Sorry I don't know the secret handshake, but I do have some questions <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I have a friend with a '98 TJ that wants to run 33x12.50's. I am always preaching the search function to people in the Isuzu forums, so its only right I follow my own advice. This is what I am understanding so far:

4" suspension lift with 3.75" of backspacing on the wheels (15x8 or 15x10) will clear 33x12.50's without rubbing (or very minor trimming)

RE seems to be the recommended kit from the posts I have read. I suggested she go with a long-arm style kit to get the most off-road potential out of her truck... but it is also her DD. Any problems with an RE long-arm kit on a DD? By design, it seems like it should be better on and off-road due to better link angles... but I lack personal experience to give her.

Finally, I have also been searching on the PBB and it seems many people consider the Clayton LA kit to be stronger than the RE kit. Not much info around here on Clayton, though (only found one post that was a couple of years old). Any new opinions on the two kits?

TIA <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

What a polite visitor! Welcome to our side, Sean. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You're right on track IMO. The only thing that would steer me away from a LA kit is the extra price. A LA kit probably isn't necessary for that amount of lift, but you wouldn't be sorry. I've heard about the Clayton kit, too, but the guys I wheel with all swear by RE. Either way I suppose.

I'd use the skinny wheels, maybe even the stock(?) 7" wheels.

I have made her well aware of the price difference between a standard and a LA kit (its the newly registered "camogirl" on the forums)... and she seems to not care about the cost as long as she is getting the best she can. I have another friend with a 4" BDS lift on his TJL and the link angles leave a whole lot to be desired. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> After seeing where the stock short arms sit at ride height on his unlimited, I know I'd be going after a LA kit if it were my truck and I had the $$$.

I also recommended she look into a SYE if/when she gets vibrations after the lift. A CV style rear driveshaft would obviously accompany that mod.

I spoke with Clayton (owner of clayton off-road) for 20 minutes or so the other day and really came out at the end of the conversation impressed with both his company and his product. Very customer-oriented and had very descriptive answers to my technical questions. Didn't miss a beat the entire time I was quizzing him on the design of his LA kits. The Clayton kits are weld-on vs the bolt on RE... but camogirl's dad will be helping her a lot on the install and he can weld quite well.




I am a fan of the skinnier wheels as well... more for being able to air down further without fear of losing a bead than anything. I originally had the 32's on my OEM 15x7 wheels and they were okay... but the tires did crown some and I wanted to widen the stance some. I can see crowning becoming somewhat of an issue putting a 12.50 tire on 7" wheels. I decided on some 15x8's and they are great with my current tires and will still work later on when I go to the 33-35x12.50 range (most of my purchasing decisions take into account the ability to keep the item after future upgrades in other areas... hence me not buying a front ARB since the IFS is getting torched in a couple of years anyway).

I've done work on 4" TJ and XJ lifts. The short arms hinder flex and make the ride a little jarring. Since the arms are so short they really force the front tires forward a lot. They really are pushing the stock control arm length limits. If she can afford the extra cash for the long arm it is worth it.

You're right about the wheels, of course. I was thinking about MT tires on the trail, and not about daily driving.

Nice to hear a current report about Clayton! Sounds like you might go that way. Give us an update when you can.

I knew Clayton when he was just starting and when he made his own for his own ZJ. He is a wealth of knowledge and has literally done just about anything you could ever want to do suspension wise to a Jeep.

He's even flown across the country and done a "group install" for a bunch of guys out in California for the price of the airplane ticket, lodging, and food.

Very good guy and runs a very good business.

Only other company I hear very good things about is Nth Degree.

If you want to know more about the Clayton go here. A few or more used them and you can converse with the people who install them www.ctjeep.org . http://www.ctjeep.org/ctjeep/index.php?sid=4d5070795db1512c1f3533d90c79e0e4

The BDS is a great kit. I helped install one on a Rubicon.