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Most popular lift/shock setup on WF

538K views 3K replies 414 participants last post by  Smig 
#1 · (Edited)
This is just one setup. I recommend it all the time and many run it. I figure making a thread to link to instead of typing will save a lot of time.

Lift kit

Teraflex 2.5" coil lift without shocks or extensions why in bold ? Because without shocks or extensions, the rear frame side TB bracket is replaced with the better axle side bracket.
TeraFlex - JK 2-Door 2.5” Lift Kit

TeraFlex - JKU 4-Door 2.5” Lift Kit
Every thing is here to get you started ie. Swaybar links, bump stops, brake line brackets, etc

Shocks

Wait for it .........Rancho RS9000xl adjustable shocks. For the price can't be beat :thumb: Rancho RS999329 RS9000XL Series Front Shock Absorber for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 3-3.5" Lift
Rancho RS999330 RS9000XL Series Rear Shock Absorbers for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 3-3.5" Lift
Yes I know .. It says "4" of lift"
No worries .. The 29xl/30xl have a compressed length about 1" over stock (Rubi shocks)
You will have more than enough bumpstop to run these shocks. These shocks are just about perfect with a 2.5" lift

Edit 3/22/15 Rancho 5000x
I am adding Rancho 5000x shocks as a option. Cheap and the ride really well.
Rancho RS55329
Rancho RS55330

Caster correction
Any lift over 2" should have caster angle corrected. Low caster can create a flighty feel to the steering at speed.
Rancho New Geo brackets
https://www.amazon.com/Rancho-RS62103-Geometry-Correction-Bracket/dp/B01IDHBIWK
-or-
Front lower control arms fixed or adjustable(choose brand)

2012+ only
If you're off roading with the swaybar disconnected. There's a good chance the front driveshaft might contact the exhaust crossover. Exhaust spacers move the crossover piping back adding clearance.
https://www.quadratec.com/products/16191_9203.htm

Extras
Recommended but not overly important.

Front Track bar (choose brand)
The rear is close to center with the bracket. A adjustable track bar will center up the front axle.

9/16 bolt kit
Why not ad some death wobble insurance. Heck .. All bolts should be loosened during install of the lift. A few extra minutes to swap in new bolts ... Why not :D
http://www.northridge4x4.com/northridge-4x4-jeep-jk-grade-8-hardware-kit

cool new option available
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/teraflex-sport-8-flex-arm-kit-1104666.html

There you have it. Post up if you have or ordered this combo. Share any Likes/dislikes/other parts added.

 
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#3 ·
And here I thought I was being all cool putting together my own lift. Literally exactly what I run. I guess my jeep isn't that unique after all. That being said, friends with other lifts comment on how well my jeep rides compared to theirs. Wouldn't trade my setup for anything.
Haha .. Proof right here ^ :D
 
#4 ·
Only thing I added was the TF exhaust spacers. Love the way it handles.
 
#6 ·
Are the exhaust spacers really needed? I keep going back and forth between the teraflex 2.5" and the Rancho 2"sport lift.
 
#9 ·
Mike and I both have this set up and we LOVE it. We did add the exhaust spacers, even though some say you don't need to. For us it was cheap insurance.

KJ's recommended setup = :thumb::thumb:
 
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#11 ·
This is just one setup. I recommend it all the time and many run it. I figure making a thread to link to instead of typing will save a lot of time. Lift kit Teraflex 2.5" coil lift without shocks or extensions why in bold ? Because without shocks or extensions, the rear frame side TB bracket is replaced with the better axle side bracket. http://www.teraflex.biz/jk-2-5-lift-kit.html Every thing is here to get you started ie. Swaybar links, bump stops, brake line brackets, etc Shocks Wait for it .........Rancho RS9000xl adjustable shocks. For the price can't be beat :thumb: https://www.quadratec.com/products/16019_1140.htm https://www.quadratec.com/products/16019_1141.htm Yes I know .. It says "4" of lift" No worries .. The 29xl/30xl have a compressed length about 1" over stock (Rubi shocks) You will have more than enough bumpstop to run these shocks. These shocks are just about perfect with a 2.5" lift Caster correction Any lift over 2" should have caster angle corrected. Geo brackets Rancho RS6250B Control Arm correction Bracket - Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3ST5QA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5O1-ub11Z8M3G Front lower control arms (choose) 2012+ only If you're off roading with the swaybar disconnected. There's a good chance the front driveshaft might contact the exhaust crossover. Exhaust spacers move the crossover piping back adding clearance. https://www.quadratec.com/products/16191_9203.htm Extras Recommended but not overly important. Front Track bar (choose) The rear is close to center with the bracket. A adjustable track bar will center up the front axle. 9/16 bolt kit Why not ad some death wobble insurance. Heck .. All bolts should be loosened during install of the lift. A few extra minutes to swap in new bolts ... Why not :D http://www.northridge4x4.com/northridge-4x4-jeep-jk-grade-8-hardware-kit There you have it. Post up if you have or ordered this combo. Share any Likes/dislikes/other parts added.
Good timing - looking at lifts. All I ever hear are how good the Mopar / AEV setups are. Great to know a solid alternative!
 
