Newbie question about lift kits

[sleepydragon]

Heya folks. I've got the liberty pictured in my profile pic. Bought it with the tires and rims on it (which I love). They're 265/60 18's. The previous owner does not seem to have lifted it to accommodate the tires at all. Cut the inside of the wheel well a little bit and hammered over the metal, on one side that I can't remember the name of. Figure you guys will probably know.

Anywho. I've got 19" from center of wheel to bottom of fender flare in the front. 20" in the back. Would like to get it up just enough that the tires don't rub in the front. What kind of lift/leveling kit would you recommend? I've seen it mentioned that you need 21" from center of hub to the bottom of the fender flare. What are y'alls thoughts?

Also, how high can I go before I need to re-gear the rear end?

Thanks in advance.

 

[KJowner]

Lift hight won't affect gearing, tyre size will though.
There is a lot of information on the site about lifting jeeps have a read through it, spacer lifts are not popular.
At 19" you are on worn springs & the shocks will be similar.

 

[Gyro]

And if you do regear,you need to do front and rear.

Gyro

 

[ikuo78]

Even with a lift, there is a high chance of rubbing.

Mine is an RC 3 inch lift with a wheel offset of -16mm and a height of 21.5 inches, but it rubs around the fog lights.
It is a 31 inch tire.
This is an early bumper type.

The outer diameters of 265/60r18 and 31 inch tires are almost the same.

I cut a little around the bumper,
I offset the fog lights forward.
Half steer during bumps will cause some rubbing.
This is because the tires were placed too far outside.

I don't know about the later model bumper, but
If the wheel offset requires cutting even if lifted,
It may be better to cut it before lifting.
If you bump it, it will return to that position.