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JKS JSpec 2.5 Lift Post Install Review

84K views 149 replies 33 participants last post by  GenPurpose 
#1 ·
Wanted to give some final reviews/impressions on the JKS JSpec kit that has been a pleasure all the way from the beginning.

I first ordered the kit from Ryan at XtremeTerrain. Packaging of the parts were top notch, and instructions were very clear. You can also print out different instructions specific to each of the parts from JKS website directly to get more in depth instructions.

The lift kit went on without any issues, with the hardest part being the installation of the bumpstops in the front. You really need nice new sharp drill bits to get through those spring perches effectively. Do Not try to skip any drill bits and step them up using 4-5 sizes as not to jump up in size too fast.

Everyone who installs 2.5+ lifts eventually get an adjustable track bar, and one of the most popular one is the JKS Front Adjustable Track Bar. Forum members also highly praise the JKS front sway link disconnect system, touting that it is the best of all. It is this type of quality that make up this kit. By no means, am I being sponsored or paid by the company. Just a very pleased customer!

So onto the details,
When I installed the lift, I opted to install their JKS J-Link Front LCA to correct Caster, although the option to install geometry brackets came to mind. I wanted to stay with JKS, and give them a try despite many people going to Synergy Front LCA.

Today, I finally got an alignment, after about 2 weeks of the suspension settling. Jeep felt good after the lift, even without an alignment, but wanted the peace of mind that everything will work well after an alignment.

I can confirm that with a JSpec 2.5 with their JKS J-Link arms, the alignment was basically NOT needed, IN MY CASE. All Wranglers are different, so keep that in mind. In my case, Front Right Toe had to be adjust only 0.01", only so that the stealership doesn't feel bad taking my $135 for the alignment. Even before they adjusted that, it was within Spec. Maybe that's why they call it a JSpec kit :O Camber is not adjustable on our Jeeps, so don't worry about that.

Finally, while I had the Jeep at the shop, I had them install my JKS Exhaust Spacers/Extensions to clear the driveshaft and exhaust during droop. I looked under and they installed it all well without issues and I can verify that there are no exhaust leaks. The spacers look very nice and are not rough looking like some of the other company spacers. Keep in mind, my Jeep has not been through a winter, so it was a breeze for them. Now, I don't have to fork out for a new driveshaft!

Here are some photos!
 

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#4 ·
Also, that little difference in camber (slightly less negative) and caster (less positive) will probably be PERFECT, once I sit and drive by myself as the driver!

Jeep tracks straight as an arrow, only thing when I am driving 70+ is that the steering feels slightly sloppy on center.
 
#7 ·
You won't be disappointed once you PM XTRyan and ask for a XtremeTerrain coupon code and use that to order the kit. All the stuff in the kit and you will be barely over what you will spend on TeraFlex 2.5 coil lift with some shocks. JSpec kits comes with their adjustable track bar up front, and their JKS Quicker Disconnects, which people buy separately as well. So, in the end, things are more cost effective buying the JSpec kit...
 
#9 ·
Good stuff!!

Did you drill the rear sway bar link mounts or put on a set of links for a 2.5? That is about the only thing I don't care for on the JKS kit.

Did you happen to measure those control arms? It would be nice to add the info to our "database". :beerdrinking:
 
#13 ·
I ordered the Rough Country 2.5" Rear Links, and moved the rears forward. Now just looking for spring time to install the disconnects that came with the lift. I know if I install that, I want to adjust it just right and fab up a way to hold down the sway bar while its disconnected.
 
#12 ·
Great choice.
 
#14 ·
Thanks, the lift has settled a little and looks even better. I was checking out the car while the service was pulling it forward for me, and I am really happy with the way it stands.

The clear bra is a paint protection film that goes on the leading edge of hood, grill and fenders. Seeing how flat our front is and with my painted fenders, it gets a lot of rock chips too fast...
 
#16 ·
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more praise for j-spec kit...Just installed mine Saturday 3.5 kit...great ride , and easy install , I did have a Jeep jedi doing most of the work though.lol
 
#19 ·
Wanted to give some final reviews/impressions on the JKS JSpec kit that has been a pleasure all the way from the beginning.