#12 ·
I agree, the TF 2.5 is probably the most often recommended set up on WF for people not trying to go extreme.

The RS9000XL's are great and even then, there are other premium shocks like Fox if someone isn't sold on the Rancho's.

The AEV and RE drop brackets do offer a little more adjustability although the Rancho are built the best.

The new JKS front track bar is a stand out for me...

Cant go wrong with the bolt kit.

Solid choice.
 
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#15 ·
I agree, the TF 2.5 is probably the most often recommended set up on WF for people not trying to go extreme. The RS9000XL's are great and even then, there are other premium shocks like Fox if someone isn't sold on the Rancho's. The AEV and RE drop brackets do offer a little more adjustability although the Rancho are built the best. The new JKS front track bar is a stand out for me... Cant go wrong with the bolt kit. Solid choice.
:thumb:
 
#14 ·
This IS my lift. I also added the TF Monster Track bar. I love it.
It will get you more than the advertised height BUT once you start adding heavy bumpers/winch and armor. It goes back to advertised height,
I also did the "free" teraflex evap canister mod. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkfLGjzH7Z4
Flexes nicely for my use. Granted I am not a weekly Moab rock crawler (someday I hope) but it has served me well.
Ken should have stock in these companies.
The parts all go in easy and there is plenty of assistance here on WF is someone gets stuck.
It truly is a great lift and when done as stated the ride is very nice both on and off the trail.
 
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#16 ·
This IS my lift. I also added the TF Monster Track bar. I love it. It will get you more than the advertised height BUT once you start adding heavy bumpers/winch and armor. It goes back to advertised height, I also did the "free" teraflex evap canister mod. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkfLGjzH7Z4 Flexes nicely for my use. Granted I am not a weekly Moab rock crawler (someday I hope) but it has served me well. Ken should have stock in these companies. The parts all go in easy and there is plenty of assistance here on WF is someone gets stuck. It truly is a great lift and when done as stated the ride is very nice both on and off the trail.
Thanks man .. Helping folks is what I do :)
 
#19 ·
When I did the TF 2.5" lift before the spacers went in we let the suspension fully droop and the driveshaft was clearly resting on the crossover. So in my case the spacers were 100% needed. Started with the Bilstein 5100's but now I have the Rancho 9000's and MUCH happier.
 
#20 ·
I'm running this set up only with fox shocks, I have nothing but good things to say about this lift kit and about teraflex in general, they are a great company to deal with and stand behind their products.

Few things I've added beyond the regular kit, front and rear TF monster trac bars (centered my axles perfectly and tightened things up). 1" rear spacers I was a little nose high and prefer a slight rake teraflex sent these to me. Front lower adjustable control arms (went with rock krawler but only because I got a good deal on them). Exhaust spacer, bolt kit, brake lines (tho not really needed).

I did a lot of research to figure out what lift was going to be the best bang for my buck with a good reputation and a durable product, all roads led me back to the 2.5 teraflex lift and I have been very pleased with the way my jeep handles and performes both on road and especially off road.

One last thing to mention that I feel is important but goes overlooked is that teraflex instructions are the best I have used. I have installed a number of parts from different companies and imho the teraflex instructions are hands down the easiest to follow, and most informative of any company I have used. They actually include torque specs for things. I have had to dig out and reference the tf torque specs when installing other companies parts. For a novice mechanic like myself good instructions are very much appreciated.
 
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#21 ·
I am considering a 2.5" lift with 1.5" wheel spacers running my stock 17" wheels for which later on I would like 33" tires so i don't have to re-gear my 3.73s. Or worry about any drive shaft angles or track bar problems.
Any suggestions?
How about the Rancho 2" sport lift with 9000xl shocks?
 
