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Need help deciding on lift for JKU

3K views 49 replies 15 participants last post by  Lab Lover 
#1 ·
Hey guys, I’m buying a new JKU Sport w/3.73 gears in a month. I want to build to my own specs. I have read a lot of the threads for the last month. 1st major decision is to decide on a lift and height, so need a little help. I’m going with 35” tires. JKU will be my family daily driver 90% on roads with a few weekends off road at local trails in NC. In the near future, I would like to be able to take it to MOAB and Ouray, CO as well for the incredible views. Not looking to do any trails that would damage my jeep, so mostly easy to moderate trails for now. I’m not planning on any “real” rock crawling. My main concern is on road drivability and handling, but want it to be capable for my offroad needs.
I’m trying to decide on a 2.5” or 3.5” lift. I’ve taken my wife to a local jeep dealer to look at a few Jeeps with lifts for ideas. We have no issues getting in/out of a Jeep with a Mopar 2.5 lift w/35” tires. So I would assume most 2.5 would be equal in regards. The only 3.5 lift I’ve tried is a friends and it’s a 3.5 RK with 37s”. Really don’t want that much height, as getting in/out was a pain for both. Would definitely have to install steps for her…lol How much difference is a 3.5 with 35s in regards to getting in/out? If the 2.5” will handle my needs, then I’d be happy. I know if I go 3.5 I will have additional parts to swap out.
What lifts would you guys recommend for my needs, prefer bolt on. Budget for lift is up to $2000ish if needed. Would like to be around $5000 for lift, tires, and wheels. I will be adding front and rear bumpers and a winch within 6 months.
Lifts I’m considering, but open to others
AEV
Mopar fox and drive shaft
Teraflex
RK
EVO enforcer

Thanks in advance
 
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#4 ·
Why do you recommend RK over the others?
 
#9 ·
Is there a big difference between the coils? I've read some are progressive and linear. Most important for me right now is on road ride, but still be capable off road for moderate trails.
AEV
Mopar fox and drive shaft
Teraflex
RK
 
#10 ·
Thanks, be reading a lot, and feeling like information overload....lol
 
#12 ·
Thanks Unstuck,
Thanks for responding. I've read you build....that is a sweet Jeep. The AEV, Mopar, and RK are the top 3 lifts I'm looking at. Any reason you picked AEV?
 
#8 ·
Since you are going to be adding weight, I would look at this setup:
Customizable 2.5" Lift Kit

This will give you a GREAT on and off road ride. With it having a progressive rate coil front and rear, it will support the weight that you throw at the Jeep. This will also give you plenty of room to run a 35" tall tire.

I also see you are in NC. We are just south in SC and can even help with the install if needed! Heck, there is nothing we cant help with on a JK! Just let us know! Feel free to PM, email, or call us at anytime!

-Jason
 
#14 ·
Thanks Jason
 
#17 ·
Ok the best deal on a lift right now is the MetalCloak Gold Standard. For the cost of a 1 ounce gold coin, approx $1300, you get a lift worth $1800. I also agree that 3:73 are not the best for running 35's.
 
#20 ·
That is a good deal for what you get!
 
#19 ·
I went with the AEV 2.5 after researching a lot of lifts and vendors. It came down to AEV and Rock Crawler. design was based on my needs and trusting my vendors advised. The guys at RubiRux answered all my questions without knowing if I would
purchase, never pushed a brand over another and really got the best vibe from them.

Listen to many people and vendors will push what THEY like and SELL and you have to trust them, listen to everyone and go with what works for you.

One local guy around here who is respected in the Jeep and car community recommend Pro-Comp and gave many valid reason.

Unstuck's guy who I read up on with a good rep pointed me to AEV, RK, Pro Comp and believe it or not Rough Country. Said they get a bad rap and too many "Jeep" guys get caught up in name brands. He gave me the advice knowing I was not buying or installing with him due to logistics of his shop to me.

I get mine back Wednesday and will post pics and reviews this weekend.
 
#21 ·
Thanks, good advice. I respect everyones input and opinion. I'm listening to all the information given to me and will make a decision on the best I think is for me. In my area, most locals i've talked to recommend AEV, Mopar, RK or Teraflex. I know ride quality is subjective for everyone. After a lot of reading, I'm beginning to wonder how much difference there really is in the ride quality of each compared....lol

I look forward to the pics and review.
 
