I have spent many many hours reading threads on various suspension options and other mods to get to 35. It seems that every lift have some tradeoffs and people end up doing more after the fact. I would like to skip that step and do it right the first time. I am trying to figure out what to install from the start to get the best possible suspension, handling, dependability and safety.
Here is what I am thinking:
MetalCloak Game Changer 3.5" Rocksport
Yeti Draglink with Griffin (Should I go to high steer > 3" lift)?
Teraflex Adjustable Trackbar?
Fox ATS Steering stabilizer?
Mopar Big Brake Kit
I have the Recon with the upgraded Axle. Any further changes there?
I have 4.10. Thats the once place where I would wait to see how it drives (since I already have it anyway).
What else am I missing? I want to do this once and do it right
Just a little more info needed. Two/four door, and what do you plan on doing with the jeep? You might not need that much lift and if you do I would consider driveshafts.
The Gamechanger will come with front and rear adjustable trackbars, so no need to purchase another one.
At 3.5", you'll want a new front driveshaft, exhaust spacers at minimum.
I just installed the 3.5" GC on my 2014, and I didn't need the high steer kit, draglink, or a stabilizer upgrade. Aside from the trackbars that came in the kit, my steering is completely stock. Time will tell if that's the next thing I'll need up front, but I'm totally happy with it. And if it isn't broken, there's really no need to replace it at 3.5".
The big brake kit is nice, but might not be necessary. I've got plenty of stopping power stock.
4.10s is right at the "acceptable" cut off for 35 in tires, and you'll probably be "ok" with them. It'll probably be the next thing you'll want to upgrade.
I suggest starting with the lift and tires and driving it before dumping more money on upgrades you only think you'll need. I know you want to "do it once", but you may want to see how your upgrades act on your Jeep before spending a lot more. It makes sense to buy a quality lift and not mess with it again and again, so I think you're on the right track there.
MetalCloak Game Changer 3.5" Rocksport
Yeti Draglink with Griffin (Should I go to high steer > 3" lift)?
Teraflex Adjustable Trackbar?
Fox ATS Steering stabilizer?
Mopar Big Brake Kit
I have the Recon with the upgraded Axle. Any further changes there?
I have 4.10. Thats the once place where I would wait to see how it drives (since I already have it anyway).
What else am I missing? I want to do this once and do it right
I believe that that the MC GC comes with an adjustable track bar. Confirm, but I don't think you will need the adjustable track bar.
Also, I would not think you need such an extreme steering stabilizer upgrade. If you are going to 35's, your stock stabilizer should be fine for a while....maybe go with a Teraflex, or Bilstein if you want, but a stabilizer usually just masks other issues that need to corrected.
And if you go 3.5", you are going to address your drive shafts. Be prepared to upgrade your stock drive shaft to something like an Adams. I went with Adams when I installed my lift. If you plan on keeping your stock drive shaft for a while, pick up an exhaust spacer and install it before you flex out your lift. You may even need the exhaust spacer if you go with an aftermarket driveshaft immediately.
Edit: Dcord beat me to most of what I had to share. See what happens when you need more coffee before you finish a post.
MetalCloak Game Changer 3.5" Rocksport. Cannot speak to the shocks, but the rest of that lift is very nice. Don't think you will be disappointed.
Yeti Draglink with Griffin (Should I go to high steer > 3" lift)? I would do a Synergy DL and skip the Griffin all together.
Not sure if the high steer is "needed", I did it when I went to 3.5" MC GC OME lift. No bump steer,, and the rig goes straight as an arrow down the road. But, never ran at 3.5" without so... TIFWIW.
Teraflex Adjustable Trackbar? Not needed, included in the MC kit.
Fox ATS Steering stabilizer? Use you stock unit and save the cash.
Mopar Big Brake Kit I do not feel it's necessary, but you will have to judge that for yourself.
I have the Recon with the upgraded Axle. Any further changes there? Only time will tell, it's reportedly more robust than the regular D44 front but is it enough so? Too early in the model run for reports, so, I cannot point you in any direction there.
I have 4.10. Thats the once place where I would wait to see how it drives (since I already have it anyway). You might not mind it with the automatic trans/TQ convertor. If you had a 6spd manual I think you would be happier with a regear. If you plan to wheel rocks, I would urge you to consider a regear.
What else am I missing? I want to do this once and do it right. With the money saved on the Griffin and Fox (and maybe brakes), you can now afford a nice tie rod and driveshafts. If you plan to wheel rocks, you'll want to start saving for hydro assist.
If you have a 2 door the 2.5 inch lift is enough. I am still running stock fenders, am very heavy 5600 lbs and still have over 2.5 inches of lift and score almost 1000 on the RTI ramp. (I have 6-paks)
Assuming you have a 2 door still the Griffin is a nice addition. But I would just get the Griffin and not spend the money for the drag link yet. I have 50K on mine and it is still good.
Don't need the Trackbar or sterring stabilizer.
I would not get the Mopar big brake kit and opt for the Dynatrac Pro Grip. Rear disc fitment though has to be checked against the wheels you end up with. But since you have a new vehicle I would not swap brakes until you wear them out. They do a pretty good job actually, just increase following distance a bit.
Axles should be good. If and when you decide to regear think about installing a Artec Front Armor Kit.
Exhaust spacer will be need even at 2.5 inches if retaining the stock drive shaft.
You can for a while, but each Jeep is different. If you wheel your Jeep, you will want to replace the front driveshaft sooner, rather than later. The angle of the driveshaft after the lift will eventually cause it to fail.
If you do the drag link flip, you'll need to raise the trac bar and run 3"bump stops. I think it helps a lot with bump steer and steering wheel feed back.
I went with an Adams driveshaft. I called up, talked to the owner, told him what I had as far as lift and tire, planned use, location (NY has salt brine on the roads in the winter). He took his time, answered all my questions, and shipped the driveshaft out in a matter of days. I had it in less than a week. I would buy another from Adams in a heartbeat.
I put a Rubicon Express 3.5" lift, RS7000 shocks, and some MB wheels on my Jeep in mid 2013. I have never done another change to the lift or suspension. I managed to bend the front trackbar while trying to climb a rock that required my full weight on the steering. RE just sent me a replacement, no issue.
So that's my answer on something you never have to mess with later.
2.5" and flats. Quite abit cheaper than the 3"+ that requires driveshaft and all the extra addons.
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