all, affordable. I encourage any Jeeper to search for a rust free TJ 4.0 I6, preferably stock, 3.73's w/ LSD and a Dana 44. And to use my build as a "guide". But I highly recommend this build for anyone who is an adventurer, not a rock crawler. Best of all, it will eliminate you from chasing your tail, and the aftermarket will have one less "just empty every pocket" victim out there! It was a lot of trial and error but it has been well worth it. 2" Old Man Emu coils 32" KO2's or 32" BFG MT's Quadratec Baja alloy rims - perfect backspacing - no rub! Currectlync steering Freedom Off Road front adj track bar M.O.R.E steering box brace JKS quick disconnects Freedom Off Road front lower Adjustable control arms The rest are Fixed Detroit Axles Transfer case drop kit Fox 2.0 Shox Fox steering stabilizer Professional 4x4 shop to do the alignment Since doing this, I have had the best experience with any vehicle I've ever had. Staying with 32's allows us Jeepers to maintain that great low end torque, saves us a lot of money on unnecessary aftermarket parts and still be able to wheel most anywhere. It's the best of all worlds! One of my favorite mods was added a Banks cat back exhaust giving it a throaty growl, but not obnoxiously loud. Absolutely perfect for the 4.0 I6. Most importantly, be honest with yourself, build your TJ for what you will be using it for. And know YOU CAN do great trails and much more with just a 2" lift and 32" ko2's or MT's! DO NOT let the aftermarket pushers fool or shame you into thinking you "need" 33" - 40" tires and a 5" lift to wheel. That's 🦬💩! They know full well, once they get you at 33's, it's a freaking cash cow for them! Because you just embarked on their multi thousand dollar build conveyor belt. And it's 100% unnecessary for moderate wheelin'! Your axles, drive train, drive shafts, engine, gearing and a host of a lot of other stuff now "needs" to be upgraded. The aftermarket pushers feast on naive people. Don't be that guy! Like cereal companies saying breakfast is the most important meal of the day, the aftermarket will continue to take advantage of the misinformed. O|||||||O 🇺🇲 Only in a 2 Dr 🇺🇲 '41- '06

[@liaodesign]

I have 3 wrangler 14, 18 and 01 and 2001 is a TJ2.5L since my daughter can drive now want to jazz it up a little none of my jeeps are lifted because the other I bought brand new have life time warranty they called so don’t want to mess with it. I think 2-2.5 in and 32 or small be great like you said I don’t want to break the bank to have upgrade everything glad watching this video and your note hope to have my TJ lift soon.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

​@@liaodesign 👍

[@steveunderhill1880]

You’ve made up my mind for me CHEERS Just bought a 2.5 “ lift and will def gonna go 32”

[@JeepTJWheelin]

@@steveunderhill1880 Great to hear!

[@signkutter9218]

Great write up.

[@wranglerlife4ever42]

Well done. Lifted TJ and 32’s....nice. Working on your TJ with family and DIY....priceless.

[@SPQR-Z]

2.5” lift and 32-33” BFG-MTs good choice for 90% of off-road driving. Still decent on road manners and inexpensive. People wanna go 4-5” lifts and 35-37” tires when not needed, plus you have to start modifying other stuff which gets expensive fast.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Agree, I never understood why people go beyond a 2.5" lift and 32's with a TJ. It's just a perfect setup on and off road for the 4.0L I6.

[@freighttrain7143]

I really enjoyed the Tossing Out The Old Parts clips. haha :D

[@NathanGilmer]

Ha! Thanks. That was fun.

[@frankduarte3239]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Perfect stance for hunting

[@JP-nisu_2]

That’s a good looking jeep.

[@NathanGilmer]

Thank you!

[@dgreen3135]

Let’s see an update on this Jeep

[@NathanGilmer]

Just uploaded a couple of them with more coming soon.

[@rjnixon1061]

Nice looking Jeep. I run 32's on my YJ and the Dana 35 will be much happier with your choice. Keep it rubber side down and enjoy :)

[@aleksasbaravykas1223]

Looks awesome! I've got 2"-ish (not sure, brought like that) suspension lift on my YJ, so this gonna be my tire size instead of 30".

