2008 JK 2 Door - To many options, where to start?

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mbush0627

New member
So I am not new to off-roading, but I am new to Jeep. I just recently purchased my new to me 2008 2 door and I absolutely love this platform. It rides a little loose and makes a few creaks but I understand what all the Jeep people have been saying for all these years now. But what I have seen is there is a huge aftermarket for Jeep parts and accessories, which makes it a little overwhelming at times. I have watched countless videos on product reviews for suspension parts, wheel and tire combos, and engine enhancements to make the Jeep a little more fun and a little more reliable.

But my question is, where do I start?

I have a passion for off-roading so I know that I am going to want to do a lift and at least 37" tires ASAP. I am looking for an affordable entry level option as I don't want to go balls to the wall right out of the gate. So I am reaching out to the group and asking for some suggestions to make my Jeep a great daily and a reliable off-roader.

Any help is greatly appreciated to this Noob! :)
 
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If you're really planning to off-road this Jeep, 37's are a bit big for a Dana 30 front axle and really, unnecessary to have on a 2-door. I personally would recommend 35's as they'll be able to get you just about anywhere a 4-door with 37's can go and you can do it for a lot less money. Going 37's will require more lift, new drive shafts, control arms to dial in your caster and set your pinion angle and this is to say nothing about re-gearing or new front axle.
 
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wayoflife said:
If you're really planning to off-road this Jeep, 37's are a bit big for a Dana 30 front axle and really, unnecessary to have on a 2-door. I personally would recommend 35's as they'll be able to get you just about anywhere a 4-door with 37's can go and you can do it for a lot less money. Going 37's will require more lift, new drive shafts, control arms to dial in your caster and set your pinion angle and this is to say nothing about re-gearing or new front axle.
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That is great insight on this! I am not totally ready to throw in beefier axles (yet). Any suggestions on a good affordable suspension? I don't need to go super budget friendly, but I don't want fully kitted out just yet.
 
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JT@623 said:
Buy a quality kit you can build off of and add to as budget allows . EVO would be my first choice it’s a little pricey but quality stuff and you can add components as you go .
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Thanks for the advice. I have looked into their kits and they are nice! Now to get the wife convinced!
 
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Buy once, cry once. If you really plan on keeping this, plan it out for the long term. It's so easy to try to save money up front and buy something of lesser quality to get by, but if you end up with lesser quality parts, you will switch them out later for something higher quality. And make sure to carry proper tools and recovery gear and make sure you know how to use it all if you plan to go offroad.
 
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JT@623 said:
Take it from me I bought a different brand and since been switching to EVO as budget allows. Not that the other one was terrible but remember you get what you pay for. Just remember Jeep stands for JUST EMPTY EVERY POCKET 🤣
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That is a new one! I will keep that in mind!
 
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WJCO said:
Buy once, cry once. If you really plan on keeping this, plan it out for the long term. It's so easy to try to save money up front and buy something of lesser quality to get by, but if you end up with lesser quality parts, you will switch them out later for something higher quality. And make sure to carry proper tools and recovery gear and make sure you know how to use it all if you plan to go offroad.
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Awesome advice! I think that I will look at the EVO components. The Recovery gear is something that I already have fortunately, but is awesome that you are giving that advice cause that is as important as the cool stuff.
 
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I say start with the basics. Get a fire extinguisher, get a first aid kit, as mentioned tools and recovery gear. Throw all that shit in your Jeep and get it offroad. Once you know your jeeps limitations (and yours) you'll have a better idea of what you need (needs before wants). Then figure out what you want to do with your Jeep, do you want to rock crawl, overland, desert warrior, mud bog, dune buggy, glamping, just general I want to see what's down this road. Knowing what you want to do is important as some gear works well for some applications and not so well for others. For example, the springs I have are meant for lightweight rock crawling rigs, but if I load up my Jeep with camping gear I'm barely off my bump stops, I chose the wrong springs for what I want to do (actually I changed what I want to do but you get the point). I think then you can really start comparing and shopping with a purpose and reduce wasted purchases/money. Just my 2 cents.
 
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JimLee said:
I say start with the basics. Get a fire extinguisher, get a first aid kit, as mentioned tools and recovery gear. Throw all that shit in your Jeep and get it offroad. Once you know your jeeps limitations (and yours) you'll have a better idea of what you need (needs before wants). Then figure out what you want to do with your Jeep, do you want to rock crawl, overland, desert warrior, mud bog, dune buggy, glamping, just general I want to see what's down this road. Knowing what you want to do is important as some gear works well for some applications and not so well for others. For example, the springs I have are meant for lightweight rock crawling rigs, but if I load up my Jeep with camping gear I'm barely off my bump stops, I chose the wrong springs for what I want to do (actually I changed what I want to do but you get the point). I think then you can really start comparing and shopping with a purpose and reduce wasted purchases/money. Just my 2 cents.
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I agree 100% with you on that, only issue is the suspension and bushings are shot. So I figure get a good start to something and go from there.
 
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I am running the Rancho 3” on my JL, I have the RS5000 shocks but would recommend the Rs9000. I am upgrading to them soon. I have a 2 door as well and I agree with Eddie that going with 35’s is a good choice. Can’t wait to see your build!
 
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gtony12 said:
I am running the Rancho 3” on my JL, I have the RS5000 shocks but would recommend the Rs9000. I am upgrading to them soon. I have a 2 door as well and I agree with Eddie that going with 35’s is a good choice. Can’t wait to see your build!
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Awesome advice! Im ready to start building it. Should have some parts in a few weeks, so things should start rolling soon.
 
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wayoflife said:
If you're really planning to off-road this Jeep, 37's are a bit big for a Dana 30 front axle and really, unnecessary to have on a 2-door. I personally would recommend 35's as they'll be able to get you just about anywhere a 4-door with 37's can go and you can do it for a lot less money. Going 37's will require more lift, new drive shafts, control arms to dial in your caster and set your pinion angle and this is to say nothing about re-gearing or new front axle.
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What he said!

I've got a 2 door on 35s and super happy with the setup. It's my daily driver and for me It's perfectly balanced with its capability, drivability, and practicality. You have the 3.8 motor so you may want to regear, but otherwise you can still have one badass Jeep that's very capable and without breaking the bank.
 
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Well a few months later here is where we are at:

Teraflex 3.5 inch kit with fox shocks (good for the time being until I go to the new jeep)
All new body mounts
Core adjustable upper and lower control arms
Regeared
KMC Wheels
35" BF KO2
TeraFlex Sway bar disconnect
On-Board air
Steel Fenders, Bumpers, and Body armor

Need to add but not installed:
KC Gravity Pro 6 Light bar
KC Chase Light

Working on the interior stuff now... Something that I haven't thought about until now lol
 

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JT@623 said:
Take it from me I bought a different brand and since been switching to EVO as budget allows. Not that the other one was terrible but remember you get what you pay for. Just remember Jeep stands for JUST EMPTY EVERY POCKET 🤣
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You weren't lying that this thing was going to be expensive lol only went about 5k over budget on the total build lol
 
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