Long time Jeep owner, have had several CJ's, a Commander, TJ, etc. I still have my CJ7 and Scrambler. Always wanted a FSJ, found a NT Chief over the winter and found my way here. 1st post after reading for several days, and could use advice.
My Chief is a 258/T18?/NP208 rig if I've got it right. I'm sure on the 258 part anyhow.
The rig has a Rusty's 6" with blocks in the rear. 33x12.5 on aftermarket rims, not sure on backspace but they don't stick out much.
I'd like to stick with what I have for now (considering SOA, I know it's not a well liked option on the NT axle, I've done 2 CJ's so it's not totally new to me, also doing a shackle flip to get the lift in rear without blocks), but I also don't like the idea of blocks in the rear. My goal is a reasonable blue/low black trail rig, mixed with camping, overlander, beach runner rig. I figure a lot of this is the same between the Cj's and this old Chief, yet there is enough different I should ask. Of course money is always a concern, SOA or anything else is cost right out of the gate.
With the rear already SOA, can I pull the blocks (appear to be 2"), and run without the rear sagging? Effectively the rear is 4" at that point? Do I need to pull the blocks for the type of wheeling I plan on? I've always felt like that is a poor choice for lift components. Leave alone and put money into otherstuff? It's already got extended lines, but could use better shocks IMHO.
I'm not hardcore, I'm not a skinny pedal guy, I try to pick the best lines and ease on through.
I put some caster wedges in front with new u bolts, greatly helped manners on road. Pinion angle seems tough on the front driveshaft though.
I have no major issue with trimming some, but ideally I'd like to leave it alone if I could, or just mildly cut.
I have a new set of five, 33x10.5 KM2's. They were for my Scrambler, but it's not a off road rig, just a DD/fishing canoe rig. I was thinking of mounting them on the Chief since they are skinny helping with rub and or flex issues in the fenders, and either trading away the new 33's on it, or selling and just putting some new 31's or 32's on the Scrambler.
Thoughts/advice/opinions welcome.
tl;dr version: 6" lift, 33x12.50's, mild/medium wheeler, don't want to spend money on new smaller lift, maybe keep the current tires. I dunno. I love the way it looks. Concerned over actual functionality.