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Teraflex 3" vs. Bds 3"

4K views 29 replies 9 participants last post by  88Hatchy 
#1 ·
Ok I'm looking at these two, which would win?

Teraflex 3" Suspension Lift Kit with Shocks

Or

BDS 3" Suspension Lift Kit
 
#10 ·
OP, are you talking about the BDS kit that comes with arms? you dont want those, or teraflex arms, for that matter. they both do more harm than good and oem is a better option.

bds makes great springs, but thats about it, shocks are decent.
i wouldnt purchase anything from teraflex. they stopped advancing on TJ parts many years ago and still have some questionable options

you dont need to spend savvy/mc money to have a great lift , but if you want it to be an all in one kit, the rest are no where near the quality

best bang for the buck is probably the zone3" kit or 4.25" combo, paired with a MC front track bar and add currie/savvy/mc arms as needed
 
#12 ·
zone and bds are owned by the same parent company and its believed that they use the same springs

the best thing about the zone kit is that it doesnt package in low quality arms so it can keep the cost down. there is nothing in that kit that needs to be replaced, which cant be said about the teraflex or bds kits that come with arms
 
#15 ·
With the Zone 4.25" lift you won't need control arms or a SYE to dial in the lift properly. If at some point you decide your not done building, then you can save and get good quality control arms like the Metal Cloak duroflex and then add in a SYE later still and then be well equipped to lift a little higher, of course at that point your looking at axle swaps and gearing options. :D Welcome to the Jeep world and the build obsession.
 
#17 ·
I recently found out that my jeep has a skyjacker kit on it (the shocks and arms had been painted over with black so nothing showed) and it has skyjacker arms on it, would that make the ride worse from stock? Because everyone says skyjacker isn't good
 
#20 ·
Bad is relative, I run RC arms for 5 years now, everyone says they are bad, they have worked very well for me for those years. Will I eventually have MC arms? I don't know, the thought is there, but what I have has to limit what I'm doing first. I'm planning a custom triangulated mid-length arm build for next year, but I have a feeling that will end up being custom arms I make with heims (maybe MC Duroflex).

The point is, if they are working for you they don't have to appeal to anyone else, build and wheel to please yourself, no one else is going to pay for or wheel your Jeep, make it what you want it to be.
 
#24 ·
I know you have made several posts about lifts and its great that you are researching and comparing. It could be that you need need to swap out problematic parts on your current lift that is causing it to ride like crap. For instance, it could be that you just need quality shocks and/or new control arm bushings. Also, Skyjacker lifts often have a drop pitman arm in their kits that will cause crappy steering if installed.
 
#25 ·
The Zone 4.25" Combo is really the best option of the Zone kits for the TJ (I bought the one for $529). But in your case, since you have already have aftermarket control arms, if was in your situation, I would probably do the 4" spring kit and add a SYE/CV. The problem with the Zone 4" spring kit, is that the control arms are probably not going to be a lot better than what you already have.

For Control arms, I suggest sticking with stock control arms (up to 3" lift) or head straight to Currie or Metal Cloak control arms. Everything in between is pretty much junk.
 
#28 ·
The hydros are a smoother ride for daily driving yet still work well offroad. Nitros are stiffer, but better for higher speed washboard type offroad terrain where the shock can get hot. I would stick with the hyrdros.
 
#29 ·
Not sure what terrain you plan on wheeling on but in my opinion, if you want a decent 3" lift, you should implement the following:
  • 2" suspension lift
  • 1.25" body lift
  • Keep the factory control arms if decent, else replace with new factory arms

You should net 3" and should not experience vibes from such a short lift. IMO, you will not need to adjust your track bars or your pinion angle. The factory control arms are an awesome design and provide adequate flex.
 
#30 ·
not sure what terrain you plan on wheeling on but in my opinion, if you want a decent 3" lift, you should implement the following:
  • 2" suspension lift
  • 1.25" body lift
  • keep the factory control arms if decent, else replace with new factory arms

you should net 3" and should not experience vibes from such a short lift. Imo, you will not need to adjust your track bars or your pinion angle. The factory control arms are an awesome design and provide adequate flex.
x2

SOLID advice.
 
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