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Picking out a Liftkit

1K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  Lab Lover 
#1 ·
Hi all! So just a quick summary of my jeep.
It's a 2012 JKU. I can post pictures if neccesary.
Due to the tax season coming up, i want to get 35's and a 3in lift. I'v already narrowed down the tires/wheels that i want, so i need to pick out a lift kit, and make sure that i'm not forgetting anything.
I'v always heard good things about BDS, so i was leaning towards them. If i was to get this kit 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK 4 Door 6.5" lift kit 1409H | BDS Suspension would i need to purchase anything else, besides the tires/wheels?
And when i get the tires/wheels, am i forgetting anything? I'v pretty much narrowed it down to these Wrangler Fuel Wheels Assault Black Machined Wheel 17x9 and Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 LT265/70R17 Kit (07-17 JK) - Free Shipping

Please help me, am i forgetting anything? Or is there something i need to be concerned about? Thank you
 
#2 ·
Although you linked a 6.5" lift kit, the BDS 3" kits are just middle of the road (opinion)... BDS is more known for their truck lifts (more opinion)...

Will it make your Jeep explode? No.

But they use cam washers for caster correction which is cheap and cheesy, they also use a frame side rear track bar bracket which only corrects axle center, it doesn't correct roll center. If you pay for the FOX shock upgrade, then that lift gets kind of pricey for what it is. I do like that it includes exhaust spacers for '12 and newer.

Are you trying to hit a price point?
 
#4 ·
Yes you will need more things. For one you will want to flip the drag link on a lift that high, front and rear track bars if you want it to drive straight. Would not recommend the drop pitman, or the castor correction. Im not a huge bds fan but have had good luck with their track bars. Any reason you are wanting to go that high? 6.5 inches is mighty high for a jK and those tires are not very big at all. would look weird
 
#6 ·
The tires you linked arent the 35's. MT makes 35's in the old style nomenclature as well. 35 x 12.50x 17. I have the prior generation tire. I got them used but they are a pretty decent tire. Have had the MTZ's as well Good tires IMO.

6.5 is a big lift, unless you are running 40's. You will need new driveshafts as well if you go that high. With only 35's, my opinion is that it will look funny. But it is your jeep, do what makes you happy. Our opinions don't really matter in the long run.
I think his links are bad... He said 35's and 3" lift in the text of his post. At least those make sense.
 
#5 ·
The tires you linked arent the 35's. MT makes 35's in the old style nomenclature as well. 35 x 12.50x 17. I have the prior generation tire. I got them used but they are a pretty decent tire. Have had the MTZ's as well Good tires IMO.

6.5 is a big lift, unless you are running 40's. You will need new driveshafts as well if you go that high. With only 35's, my opinion is that it will look funny. But it is your jeep, do what makes you happy. Our opinions don't really matter in the long run.
 
#9 ·
Ok so on choosing a lift and shocks and how you want your set up is all up to you. But you do get what you pay for in a lift. Are you 95% road with ocassional off road? or moderate or do you want to rock crawl in your jeep. With the JK you only need a 2.5" lift for 35" tires. And you can go different routes with that. If you just want the look and no off roading you can do a budget boost lift withe decent shocks and save money. Or you can do a spring lift which most people will recommend. Now when lifting your jeep you have to think of caster and pinion. You can go the less expensive drop bracket or do lower adjustable control arms. It all really depends on what you want to do. Now in MY opinion I would stay away from BDS or rough country. They did good stuff with the yj and tj but really not with the jk. I would suggest brands like Teraflex, Rock Krawler, Rancho and there are a few more. Do a lot of research and dont let people push you one way or the other. We all have our opinions. Check out the beginners guide to lifting your jeep. There is a lot of good knowledge in that thread. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask. We are all here to help and learn.

-JP
 
#12 ·
Yes sorry that was a bad link! It was supposed to be the BDS 3". And i anticipate road 80%, off road 20%. So i don't need anything super crazy, but i need something competent. I'll make sure to look at that guide
Chech out the Teraflex S/T3, it is a perfect lift for most applications. Total and ready to go. No adjusting or other things to worry about. I net 3.5" with it and heavy bumpers, armor and winch.
 
#13 ·
Consider researching the components and frakenlift. Super happy with road manners of my set up.

$2,200 +/-
- synergy 3" coils
- synergy front lower adjustable arms
- JKS 3" front bump stops
- Rancho 9000xl 31/32
- yeti top mount drag link
- RC rear axle side Track bar bracket
- synergy front track bar relocation
- JKS J-Cal
- front and rear superlift track bars.
 
#14 ·
My use was similar to what your planning on my 2012 JKUR, 80-20. I put 35's on and went with the Synergy Stage 3 kit. I ran it for four years and loved it. The ride and how it drove was great. I recently went to 4.5" and 37's staying with Synergy we just changed Springs, shocks and added adjustable upper control arms. The ride is different, of course, but still good. The stage 3 had progressive Springs. Just another choice to look into and help with your overload of information, lol.

Lisa
 
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