If you own a '97-'06 Jeep Wrangler TJ then you're probably aware that there's no shortage of aftermarket suspension kits for your round-light wheeler. While most companies strive to create the best and most cutting-edge suspensions for your Jeep, sometimes the price of that latest high-zoot lift just doesn't weigh out for the guy building on a budget.
Does this mean that you have to settle for a lesser-quality lift? Absolutely not! Case in point is Rough Country's new 4-inch X-Series suspension kit for the '97-'06 TJ. Complete with everything you need to make your Jeep trail-ready, some of the highlights of the kit include upper and lower adjustable control arms, Performance 2.2 series shocks, and a beefy set of front and rear coil springs. With a suggested retail price said to be around a grand, this is one of the most-bang-for-your-buck kits on the market.
With our old '97 Wrangler in need of a new set of legs, we headed over to Cape Fear 4x4 to toss on the completely bolt-on suspension kit with a couple of guys who know Wranglers inside and out. Depending on the amount of rust your Jeep has (ours had quite a bit), the suspension install can be easily knocked out in a day. Also, if you are planning on playing hard with your TJ, we suggest opting for the Slip Yoke Eliminator Kit for the NP231 versus using the standard transfer-case drop. This will add a few more hours to your install time and up the overall price a bit, but the added belly clearance and drivetrain strength are well worth it.
1. Replacing the factory control...
1. Replacing the factory control arms are Rough Country's new adjustable X-series arms. Fitted with the beefy Super Flex joints along with grease fittings at each end, the arms are designed to be tough enough for the trail and refined enough for the road.
2. To correct the steering...
2. To correct the steering geometry of the 4-inch lift, a drop pitman arm is provided with the kit. Our TJ had spent some time in the South, so before we pulled off any of the original hardware, we applied a nice bath of PB Blaster.
3. Rough Country's adjustable...
3. Rough Country's adjustable front track bar and relocation bracket keep the Wrangler tracking straight. Though the new bracket will require a little drilling, the new joint position will prevent the bar from binding and allow the track bar to flow more easily during articulation.
4. The Wranglers new 4-inch-higher...
4. The Wranglers new 4-inch-higher stance is acquired by a stout set of RC's coil springs that drop right into the factory coil buckets. Controlling the ride of the new springs is a set of Rough Country's Performance 2.2 series shocks, which are fitted with external bumps and designed to offer a bit of extra cushion when you're romping through the trail.
5. Getting more flex out of...
5. Getting more flex out of the lift is easy with RC's sway-bar disconnects. Simply slide the end links off of the axle mounts to the provided frame-mounted tabs when you're ready to hit the dirt. Once you're finished articulating on the terra, simply slide the links back in place.
Seat Time We've spent a fair...
Seat Time
We've spent a fair amount of time with this kit both on- and off-road, and so far it's all thumbs up. The flex is great, the ride is firm--but not too stiff--and there are no mysterious noises, clanks, or squeaks to report. Though we can't compare its performance to every other kit on the market, for the price it's one of the nicest and most complete kits we've seen. Be sure to check out our blogs at www.4wheeloffroad.com for a long-term review and update on how the kit is holding up.
Getting Yoked
With the Jeep's newfound height, we needed to address the rear driveshaft angle. Though you can use a transfer-case drop to help with the angle, we decided to replace the NP231's factory slip yoke with a slip-yoke eliminator from Rough Country. Opting for the SYE kit means a stronger rear shaft and transfer-case output in addition to more belly clearance. Connecting it all together is a heavy-duty Tom Wood's driveshaft equipped with a CV to help combat the angle and prevent driveline vibrations.
Classic Claws
Keeping the TJ moving through the dirt is a set of 33x12.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claw radials wrapped around 15x8 Mickey Thompson Classic IIs that were powdercoated by our friends at Area 51 Powdercoating in Holly Ridge, North Carolina. With one of the more aggressive tread patterns MT has to offer, the Claws perform great both on- and off-road. With a little tire speed, they clean out nicely in loose dirt and mud.