#23 ·
Imho, one month of reading is not enough. Take the time to comb through threads, ask questions, figure out what you need and what you want, then go for it. It's your money so you want what's best for your needs. Take delivery of your jeep and take the time to understand what you need and in what order, then order the parts YOU want.
Ie. For some, there are many other things more important than a lift.
You get the point. Good luck.
 
#26 ·
Thanks jeep670, I couldn't agree more. That is very good advice and I needed to hear that. I've been reading/lurking the forums for a few months and just registered to start asking questions and learn more. I hope to be a regular contributor/learner. As I learn, I hope to help others as others are helping me. I'm not in a rush, as I want the lift that is right for me. I've learned everyone has different opinions, and that is good. The lift and 35in tires are a priority for me. I want to make sure I pick the right one. The on road ride is most important, since I'll spend most of my miles there.
 
#24 ·
I agree with jeep670. Also find jeepers in your area with different lift and shock set ups. Find a local club. People should be more then happy to let you see and feel how there jeep rides. Thats how I chose my lift and shocks. And if there is anything we can do to help just let us know.

-JP

Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk
 
#27 ·
Thanks, I will look up some locals.
 
#29 ·
Examples of why I choose to put my kit together from various manufacturers vs a kit.

You don't need brake lines. I am guessing they package them in for perceived kit value.
I preferred control arms with on jeep adjustability and dual durometer bushings for daily driver. (Upgrade) Note: you could find even more value in a fixed arm, but will loose future adjustment.
I preferred track bars with dual durometer bushings for daily driver. Superlift @ $120.00 is a great bargain.
RC rear track bar bracket at $30.00 with alternate mounting holes is another great bargain and allows for future changes.
I wanted RS 9000 adjustable shocks, never found them as a kit upgrade less expensive than what I paid.

So in comparing those choices with the kit suggested, you'd be about $900 plus shocks, arguably with some upgrades (or at least daily driver choices).

With the blisten 5100 you'd be about $ 1,200 (push)

With rs9000 you'd be about $1,350.

My point is NOT to say that kits aren't a good value, many of them are. My point is that if you do a little research, you are likely to find a more personalized set that focuses on your specific needs WITHOUT spending any more than the kits (except where you want to).
 
#31 ·
Ahh. Thanks, makes sense. You can personalize the lift to you needs. I thought you had to pick a complete kit to make it all work. I remember reading some of this in the WF most popular lift thread. I definitely have a lot of learning to do, but at least I know a little more each day.
 
#33 ·
The Mopar kit is fairly complete, you woukd only need longer control arms or brackets to make the steering less sensitive.

I started with a teraflex 2.5 and rancho 5000x shocks, which has also given me a good 30000miles and a reasonable amount of trail time for a low cost.
 
#35 ·
Mopar with fox shocks is one I'm interested in. I've read through the thread. Seems most are happy.
 
#40 ·
OP - Don't forget, you said this will be your daily family driver. Research the joints. On road ride quality and off road durability are not always the same thing.

Often these kits and components get praise for flex and extreme use durability that may not be in your best interest.
 
#42 ·
You are correct. Thanks for pointing this out and keeping me on track
 
#43 ·
I pieced together my own lift.

superlift front track bar #5770 $122.95 amazon
superlift rear track bar #5771 $122.95 amazon
teraflex front and rear bump stops $51 ebay (private seller)
rancho 3" front and 2.5" rear springs RS66107-B $178.88 amazon
rancho front shocks RS999329 $143.85 amazon (after shocktober rebate)
rancho rear shocks RS999330 $143.85 amazon (after shocktober rebate)
rugged ridge exhaust spacer kit #17606.76 $25.99 amazon
teraflex rear trackbar bracket #1954777 $94.29 amazon
rancho geometry correction brackets #RS62103 $137.75 autoplicity
rubicon express rear sway bar links from local shop $35 with tax

Total $1056.51 for everything.

For about $250 extra I could of had the gold standard metal cloak kit...
 
#45 ·
Here is a picture of the rancho frankenlift with 315/70r17 duratracs.
Looks nice! Are you happy with the on road ride and handling? Any rubbing issues off road.
 
#48 ·
I am very happy with my RK lift. Have called RK several times with noob questions and the CS is excellent. They have gone the extra mile and that is important to me.
 
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