My husband and I are looking at purchasing 2013-1015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited or Rubicon and want to purchase with a 3.5-4" lift. When I contacted a modification shop they did not recommend lifting 3.5-4" and said we should stay within 2.5" (that defeats the purpose). His reasoning was the zepa joint disintegrates and this can happen as early as 6 months after having the lift put on. When I talked to our personal mechanic he said that as long as there's a slip yoke eliminator a 3.5-4" shouldn't have problems. Just wanted to educate ourselves so we know what questions to ask when we're test driving and looking at jeeps-Any help is greatly appreciated.
Why are you so set on a 3.5-4 inch lift in the first place? You dont even have the Jeep yet? Why does 2.5 "defeat the purpose"? You dont need a huge lift on a JK. Why are you lifting? What type of trails do you plan to do? What size of tires? What gearing? It isnt as simple as "just install big lift and big tires and done".
I run a 2.5 lift on a 2014 Rubicon with 37 inch tires.
Jeep JK's don't even have a slip yoke on the driveshaft.
And there's no such thing as a Zepa joint!
Sounds like your getting advice from people that don't own or work on new Wranglers.
Best thing you do is read through the forums and educate yourself.
There are literally thousands of posts on the pro's,cons and costs associated with above and below 3" of lift in a JK.
The only person I trust to give direct advice on purchasing a lift for a JK is David at Northridge 4x4 in Silverdale WA.
He'll direct you to what you need for your specific wheeling style, trail conditions and Jeep application.
His shop has lifted hundreds of JK's and done every possible combination from basic 2" puck lift to Hemi V8 converted full blown rock crawlers with 3 feet of travel.
He talked me OUT of buying an expensive 4" lift in favor of an Old Man Emu 2.5" lift with Teraflex lower control arms.
Glad I took his advice too. I run 35" mud tires and they don't rub the frame or fenders.
I echo the other posts. Think about what you want to with your Jeep. What is your budget? A 3.5-4" lift done correctly costs a lot more per inch than a 2.5" lift. Maybe it is worth it to you. Are you targeting a specific lift or brand? What tire size are you targeting and why? Are you targeting a specific tire? Don't cheap out on a lift - use quality components. If not you will pay dearly over time - ask me how I know. Do a ton of research, ask questions, ride in Jeeps, check out lifts, etc. before making a decision. Good luck.
I have a 3.5 lift that actually netted more. I like playing on rocks here in California and surrounding areas. Unless you absolutely need that ground clearance I would go lower. Less issues in the long run and just plain easier to get in and out of. I'm 6'3 and instill have to kinda scoot in.
The jump from 2.5 to 3.5 also increased costs. Adjustable arms are recommended (which will need servicing) new driveshaft (which will need greasing) amongst other things.
Read the lift threads and get a good understanding of what you are getting into.
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