New Jop, what should I do to it next?

[joooooooooop]

Hello everyone.
I just picked up a 06 KJ a few months ago in SE Michigan.
Only 75k miles but still predictably rusty. Already spent more than I paid for it on rust related repairs, but its mostly fine now (apart from some knocking in the steering and seized handbrake).
Just got Toyo Open Country AT III 245/75r16 with stock rims and no lift. lost maybe 5 degrees of steering angle in each direction (hitting front fender) but almost no rubbing when articulated as far as I could tell in my parking lot rock test (probably does rub with more speed).
This is only my daily in the winter, rest of the year will be used for off road trips in northern Michigan.

What do you guys think I should do next?
A 1-1.5" lift would be nice, but OME is too expensive to be worth it in my opinion and other options like spacers seem to cause more issues than its worth.
I'd rather spend that money on a rear locker. Problem is the rear diff is making some noise, mechanic said it looks like a junkyard rear end. So not sure if putting an expensive locker in a worn out rear axle would make sense.
I'm looking for some front tow hooks like the Renegades have, seeing a lot for around $170 but hopefully find some for less.

I only plan on keeping the Jeep for another 2 years (waiting for Rivian R3X) so I don't want to put a ton of money into it.

Also if anyone has trail recommendations in Michigan let me know, I'm new to the state.

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[klc]

I got my hooks from deadjeep.

Search: 1 result found for "tow tag:liberty"

DeadJeeps.com offers the best deals on used Jeep parts available anywhere online, easy to order, shipped to you or pick up in store.

deadjeep.com

 

[u2slow]

Spacers weren't a problem for me. I went with Teraflex kit and aftermarket upper arms. That was 12 years and 150,000km ago. Few other tricks along the way.... KK strut forks, Tri-link spacer, 4runner coils, load-assist shocks, and CRD front coils.

This is a cheaper copy of the Teraflex spacers

https://a.co/d/3fdwVDr

 

[KJowner]

I'd sort the Jeep and forget the electric junk lol

 

[joooooooooop]

I found part of an OME lift for $200. Other than front coils, I would still just need larger bump stops and possibly some mounting hardware if it doesn't come with it right?

 

[2TALL1]

I would jump on that if I was you.
With that new front coils, bumpstops and hockey pucks you would have a great lift for around $500
Also EBay for the tow hooks

 

[joooooooooop]

Seller hasn't responded, most likely sold already unfortunately.
I definitely need a lift though my tires are rubbing more than I thought

 

[derekj]

The H&R lift springs are a good option if you don't want to spend as much as an OME setup. Will give you 1.5" of lift.

 

[nbas]

Best thing to do is OME lift. Your jeep will ride so much better!!! At least it was the best upgrade I've done.
second best thing, since you have already 245/75R16 tires, is regearing to 4.10...

 

[joooooooooop]

I think im going to go with H&R + Bilsteins, but first I need to fix whatever is knocking in the front end. Sounds like the front diff rocks from side to side when turning rn, or maybe a control arm.

 

[u2slow]

but first I need to fix whatever is knocking in the front end. Sounds like the front diff rocks from side to side when turning rn, or maybe a control arm.

The right axle shaft is known to hop up and down as the bearing and spline wear out. Mine did that.

 

[KJowner]

Steering rack makes a knock too when it's bushes are shot.

 

[joooooooooop]

The right axle shaft is known to hop up and down as the bearing and spline wear out. Mine did that.

How did you determine it was that

 

[u2slow]

How did you determine it was that

Pry bar. Could move the inboard end of the axle shaft up/down.

 

[CheddarGau]

Best thing to do is OME lift. Your jeep will ride so much better!!! At least it was the best upgrade I've done.
second best thing, since you have already 245/75R16 tires, is regearing to 4.10...

I swapped out the rear bilstein 5100 shocks for Monroe load control (shock with a spring around it) and it brought the rear in line with the front. My HD OME spring were a lot stiffer then my rear OME HD springs. Also leveled out the rear and front. More in line with the factory rake, but less extreme. Also carrying a full load kept the height good as well. You need to grind a bit of the spring perch to make it fit, since the shocks are meant for a Dakota.

 

[Ian Glass]

Pry bar. Could move the inboard end of the axle shaft up/down.

Hi jop,
Looking at your KJ I see that the front drive shafts ends are pointing upwards - ie not parallel with the ground. I rectified this on my Jeep by fitting a 19mm spacer between the shock absorber(front) and the yoke. A 19mm spacer gives you 30mm at the front wheels and my KJ now sits level. This is still with OE springs front and rear. Later I fitted custom made front shocks with adjustable lower springs seats but that is a whole, long story for another day!!!!!

 

[KJowner]

Yeah they all sag over time, the original springs ware out quite quickly. My diesel was nearly 2" low at the front.

 

[Luke]

Hi jop, …

LMAO … I’m sitting here imagining you typing your response… “Ya… No I’m not typing all those o’s”