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JK Lift Reviews

500K views 159 replies 140 participants last post by  DK570 
#1 ·
In light of the recent discussion of lifts, we all felt a thread with ONLY lift kit reviews in it would be a good source of information.

AzTJ posted a great lift review in the Your Lift thread, so we'll use his format which I will add in a second.

Here are the rules.

1. This is a review of YOUR lift. No second hand reviews.
2. Try and stay in the format Az used to ease the exchange of information.
3. This is not a discussion thread.
4. Oh and please post up some pictures.



Any post but lift review posts will be deleted. If you have a question about a specific lift you can always PM the person or start a new thread.

Please be fair in your reviews. This lift sucks is not a review. Also, those reading reviews, remember this is personal opinion based on personal experience. If your lift is already reviewed, review it anyway. Ratings and reviews are always better when there's more than one opinion to draw from.

Thanks to everyone for participating.

Here's the format...

LIFT:
SHOCKS:
SYE/CVD:
TIRES/WHEELS:

Likes:

Dis-Likes:

Would You Recommend:

Picture(s):
 
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#4 ·
LIFT: 4" pro comp
SHOCKS: Mx-6 shocks
SYE/CVD: stock
TIRES/WHEELS: pro comp xtreme all terrain 35x 12.5

Likes: the kit makes the 4 door look better in every way. the ride is smooth on/off road since i live near beaches the tires perform great in the sand as well as some light rock crawling action. Most deff a good kit for light trail rig/daily driver

Dis-Likes: the kit says it can fit 37's but in extreme flex situations the 35x 12.5 tires in the rear tend to rub inside the fender well more so if you have any kind of weight over the back end like a few buddies along for the ride. and anyone who has put a lift and tires on the automatic knows it struggles for power without gearing.

Would You Recommend: i would based solely on the fact that it makes the appearence great but if i did it over i would prob go with the 6" to compensate the tire rub
 
#7 ·
Rough Country Lift

At the Moment...
Lift - 4" Rough Country w/ 2.2 Shocks (Somehow lifted 5" even front and back)
Wheels - Stock Sahara 18" rim with 32's
Pro - Cheap lift semi easy install
Con - Rides hard, Floats, Had to call RC and replace the shocks after 2 months and the front coil springs bow there for when I turn left it rubs against the end link, RC said that's normal so they wont do anything about the coil springs. AKA cheap Not for an off road use just a Cosmetic look

Conclusion... I have a Pro Comp Stage 1 4" Lift on back order with the Upgraded shocks and I purchased 35" Pro Comp Xtreme's on 17" Pro Comp Flat Black wheels today.

I do not go "off roading" just a few back roads here and here, so I dont need anything fancy just functional. Personal experience, you get what you pay for!

The Following pictures show.. 1. Drivers side coil spring bending toward end link (tie rod end) clicks when turning left. 2. Passengers side bending away from tie rod end 3. The Driver side where the coil spring and end link rub and have created a rust point (The lift is only about 3 months old, never seen dirt)
 
#14 ·
'09 Sahara Unlimited

3" BDS lift, BDS single steering stabilizer
no driveline mods
35" Toyo MTs, 18x9 ProComps - Black on Black
All windows are now tinted and matching spare is now on the back.


went from stock off the dealer lot to the above in about 2 weeks so i really don't remember what the ride was like either.

likes: the thing looks like a bad ass. next to a stock JK, the 2 don't compare. there is not a day that goes by when I am out and about that I dont have somebody stop and comment on how great the thing looks. on your average road, the thing is not bad. have yet to truly take it off road except for some back roads. i'm curious to see how it will handle the beach.

dislikes: a blast to drive but it can get rough depending on the road. haven't done so but it doesn't seem like a road trip type of vehicle either. skips way to much for my liking over bumps, especially at highway speeds. trying to limit the amount of time my pregger wife is in it b/c it gets that harsh in and around NYC with these roads. steering was way too loose, sensitive, felt every bump but had stabilizer put on after the fact and it definitely improved it ten fold. backing out of the driveway, the suspension creeps with the flexing. it has also done it on the road depending on the road or driveway angles but haven't really paid enough attention to it. took it back to shop and they checked everything and re-lubed, said things were fine but it continues to do the same. got it in Feb 2009, have 4k miles on it.

would definitely recommend it to others based on look alone. again, on your normal road, its good to go. my problem is i'm in nyc a lot. does anybody have an idea what I can do to reduce the lateral skipping over bumps on the highway? potholes and road joints are also brutual. even when they seem so small, with such large tires, you'd think it would roll right over but that's not the case. any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
#20 ·
2007 Jeep Wrangler X 2 Door

LIFT: ReadyLift 3"
SHOCKS: Stock
SYE/CVD: Stock
TIRES/WHEELS: BFG Mud Terrains 315/75/16 (35x12.50x16)

Likes: Rides exactly like stock, looks great, super cheap and made with strong materials.

