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Lift or Not To Lift 2014 Rubicon

8K views 29 replies 22 participants last post by  jac04 
#1 ·
I purchased a new 2014 Wrangler Rubicon. I plan on using it for trail riding in Virginia. I have been told that the trails the club goes on that a stock Rubicon will make it ALMOST everywhere a lifted Jeep will go. I plan on putting a winch and maybe a bumper and rock rails. I am concerned about changing the stock configuration because of causing issues with tire balance and wear, drive trains, control arms, etc. I really like to look of a lifted Jeep with 35" tires.
 
#2 ·
I'm in the same position with the same concerns and the same vehicle.

The consensus is that a 2.5" lift is "safe" in terms of geometry and durability.

You could be more conservative and go with a 1.5" lift (Rock Krawler) or a 2" (Old Man Emu) and still be able to have 35" tires as long as you don't rock crawl.

But like they say, a stock Rubicon will go quite far, and you may be better off wheeling it as-is for a season then deciding how to upgrade after that; that's what I've been doing. Tons of fun too. :)
 
#15 ·
I'm in the same position with the same concerns and the same vehicle. The consensus is that a 2.5" lift is "safe" in terms of geometry and durability. You could be more conservative and go with a 1.5" lift (Rock Krawler) or a 2" (Old Man Emu) and still be able to have 35" tires as long as you don't rock crawl. But like they say, a stock Rubicon will go quite far, and you may be better off wheeling it as-is for a season then deciding how to upgrade after that; that's what I've been doing. Tons of fun too. :)
If I had the Jeep build knowledge that I have today prior to purchasing my 13 JKUR, I would have saved a ton of cash (okay, easily a four grand). With soooo many folks lifting their JKRs shortly after driving off the lot, there's no shortage of pre-owned Rubicon springs/shocks/wheels/tires for sale. I could have picked up a Jeep Sport S w/3.73 gears and equipped it with slightly used Rubi parts and had been happy. At the time of my purchase I wanted a Rubi with 4.10 gears thinking I'd lift her someday. Right now my attention is on other mods (led driving lights, aftermarket 2-3 ohm speakers, back up camera, etc.) after the BFG MTs wear out, I'll have a tough decision to make on what size tire to run. Naturally, a 35" tire requires other mods.

There hasn't been a trial my JKUR couldn't handle. Then again, I choose not to challenge the limitations of my Jeep. Like cdeslandes said, it's "ton of fun." If you do pull the trigger on a lift, know that selling your Rubi springs, shocks, wheels and tires at a good price will make another Jeeper happy.

Note: rock sliders are standard on Rubicons. If you want more protection, check out Ace Engineering rock rails - they fit w/the Mopar rails.
 
#4 ·
Jeep made the rubicon to be right out the box so to speak ready for off roading.....

If you plan on doing some Intense off roading, then maybe you should get a lift. if not that then don't bother wasting your money. a nice set of wheels and tires will make your wrangler look 100% better as well as better performance.
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the replies. If I go with a 2.5" with 35" BFG Mud Terrains would i use long or short arms?
 
#9 ·
Where in VA are you? I've run Shoe Creek several times in my stock Willys with no issues. The only thing I'd highly recommend is Ace rock sliders, I've used them several times on the trail.

I'm giving myself a year of off-roading and letting my Jeep tell me what I need to do. My Willys can do everything a Rubicon and Sports (both lifted) can do with the exception of boulder crawling, which I just drive around.
 
#10 ·
I've got a 2.5 Teraflex coil lift on my Rubicon. I love it. Looks and drives great. I agree, however, it's a very capable machine off the factory floor and the few inches of ground clearance you'll gain is only going to help in a small fraction of situations.

Use it as is for a while. If you don't like the rake, put on a TF leveling kit for about $150. If you don't like the wheels tucked under the fenders, get some Spidertrax spacers. Still basically stock, less that $400 in total investment that you could probably recoup most of later by selling that stuff and the Jeep looks better. Then decided what you want to do long term later.
 
#11 ·
The fact that you are here means that you are going to get a lift - very soon. So, stop pondering, and get a 2.5" lift, and put 35's on it. It will look great, and you will really enjoy it, and enjoy it every day. I bought a 2015 Sport, and it already has a 2.5" AEV lift, and 315/70/17 Duratracs (not quite 35", but close at 34.4").
 
#12 ·
I purchased a new 2014 Wrangler Rubicon. I plan on using it for trail riding in Virginia. I have been told that the trails the club goes on that a stock Rubicon will make it ALMOST everywhere a lifted Jeep will go. I plan on putting a winch and maybe a bumper and rock rails. I am concerned about changing the stock configuration because of causing issues with tire balance and wear, drive trains, control arms, etc. I really like to look of a lifted Jeep with 35" tires.[/QUOTE]

I will go out on a limb and say..... this is why the vast majority of Jeeps end up lifted. I have yet to meet someone who said they simply could NOT get where they wanted to go in stock configuration.
Is what it is, it's your rig to do with what you choose.
Just don't be surprised if after ALL that goes with a lift and 35's some of the love is gone.
 
#14 ·
Yep, I’m in the boat here. Most people don’t want to drive it and not be able to get through an obstacle first time through, with a stock vehicle.


