General rule I have always heard is that you need an inch of lift for every inch of tire you go up from the stock size. Example, a 2 inch leveling kit will clear 33, a 5in lift kit will clear 35. If you are going to flex it at all I'd stick with that rule.

 

I'm running 7" of lift with 35's and IMO it's perfect. I would say 8-9" for 37's. I've been looking into 37's and it seems as long as your not skinny pedal happy you'll be fine with the stock axles as well. Never hurts to carry spare shafts though.

 

does anyone have any input about the tough country 4.5" kit? here's a link to the kit.

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...on/359104.html

 

or does this kit seem better?

http://www.topguncustomz.com/Store/G...view=250937132

 

Look for a long arm kit. BDS or Cepek.

 

The Dana 44 isn't really made for going much larger than 35s reliably.

And gears... you'll want to upgrade those, or you'll have no power and you'll be wondering why you constantly fry transmissions.

 

so how about running that 5" lift and just running 35" tires and possibly a body lift if i don't like the height that it sits. will i need to go all out replacing other parts?

 

That sounds good. I would personally go with spacers in front if you decide to go taller.

 

Even with 35's you will want to regear... its horrible with stock gearing.

Your stock axles will work fine, but be very nice when applying power while the front wheels are turned. The big downfall of the front axle is the measly size of the axleshaft joints. They break easy, which will typically take out at least of of the axle shafts.

5" is about the minimal for 35's, and 7" for 37's. You can get away with less lift, but plan on rubbing when flexing unless you do some trimming. Also, wheel width/backspacing and tire width play a huge role on "fitting" a tire, almost more than height.

I had 6" of lift on my 2nd gen and could almost rub 33x12.5's when I had 12" wide wheels. But, I could clear 35x12.5's easily with the stock wheels.

 

Oly said it best, between him and me.. we have seen just about every terrain.. lol he taught me afew things with the rig

I had 10 inch lift and 37"tsls rubbed very littlw when turning and flwxing at the same time but that was my poor placement of my long arms.. stupid kit.. lol

I now run 39.5s on the same lift and rub the same.

Do a skyjacker 7 inch long arm kit, and be happy.. don't try to go cheap on a kit, cause youll get cheap parts.. ie. Tracbar, poor long ARM joints..

Also a 36" bfg mud terrain, will make a d44 go boom at he joints in a straight line.. seen it more then once.. do yourself a favor.. get a set of d60 out of a dodge, the swap is simple and save u time later