#22 ·
I am considering a 2.5" lift with 1.5" wheel spacers running my stock 17" wheels for which later on I would like 33" tires so i don't have to re-gear my 3.73s. Or worry about any drive shaft angles or track bar problems. Any suggestions? How about the Rancho 2" sport lift with 9000xl shocks?
The Rancho sport kit would work perfectly. There's a small rebate on it too.
 
#23 ·
Will be ordering this setup. I have the Rancho shocks already, just need to pull the trigger on the lift. I will continue to run 33s even with the 2.5" lift. It's obviously more lift than what is needed, but I just want to make sure with added bumper weight I don't sag on my stock setup with the leveling kit.
 
#25 ·
"The Combo II"

The first combo was a great deal. Between rebates and forum discounts, I'm a happy camper. Even with this, sure a good amount of members have this combo but it's a small fraction of the Jeeps out there.
 
#27 ·
Almost the exact setup I have. I love it. I used the adjustable upper arms for castor though. and the long bilstien mono's And added a 1" spacer. My 37"km2s fit and flex nicely!
 
#29 ·
Depends what you want... softer? Stiffer? Geared towards highway? Or towards wheeling?
 
#31 ·
I have the TF 2.5 coils, rancho 9000s, TF monster front track bar, TF exhaust spacers, JKS quick disconnects, and 33 duratracs with 16 procomp 7069. I love my setup and rides nice.
 
#33 ·
Is there a similar RK kit with the triple rate springs which you would recommend in a similar "complete solution" package?
 
#34 ·
#38 ·
Point taken.
 
#39 ·
This is just one setup. I recommend it all the time and many run it. I figure making a thread to link to instead of typing will save a lot of time.

Lift kit

Teraflex 2.5" coil lift without shocks or extensions why in bold ? Because without shocks or extensions, the rear frame side TB bracket is replaced with the better axle side bracket.
| TeraFlex Suspensions
Every thing is here to get you started ie. Swaybar links, bump stops, brake line brackets, etc

Shocks

Wait for it .........Rancho RS9000xl adjustable shocks. For the price can't be beat :thumb:
Rancho RS999329 - Rancho RS9000XL Series Front Shock Absorber for 07-15 Jeep® Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 4" Lift - Quadratec
Rancho RS999330 - Rancho RS9000XL Series Rear Shock Absorbers for 07-15 Jeep® Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 4" Lift - Quadratec
Yes I know .. It says "4" of lift"
No worries .. The 29xl/30xl have a compressed length about 1" over stock (Rubi shocks)
You will have more than enough bumpstop to run these shocks. These shocks are just about perfect with a 2.5" lift

Caster correction
Any lift over 2" should have caster angle corrected.
Geo brackets
Rancho RS6250B Control Arm correction Bracket - Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3ST5QA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5O1-ub11Z8M3G
Front lower control arms (choose)

2012+ only
If you're off roading with the swaybar disconnected. There's a good chance the front driveshaft might contact the exhaust crossover. Exhaust spacers move the crossover piping back adding clearance.
Teraflex 2610000 - Teraflex Exhaust Spacer Kit for 12-15 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 3.6L - Quadratec

Extras
Recommended but not overly important.

Front Track bar (choose)
The rear is close to center with the bracket. A adjustable track bar will center up the front axle.

9/16 bolt kit
Why not ad some death wobble insurance. Heck .. All bolts should be loosened during install of the lift. A few extra minutes to swap in new bolts ... Why not :D
Northridge 4X4 Jeep JK Grade 8 Hardware kit - GRADE8

cool new option available
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/teraflex-sport-8-flex-arm-kit-1104666.html

There you have it. Post up if you have or ordered this combo. Share any Likes/dislikes/other parts added.
Back on the "popular" TF 2.5 lift recommendation.

It sounds like we should add the new RS5000X as a value option in the shock category. They are getting good reviews.

