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Rubicon take offs or low cost suspension upgrades?

7K views 21 replies 13 participants last post by  Unlimited_X 
#1 ·
Hey guys I own a 2010 JKUS. I just put my 33in Nitto TG's on, and a little lift is next on a long list of upgrades. I am trying to keep my costs down and am looking at going one of two ways with this and want a little advice from those who have gone before me.

Option 1: budget boost and buy rubicon take off shocks and springs. Figure this will run me about $350 as I will instal myself.

Option 2: buy a moderately priced lift kit including coils and springs.

If I go with option two I figure I will be spending a decent amount more as I would not want to buy junk, but can't spend more than maybe 500 or so.
Will upgrading to rubicon take offs provide a better ride/ performance? I am only looking for 2.5 in lift. And I am not opposed to building a frankinlift as I go (budget boost now, then shocks, then coils)

What are your experiences with this type of build and what brands would you recommend for 2.5 lift if I just do it all at once? Thanks for the advice guys I really appreciate any expertise out there!
 
#4 ·
While the Rubi shocks and springs will boost the suspension of your Sahara, it won't get you 2.5". While the Rubicon sits higher than the Sahara, it is not 2.5" and I'm not sure how much height you would get out of just the springs.
 
#10 ·
#6 ·
You have to check your springs for your starting point (last two digits on the tag). Unlimiteds start with a higher number spring than the 2 door. A 2 door will see upwards of 2.5" with a spring swap. I doubt you will get anywhere near that with your unlimited. Maybe if you found a set of 10A's for sale somewhere. Read here: http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/considering-a-spring-swap-55849.html

Doing a budget boost you wouldn't need the springs. Others can answer the difference between Sahara shocks and Rubicon shocks - if there is any. I just know that the Rubicon shocks are an improvement over the Sport shocks.
 
#8 ·
I'd look at your current spring rate and compare it with whatever take offs you decide to go with if you do. It's the last 2 numbers on the part number (should have a tag on your springs). For instance I currently have 15 in the front and 55 in the back. A lot of rubicon and sahara springs have 17-19 in the front and 58-60 in the back. I'd experience a little over an inch of lift from by going to the higher rate, you might not get much if you already have higher rated springs.

Edit: Tony beat me to it.
 
#16 ·
No, I just corrected that above to 2". You don't get the $106 rebate on the sport kit.

I know it seems odd... if you buy the 4 shocks you get the $106 rebate. But if you buy the lift kit that includes those same shocks you get the $56 rebate. I confirmed with Matt @Rancho yesterday.
 
#19 · (Edited)
You must had had a bad combo of shocks and tires, or something else.

I drove stock Rubicons for years; they are totally fine on pavement.

Aldo

BTW, I have a set of Rubicon springs and shocks looking for a new home for FREE. Local pick up only.
 
#20 ·
My Rubi shock / spring combo are a very smooth highway ride! So much so, I'm affraid to purchase a small lift and ruin it!

I've got a very nice truck, very nice car ......and will be taking the Jeep on a 1500 mile trip in two months!

As already stated, check the #s on the Rubi spring take offs!

Good luck!
 
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