Dis-Likes: Kit is set up as 3" front and 2" rear. I am installing new different coils in the rear because I prefer the level and even rear slightly higher look.

Would You Recommend: Yes, hands down.

Picture(s):

View attachment 13380
 
#24 ·
Hmm- I have 2 reviews:
2009 JK 2-door, 6-speeds for both
1st up is the 2.5" Rough Country coil spring lift with their shocks. No pics anymore, as this kit is LONG GONE. Garbage. 100% JUNK. The first issue was in shipping- yeah, they forgot to. Then, the first set of rear springs starts to sag about an inch or two inside of a month. So, I call them up, and they send out new rears. Install those. They sag inside of a week! This is a base model, 2-door 6-speed softtop- you don't get much lighter! Stock bumpers, 33's. Unacceptable!
Grade: F---
Recommended: Oh, hell no!
Likes: They did give me a full refund, though, if nothing else... although they made me pay return shipping- jerks

2nd review:
3.5" Rock Krawler kit with Bilstein 5100's:
This was a cherry-picked kit. It's pretty much one of the X-Factor kits, minus the front uppers- don't have much use for those- that'd just add weight higher up- no thanks :)
Likes:
Everything! Best Jeep ride and handling ever. Handles as well as my old Subaru Impreza on sweepers- still a Wrangler in the tight stuff, though :) Ride is better than stock by far. Decent instructions, and it went together like butta- 10.5 hours by myself with no air tools and on jack stands. GREAT support from a great (local to me) company. Lifetime warranty that COVERS abuse. They also go out and test everything they make- I really dig that. Brought up beer and pizza, and they helped me slap in their extended brake lines. Straight up the best purchase I've yet made in Jeepdom.

Dislikes:
The swaybar disco's tend to clink a bit if you don't shim them a bit (cost all of $.08 to do so), and the extended brake lines needed a bit of wrapping with electrical tape. Other than that, no complaints at all :)

Total lift:
Front- 4.5"
Rear- 4.25"

Running 35" KM2's on 15" Cragar Soft 8's

Would I recommend?:
Oh hell yes! Buy this kit, run the 5100's and you will LOVE your new JK :) Mark W.

 
#26 ·
Rough Country 3.25

LIFT: Rough Country 3.25" lift, with the addition of a complete set of Rough Country X-Flex Adjustable Control Arms and a JKS Adjustable Track Bar

SHOCKS: Rough Country Performance 2.2

TIRES: 35 x 12.5 Maxxis BigHorn's on stock 17 inch alloy's with 1.5" wheel spacers

LIKES: The cost of lift kit. Also, I am happy with the X-Flex adjustable control arms...but they are not included in the lift kit. So it's debatable if I should include that in the likes section. Regardless, they seem to be good quality and durable.

DISLIKES: Spring sag. The after market Rugged Ridge XHD rear bumper w/ tire rack and 35" spare caused 1.25" of sag in the rear. The XHD front bumper(without a winch) caused 1" of sag in the front. Running 35's with what amounted to 2" of lift after sagging caused my Jeep to bottom out the rear shocks on the bump stops when hitting moderate pot holes on the roadway. I ran it this way for about 2 months.

I have since swapped out the springs with Rock Krawler 3.5" front and rear springs...and let me tell you what a difference!! With the Rock Krawler springs my Jeep is experiencing very minimal sag despite the extra weight. It more than solved my bottoming out problem. The Jeep also rides 10x better....much "smoother" hitting bumps on and off the road.


WOULD YOU RECOMMEND: No. I would not recommend a Rough Country lift due to the above mentioned spring issues. However I would recommend their X-Flex adjustable control arms. I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for...there is a reason it's alot cheaper. Just my 2 cents.

I would recommend Rock Krawler springs in a heart beat...and I can only assume that the rest of their products are just as high quality.
 