So onto the details,
When I installed the lift, I opted to install their JKS J-Link Front LCA to correct Caster, although the option to install geometry brackets came to mind. I wanted to stay with JKS, and give them a try despite many people going to Synergy Front LCA.

Today, I finally got an alignment, after about 2 weeks of the suspension settling. Jeep felt good after the lift, even without an alignment, but wanted the peace of mind that everything will work well after an alignment.

I can confirm that with a JSpec 2.5 with their JKS J-Link arms, the alignment was basically NOT needed, IN MY CASE. All Wranglers are different, so keep that in mind. In my case, Front Right Toe had to be adjust only 0.01", only so that the stealership doesn't feel bad taking my $135 for the alignment. Even before they adjusted that, it was within Spec. Maybe that's why they call it a JSpec kit :O Camber is not adjustable on our Jeeps, so don't worry about that.

How is the ride right now? Did you also throw on JKS J-Links for the rear or was that not needed?

I'm looking to do a similar setup as it's also packaged with Fox shocks which I love. Thinking about doing the 3.5 thou

-Johnny
 
#20 ·
It rides great if not better. I have thought about the 3.5 but I am extremely satisfied with the ride without having to spend a ton on steering geometry at this point and having small kids, I will just finish up with the 2.5 with 35" tires.

I only have the J-Link in the lower fronts and have not done anything to the rear of the Jeep as far as control arms.

You will love it, the kits come with Fox Performance or the Performance with the reservoir setup and should ride awesome!
 
#22 ·
Yea, it's good stuff. A lot like the AEV in that a few things added makes it great stuff.
 
#27 ·
Knowing you, step up to the adjustable ones!

I want to put in 1/2" spacers all around and put the Caster to around 5.0 using JKS adjustables in the future and call it a day. Won't have to mess with steering components with this as well.

For the rears, if you get longer RLCA, you need to match it with a set of uppers as well.
 
#36 ·
#44 ·
I've actually had that conversation with JKS. It's a price point issue... Every lift is built to hit a price point to establish a certain value. They felt that this was the best packaging. However, they told me it is an ongoing conversation on their end.
 
#60 ·
Awesome, we're looking forward to seeing it!
 
#65 ·
Hey guys! Been silently lurking here and there. Thanks for all of the kind words on the JSpec kits! We've worked very hard on the JSpec kits, it's always good to see the fruits of your labor!

To clarify a couple of things: We are aware of the rear link issue, as one of the posters mentioned, and his recounting of a conversation about it (possibly with me) is accurate. It is an ongoing topic and an issue of price point. I will tell you that unless you run with a longer shock or relocation brackets for the shocks, you can reuse the factory rear link by relocating it on the ear on the axle as per our instructions, it is long enough and outside of being a wee bit less purdy than a replacement link, it works just fine.

As far as comparing it to other brands, there is a lot of good stuff out there, and as an enthusiast I am a fan of some of the brands mentioned on this thread. What we wanted to do is create a series of lift kits that is as at home on the trails as it is on the street. We didn't want our Jeep customers to have to choose between having a trail ready Jeep and a wife approved, drop the kids off at school and commute to work Jeep. You can have both.

If you really want to see what we mean by having both, check out the JKonnect system we released earlier this year: http://jksmfg.com/search.html?q=jkonnect.

We have a lot of parts besides track bars and Quicker Disconnects as well to go along with your JSpec kit! If you have some time peruse the parts catalog on the website, Christmas is coming! JK: Jeep Wrangler JK Suspension Parts Accessories TJ: Jeep Wrangler TJ Suspension Parts Accessories

Email me if you have any questions: pwilliamsen@sporttruckusainc.com!
 
#73 ·
It took myself 8 hrs to do everything myself. But keep in mind, I adjusted all the track bars to correct length, and retorqued all lower control arms with new fixed lengths up front. Those extra 125 ft/lb bolts at the end made it take longer.
 
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