1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4x4 Lift Kit Install

If you tuned in last month, you saw us outfitting the exterior of our '97 Wrangler with some serious body armor from Kilby Enterprises along with a Superwinch winch and a M.O.R.E. rear bumper and tire carrier. We also upped the tire and wheel package to some Rubicon 245/75R16 rubber. While we're digging the look and functionality of the modifications, the added weight caused the stock suspension to sag. Plus, the factory control-arm bushings have been clunking since we bought the Jeep.

Although the tires don't rub, our plans will eventually call for some 33-inch 285/75R16 rubber. To give us the flexibility of anywhere between 2.5-3.5 inches of lift, we ordered a Fabtech 2.5-inch adjustable system, comprised of four adjustable coil spacers. The spacers slip over the factory bumpstop brackets and employ billet adjusters that can be turned up or down with the included spanner wrench.

To cure our control arm clunk and allow for up to 3 inches of adjustment, we ordered a full set of upper and lower control arms from JKS, as well as two of the company's adjustable bumpstop kits. The adjustable arms are incredibly sturdy, have a rotating design that won't bind when articulating, employ quiet rubber bushings, and allow the pinion angles and front caster to be dialed in without the need for eccentric cam bolts.