#28 ·
LIFT:OME+40 Coils
SHOCKS:OME LT shocks

TIRES/WHEELS:ATX Artillery 315x12.5 Toyo Open Country MT
Likes: Love the ride and the way it handles

Dis-Likes:NONE

Would You Recommend:Yes 100%. This being the +40 lift gained me ~4.5 inches. Lift need lower CA's,Front DS, ADJ TB's, ADJ sway links,ext brake lines....ect

Picture(s):

 
#30 ·
Lift= TeraFlex 2.5 coil #853100, Plus 1" puck in rear

Shocks= TeraFlex # 9550.

Wheels= 18" Moto Metals wrapped in Toyo Open Country MT's. 1.5" RC Hub-centric Spacers

Other parts= T.F. front adj. Trac Bar, JKS Disco's, Rear Trac Bar relocation bracket.

Likes= It realy flexes. It's super quiet. Very plush ride, (drive off a curb & barely feel it!). High quality and affordable

Dislikes= rear springs fall out of top pockets when you lift a wheel. Fixed problem with DIY over-extension straps.

Reccomend Lift= For sure







 
#31 ·
LIFT:
Skyjacker 3.5"

SHOCKS:
hydro skyjacker shocks

SYE/CVD: Stock

TIRES/WHEELS:
Crager soft 8's 15"8"
BFGoodrich KM 2's 35X12.50XR18

Likes:
You get way more looks and people always tell me they like my jeep at the gas station.\ Love the ground clearence with this short wheel base. I really couldnt tell a diffence in the riding between stock and having it lifted.
CHICKS DIG IT!!!!!

Dis-Likes: The 35's drained my jeep of power. Its not as bad as i thought it was gonna be but there a differnce.

Would You Recommend:
WITHOUT A DOUBT!

Picture(s):
 

Attachments

#32 ·
LIFT: Rock Krawler 2.5 Stock Mod With Rock Krawler Disco's
SHOCKS: Bilstein 5100's
SYE/CVD: Stock
TIRES/WHEELS: 35x12.5x17 Goodyear Wrangler MTR/K's on ProComp 7089's 17x9 - 4.75 BS

Likes: Awesome lift, easy install, great ride - Progressive Rate Front Springs and most of all... Adjustable Front Trackbar - and relocation for rear... Solid as hell...

Dis-Likes: None at all

Would You Recommend: By all means and already have numerous times...

Picture(s):





 
#33 ·
2.5" rc spacer kit

This kit was the only way i was going to do a spacer kit ALL STEEL ! Me and my dad installed this kit in the garage in 2 hours and 15 minutes using the scissor jack 2 jack stands and a ratchet with 4 sockets. So far it is everything i expected . Would recommend this product if a budget lift is what you are looking for . Actually only got about 2" overall and the kit is 2.5 in the front and 2 in the rear for a more level stance although i liked it the way it was . All that said heres a pic . Land vehicle Vehicle Car Jeep Automotive tire


Land vehicle Vehicle Car Tire Automotive tire
 
#34 ·
LIFT: 3.5" Rock Krawler Entry Level Suspension Lift
SHOCKS: Bilstein 5100 Series
SYE/CVD: Stock
TIRES/WHEELS: 35x12.50R18 Nitto Trail Grappler / HELO Chrome 791

Likes: Looks and Drives great!!! Ride is a little rougher than stock, but not much.

Dis-Likes: None... Looks Awesome!!!

Would You Recommend: Definitely!!! Would suggest putting a steering stabilizer on. Gets squirrely at 70+ and on uneven roads. I'm adding a Bilstein stabilizer as soon as I can.

Picture(s): Can't figure out how to upload Pics... Sorry
 
#35 ·
Lift- rock krawler 3.5" m.o.r.e. 1" body lift
Shocks waiting for the new rock kralwers now some junk one I had hanging around
Sye/cvd stock but soon to be changed
Tires/ wheels. 40" pit bulls rockers with 17 x 9.5 spyderlock wheels
Likes rides great and handles offnroading very well
Dis-likes none
Recommened yes best warranty in the business you break they replace it.
 
#36 ·
LIFT:

Rough Country X Series 4" Suspension Lift $1199.00 complete
Front: Lifted coil springs, upper and lower adjustable control arms with X-Flex joints, adjustable track bar, quick disconnects, and stainless steel brake lines.

Rear: Lifted coils springs, upper and lower adjustable control arms with X-Flex joints, track bar drop bracket, sway bar links, and stainless steel brake lines.