Rancho RS55329
Rancho RS55330
 
#40 ·
First of all I would like to say I'm loving the forum, I have owned a jeep of some kind since 1978 when I bought my new 79 CJ5, kept it until 1982 when I fell in love with the CJ-8 Scrambler which I bought with 6 miles on the odometer and which I still own (will most likely be buried in it) other Jeeps have come and gone, so I am not new to Jeep ownership but two weeks ago I purchased a 2015 JK rubicon unlimited Hard rock edition. Needless to say the suspension on the Rubicon is a total different critter than my CJ, so I have been trying to wade through all the different options and it is a bit over whelming, but I have settled on a lift of 2.5" since all I want to run is 35s on tire size. The Jeep will be more of a family off-roader seeing mild to moderate trails (I will save the hard core trails for the Scrambler). I am trying to take advantage of the forum's members experience (something I didn't have back when I bought my other Jeeps, since there was no internet, yes I come from a time of no computers,no internet and only three TV stations if you were lucky, and I had a few questions about the recommended setup.
1. When you say lower control arms (choose) do you mean adjustable control arms?
2. You suggest an adjustable front track bar, would it be advantageous to also purchase an adjustable rear track bar?
3. This is not related to the suspension but thought you could offer some insight. My Jeep came with the Rubicon 10th anniversary wheels which are very nice looking but are only 7.5" in width, would a 35X12.50 tire work on this wheel, I realize that I would have to use wheel spacers.
Thank you for your help.
 
#41 ·
First of all I would like to say I'm loving the forum, I have owned a jeep of some kind since 1978 when I bought my new 79 CJ5, kept it until 1982 when I fell in love with the CJ-8 Scrambler which I bought with 6 miles on the odometer and which I still own (will most likely be buried in it) other Jeeps have come and gone, so I am not new to Jeep ownership but two weeks ago I purchased a 2015 JK rubicon unlimited Hard rock edition. Needless to say the suspension on the Rubicon is a total different critter than my CJ, so I have been trying to wade through all the different options and it is a bit over whelming, but I have settled on a lift of 2.5" since all I want to run is 35s on tire size. The Jeep will be more of a family off-roader seeing mild to moderate trails (I will save the hard core trails for the Scrambler). I am trying to take advantage of the forum's members experience (something I didn't have back when I bought my other Jeeps, since there was no internet, yes I come from a time of no computers,no internet and only three TV stations if you were lucky, any I had a few questions about the recommended setup. 1. When you say lower control arms (choose) do you mean adjustable control arms? 2. You suggest an adjustable front track bar, would it be advantageous to also purchase an adjustable rear track bar? 3. This is not related to the suspension but thought you could offer some insight. My Jeep came with the Rubicon 10th anniversary wheels which are very nice looking but are only 7.5" in width, would a 35X12.50 tire work on this wheel, I realize that I would have to use wheel spacers. Thank you for your help.
Welcome to the forum :)

Choose meaning a brand. You could run a adjustable or a fixed length lower for caster angle.
In bold I mentioned the rear axle side track bar Bracket. Besides roll center correction the axle is centered under the jeep. So no, you do not need a adjustable rear track bar.
A 12.5 will work but you might have issues having it mounted. Tire manufactures usually have a min wheel width and shops won't mount for liability reasons.
 
#44 ·
They work but are not the preferred way to correct caster. The axle mount is ground open to allow for the offset bolt or plate. Switching over to brackets or arms requires welding up the mounts. There's always that chance one or both can loosen. Brackets are cheap .. $100 and provide both caster correction and a smoother ride.
 
#46 ·
Thinking about doing this set up for my lift now instead of one of the prefab kits. What is the reasoning behind using the geo brackets instead of new control arms? Ive seen a few people say the brackets give up some of the clearance you just gained with the lift.
 
#48 · (Edited)
The brackets do hang lower and reduce chassis ground clearance. But they also reduce the operating angle of the front control arms which reduces the impact transmitted to the frame due to the higher control arm angles from a lift. It also reduces the brake dive induced by weight transfer. The geo brackets give a better ride... The lower control arms perform better off road. That's where you have to make a choice.


What kind of performance trade off would a person be making if they wanted to use the stock rubi shocks with the adapters on this setup (saving $450)?
The shocks do make a difference, but they can also be changed any time later if you wanted to. You might have a little less wheel travel with the shorter shocks, but it wouldn't be an issue under normal operating conditions. Also, keep in mind that you can do the new RS5000X shocks for about $150 right now with the Rancho rebate.
 
#50 ·
Would you say the Geo brackets are still acceptable for moderate off roading? My jeep is my DD but I'd like to eventually have it out a couple times a month. Would you recommend new CAs once I start to get more serious? Would I remove the brackets if I went to new CAs? Functionality and longevity of the vehicle's components are more important to me than on road characteristics (I guess that's kind of a redundant statement beings I'm a wrangler owner haha)
 
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