Rubis are exceptionally capable as they drive off the dealer. I do some moderate wheeling (by most people’s standards) and it’ll get me where I want to go. If you have enough disposable income that you want to blow, sure. Drop a few thousand into the lift/tire setup. It’ll be pricey, but it is super fun to do.

Also, your Rubi came with rock rails, no? Mine did and I figured that was part of the equipment upgrade in a Rubi.
 
#16 ·
A "stock" Rubicon can negotiate the trail of the same name....I imagine the trails in Virginia will be well within the vehicles capability.
The Driver, on the other hand is a different story possibly.

Again, Most people Lift and do Tires for "the Look" not the needed additional capacity.
Period.
 
#17 ·
I fall in the "wheel it stock first" category.

That being said, the lift is a necessity to fit bigger tires. Bigger tires give you more ground clearance. Plan your lift based on the size of tire you intend to run.

Wheeling a stock rig is a lot of fun! Making improvements to your Jeep to go the extra few places is a lot of fun too!! :)
 
#18 ·
I have a stock 2014 Rubicon, and so far have been able to almost go anywhere. I got high centered once, and if I had about an inch more clearance I would have been fine, but I was able to go around. I have put on both front and rear bumpers, along with a winch, the weight in the front made the front end too low IMHO. So I added some 1 1/2" Teraflex springs to the front end, and now it sits much better. I want to lift it and go with 35" tires as soon as my stock tires wear out. Haven't decided yet which way to go. Here are some pics, these were on the Rubicon near Lake Tahoe.
 

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#23 ·
Lift it now. I've got a Rubicon and I'm running a 2.5 inch lift and the stock Rubicon wheels and tires with spacers. I was going to buy wheels and tires right a way but it looks so good I'm putting that off and upgrading some other stuff first.



 
#19 ·
Before you modify the Rubi drive it off road for a while and learn what it can it can do in stock form. The biggest limitation is the drivers skills.

Once you drive a few time you will understand if and how much you want to raise it. Many owners just lift their Jeep to get a more aggressive look. There is nothing wrong with that (it's a Jeep thing) but if you have any concerns about lifting your Jeep then keep in mind you can overcome a lot difficult terrain and obstacles with driving skills.
 
#20 ·
In Virginia I can't think of one trial a JKR can't do. There is one maybe 2 that a JKUR would need more ground clearance.

Wheel it stock and leaner. It can be annoying too wheel with people with high lift and 35 and have no idea what they're doing with your vehicle on a fire road.
 
#21 ·
In Virginia I can't think of one trial a JKR can't do. There is one maybe 2 that a JKUR would need more ground clearance.

Wheel it stock and leaner. It can be annoying too wheel with people with high lift and 35 and have no idea what they're doing with your vehicle on a fire road.
Remind me to never go out of my way to "wheel" in Virginia
 
#26 ·
Give yourself a chance to wheel it "stock". It will do some crazy things out of the box. If you have never wheeled, jump into a Jeep Jamboree and get some skills under your belt.

Before you know it, you will be crossing rivers and climbing rock gardens.

Then you can decide if you want/need a lift for performance or for looks.
 
#27 ·
keviper1 I am in Suffolk in Southeast Va near Virginia Beach. I think I will give it a year or so and see how it goes. RubiconSS said "Just don't be surprised if after ALL that goes with a lift and 35's some of the love is gone." and that sort of hit home. Rubicons are cool stock vehicles. Thanks guys for all the great info and comments. New to the forums.
 
#28 ·
I am concerned about changing the stock configuration because of causing issues with tire balance and wear, drive trains, control arms, etc.
I like the 'keep it simple' approach as well. That way you don't have to be concerned about all those things. I suggest adding some skid plates to keep from damaging anything, and then seeing what it will do in basically stock form. You will be able to go almost anywhere without the headaches of a modified vehicle.

But, let's face it, a lifted JK looks really cool and who wants to be driving around in a stock looking Jeep. If you want a little lift without getting into changing out the entire suspension, a spacer lift might be just what you need/want.

For my 2014 Rubicon X, I ended up with an AEV 2" spacer lift, engine/trans skid, evap skid, front & rear LCA skids, exhaust loop skid, diff guards, and an AEV rear diff slider. I also added a Zeon 10-s winch just in case. It looks great, and is really capable off road. I was out on the trail with a stock Rubicon, and the 2" AEV lift was a definite advantage.
 
#29 ·
I definitely want a winch. Looking at the WARN 9.5cti Contactor Equipped Winch with 100' Spydura™ Synthetic Rope and Hawse Fairlead. I have a front 2" receiver and am wondering how the receiver winch mount will work. It may be a little lower and end up in water more often. Another option would be the mount that goes above the stock bumper. I don't have an aftermarket bumper yet.
 
#30 ·
The receiver winch mount will make the winch sit way out in front of the bumper. If you leave it on, it will have a big impact on your approach angle.

If you get a winch and/or heavy front bumper, you might not like the sag in the front due to the extra weight. The good thing is that take-off springs are available for cheap. I went from my stock 52126315 springs to a set of 52126317 when I installed the Warn Zeon 10-s winch. I picked up a brand new set on eBay for less than $40 delivered.
 
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