SHOCKS: (4) Rough Country Performance 2.2 series shocks included with lift kt. Dual Rough Country Steering Stabilizers

SYE/CVD: Tom Woods 499.00/ea - being a 2DR lifted over the 2.5" threshold it was necessary

TIRES/WHEELS: 5x 35" Dick Cepak Mud Country @ 304.00/ea mated to 5x 17x9" Mickey Thompson Classic II Aluminum Rims (replaced the Rubicon 32" BF Goodrich Muds, coupled with 5x Mopar Black Aluminum Rims)

OTHER: 5.13 "purple" gears @ 800 per axle installed, ARB Iron Differential Covers (180/ea), Skid plates (oil pan, evap canister, gas tank, transfer case), River Raider breather kit (49.00), AEV Snorkel with Ram Air (349.00), Bushwacker Flat Fenders (599.00)

EXISTING: Mopar front winch bumper with fog lamps and crush cans, Mopar rear bumper, Mopar swing away tire carrier with HiJack Mount, 12.5k winch, KC Highlighter 400k x 2, D hooks and mounts front and rear x 5

Likes: It looks like it should have always, coming from the factory. Well balanced look, professional install courtesy of Steve at Jeep Home Steves Jeep Country - Epsom NH // The ride is a little more top heavy feeling due to the raised CG, stiffer than stock but no unacceptable. On the highway the tires hum but not like I remember mud tires from my past by any stretch. The 5.13 gears breathed new life into this motor, even coming from 4.10's with 32's. Plenty of usable power through the power band, 2850 rpm indicated @ 65mph in 6th gear) First gear has more legs now, so you can actually start off in it instead of 2nd all the time.

I used an AEV Procal (150.00) to calibrate the gears and tire change. Yes, do not just punch in the tire size, it will not yield an accurate result (ie 35" Mud Country tires are actually 33.75 inches tall). Gas mileage changed imperceptibly, though it's still early. In any event I highly recommend the Procal - remembering the skid control, ESC, ABS and everything else keys off the speed of the vehicle - if the speedometer is inaccurate, everything else will be also.

Dis-Likes: I'm old - the 6" increase in ride height, coupled with an unyielding roll bar means this gorilla (6'5") has to learn a new way of entering and exiting ;)

Would You Recommend: Absolutely! and I would recommend consulting someone who does this work for a living also, Iearned a few new things along the way that led to a solid, stable platform. (Thanks Steve).

Look for the buildup by following this link ---> http://www.wranglerforum.com/f33/the-buildup-in-on-78914.html ... plenty of pics before and after :dance::dance:

Now time to figure out how to pay for it :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:
 
#37 ·
AEV 4.5" Premium

2008 Jeep Unlimited
System: 4.5" AEV Premium
Shocks: Rancho RS9000xl
Driveshafts: Tom Wood's 1310's front & rear
Add'l: Teraflex Monster Arms, 37/13.5R17 Nitto Mud Grapplers, TeraFlex Disconnects...

Likes: Excellent on-road ride. :thumb: Very stable at highway speads. Corners much better than stock.:appl: Firm ride w/out harshness.

Dislikes: Limited flex, but this may be a result of short shocks and not the AEV system.

I would recommend this system to Jeepers who spend more than 50% of your time on-road. I get out wheeling 3+ times a month and enjoy the set up I have. I will be working on the flexibility, but the ride is spot on.
 

Attachments

#38 ·
JEEP: 2010 2 door

LIFT:
Rubicon Express 3.5in for 2 door - (2.5in front and 3in rear after settling)

SHOCKS: Rubicon Express from the kit

SYE/CVD: stock

TIRES/WHEELS:
Unfortunatley still stock!

EXTRAS:
Poly Performance front adjustable track bar, Teraflex rear axle mounting track bar relocation bracket, Poly Performance front disconnects suit 2 to 4in lift, Poly performance rear links to suit 3 to 5 in lift shortened by 40mm, Poly performance front damper relocation bracket (since removed as it doesnt fit the 2010 model properly and the draglink hits the damper mounting bolt), home made 3in rear brake line extension brackets.

Likes: very stable on road, sits nicely

Dis-Likes: little bit stiff on road for the short wheelbase, havent been able to get offroad with it yet due to waiting for little bits to be finalised and torrential rains...

Would You Recommend: Yes, but not really much point since RE have closed their doors!

Picture(s):




 
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