[@ixxgxx]

I ran old man emu 2.5 w a 1 inch body lift on 32s for 13 years. upgrading to a 4 and 33s

[@billveder1071]

I think the 2.5 inch lift is an excellent choice. I don't think the 32" tires look bad at all but I think 33's would look just a little better. Great video thanks

[@valbeerook8214]

Lovely Colorado!!! ✊

[@NathanGilmer]

We love it here.

[@teslinperry2553]

She look nice tires look beefy and nice on her❤✌🏿

[@NathanGilmer]

Hey guys. He is a little update on the TJ. More to come: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmTZaaChpshraNU

[@leftoverporkchop9972]

I just noticed....that when you were working on the front in the video, the parts that you showed being thown away, were the rear springs, and when you did the rear, the video showed you throwing away the front springs......

[@indridcold8433]

I modified mine with a 4.5 inch SkyJacker suspension lift, 33x12.5 R15 BF GoodRich All Terrain tyres, lots of lights, a transceiver that covers almost all bands, a Supertop soft top with upper door sliders, Teraflex adjustable track bar and Teraflex draglink. I have had mine since 1996. My next project is a Terminator AX-15 transmission. The old one is no longer synchronised and has to be double clutched to get anywhere.

[@dantefontenot9805]

Good looking ride! Make sure you keep that UAS below 400ft!

[@NathanGilmer]

It automatically stops when it hits the ceiling.

[@nathanmciver6496]

Bah ha ha ha ha ha! Nathan gilmer, that caused lots of grief! Want my uploads tearing down a jeep and rebuilding it! Glory, no! Dangerous! Glad that build turned out perfect!

[@joshuazeller6786]

Looks good. Nice work really testing it when you foundd a dirt road.

[@troycyrr2169]

2002 TJ 2,5 lift on 32s love my TJ, I ran KO2 on mine thought it was the greatest tire ever and it is a really good tire. Come winter the roads where I live are a glaze of ice and I never had such problems with a tire. Switch to the Wrangler duratrac much better on ice

[@JeepTJWheelin]

I had 33" duratracs on my other jeep and they were great in snow but hydroplaned way too much on rainy days. Still have this with the KO2's but not as bad. Plus the KO2 wears much better, is lighter and more durable.

[@TheMedic880]

can u make more videos on this jeep i just subbed !!!

[@NathanGilmer]

I will!

[@nathanchiaro5399]

Where can I buy this PFH? How is it better than a regular hammer?

[@devon2675]

Which 2.5inch kit did you go with from rough country?

[@eijijivjiv]

ive got my jeep on 32inch tires and 15 inch rims and a 2inch old man emu lift

[@NathanGilmer]

I'm basically running the exact same setup on my new one except 16" rims. I will post an update soon.

[@TheDiablo6661]

I love the soft top that goes all the way to the back. Where did you buy it?

[@cgustafson240]

"

[@NathanGilmer]

This is a Besttop frameless top with the sides removed.

[@floridadawg9857]

Great Video......... Did you guys have the front end aligned after install ?? Thanks for sharing

[@Alaok94368]

Rick Lanier you really should get it aligned after. I paid the price haha

[@NathanGilmer]

We did.

[@CallinSICK]

Hey there, great video. I’m looking to do something similar! Curious what year and paint code your TJ is? I’m going to paint mine and am looking at the Moss Green and am wondering if that’s what you’ve got. Hard to tell with the glare for sure 🧐

[@NathanGilmer]

It is a 97 and yes it is the Moss Green. It is wrapped now but I love the original color.

[@jeepplayer]

Any driveline vibrations with this lift?

[@NathanGilmer]

Non at all! It drives better than it did stock.

[@jamespuckett6457]

Great video! What software do you use to edit your video? One Jeep TJ owning Mavic Pro owner to another. Wanting to learn how to edit my videos and add music.

[@NathanGilmer]

I am sorry this is SOOOO late. I use Final Cut Pro X.

[@jamespuckett6457]

Hey no prob. Interested me to watch again.

[@triplethreatoutdoors6523]

Did you have any rubbing with the 32?

[@TheMedic880]

what other things did u have to buy that didnt come with the lift kit??

[@NathanGilmer]

TheMedic880 Nothing really. We also bought a steering stabilizer but I don't know that it's necessary.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

@@NathanGilmer I had to install a transfer case drop kit on my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn, the driveline vibration was rough.

[@notaness]

how much lift did you actually gain on it? did you measure before and after?

[@NathanGilmer]

notaness We didn't. We probably should have. I would guess around 6" though.

[@GoatBastard]

👍👍👍

[@Hadd13]

I have the same lift and actually bought the same tires but with out either different rims or spacers I rubbed on the rear shock did you have the same issue ? mine sat taller also

[@NathanGilmer]

We used wheel spacers. 2" ones I believe. It still rubs on full turn but is the rest of the time.

[@cheyneturbyfill4727]

Have you been happy with the RC shocks over the last 3 yrs?

[@NathanGilmer]

Eh. They aren't the best. They are still on but I will probably upgrade them soon.

[@juanpablogarciaescobar5625]

have you checked to see if your front tires rub when the steering wheel is at full lock?

[@NathanGilmer]

They do a little bit. We have since added 1” spacers and that fixed the problem.

[@juanpablogarciaescobar5625]

​@@NathanGilmer thank you, Great video. I think I will go the same way.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

One of the best upgrades on my TJ is Quadratec's Baja alloy gun metal grey rims with 4.00" of backspacing. Eliminated the rubbing, weigh only 22lbs, cost only $88 each and look much better than the Ravine stock rims.

[@timothystrand75]

Looking to do a similar build but limited on garage height for storage. What is the overall height of the highest point with the top on from the ground with the new tires and lift? Thanks.

[@NathanGilmer]

Hey Timothy. So this Jeep has a frameless soft-top so I am not sure how much that affects the hight, but it is right at 73" from the ground to the top of the Jeep. Hope that helps!

[@timothystrand75]

Nathan that's awesome. Thanks for taking the time.

[@justinkrzynowek9166]

And... you didnt need spacers? i have 31x10.5 and the rear tires inner sidewall barely clear the upper spring seats.

[@NathanGilmer]

We ended up having to add spacers shortly after this video.

[@Rodger1998]

How does the rough country suspension ride ? I’m curious.

[@NathanGilmer]

It actually rides great! Very happy with that part of it.

[@legalcake6125]

32x11.5?

[@NathanGilmer]

Yes.

[@bent13ways]

You live in Aurora right by the airport?

[@NathanGilmer]

No but my father-in-law who owned it worked down that direction.

[@jakebrady4133]

Did you use any wheel spacers to fit the 32s on the stock rims?

[@NathanGilmer]

No wheel spacers but it does rub a little bit at full turn.

[@trident72]

Where does it rub? I’m looking to do this exact set up in a couple of weeks.

[@Hadd13]

I have the same lift and actually bought the same tires but with out either different rims or spacers I rubbed on the REAR shock did you have the same issue

[@markriggall383]

@@NathanGilmer You can eliminate the rubbing up front by adjusting your steering stops. You'll lose a little on your turning radius, but probably won't notice it.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

I got Quadratec's Baja alloy gun metal grey rims with 4.00" of backspacing. Eliminated the rubbing, weigh only 22lbs and look much better than the Ravine stock rims.

[@robertschulke1596]

Nice job, and love the TJ, but a minivan could have handled those dirt roads. Let’s see it in some rocks or something.

[@NathanGilmer]

:) We only had a little bit of time to get some shots that day. It has seen plenty of rocks. The Jeep is actually mine now so if you check my latest videos you can see some updates on it.

[@thekback]

Are these on stock 15” wheels?! Look nice! :)

[@NathanGilmer]

Thanks and yep!

[@TheMedic880]

what ur gear ratio?

[@NathanGilmer]

Factory still.

[@MidnightPolaris800]

In fact there was no jeep wrangler in 96

[@JeepTJWheelin]

I'm sure he meant '97.

[@NathanGilmer]

I meant 97.

[@justinkrzynowek9166]

Where in hell did you find 32inch bfg's???

[@BromanteGaming]

Justin Krzynowek tire rack

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Amazon

[@NathanGilmer]

Discount Tire Company.

[@MidnightPolaris800]

No such thing as a 96 tj

[@NathanGilmer]

My bad.

[@guysasha22]

Looks good but I prefer stock rims.

[@NathanGilmer]

guymaya these are stock TJ rims.

[@guysasha22]

Nathan Gilmer The ones that came off I liked.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

I got Quadratec's Baja alloy gun metal grey rims with 4.00" of backspacing. Eliminated the rubbing, weigh only 22lbs, only $88 each and look much better than the Ravine stock rims. But those Ravines are cool though.