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Jeep Lift and Shocks

4K views 42 replies 18 participants last post by  garylongisland 
#1 ·
Hi All,
I just got my first my first I just got my first Jeep Sahara. I want to lift it and put bigger wheels on it. I was wondering what are the best shocks for the price to use? Also any basic info around lifting and putting wheels on a Jeep would be greatly appreciated. I live in Northern NJ and wondering if anyone knows any good shops around here? Thank you
 
#2 ·
I too just got a 2013 2D Wrangler Sport and am not a gearhead or knowledgeable on anything regarding a 4 wheeler but am slowly learning.

In the future when I do look into getting it raised, getting new wheeles and tires, and suspension. What order should it be done in if I am looking to do it over time?

Lift, then suspension, then tires? suspension, lift, tires? When would spacers need to be used? what all goes into doint this?

Thanks for any info.
 

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#4 ·
Welcome to the forums fellas!! Here is a great link with tons of info about lifting out Jeeps.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/beginners-guide-to-lifting-your-jk-298665.html

If I were you guys I woul go with a upper teir lift from AEV, Rock Krawler, Metal Cloak or JKS just to name a few. They will be the most complete kits and have most the parts included to give you a great driving Jeep. If you stay at the 2.5" lift you will save $$ by not needing an exhaust spacer ($60ish) or new front driveshaft (Adams $350ish) to prevent rubbing on your exhaust crossover pipe. Once you go to 3.5" lift or above you will need/want to add those parts and maybe a few more like a high steer kit or YETI drag link with a reverse tapered sleeve for your steering knuckle.

This site has an endless amount of info in the tech section so check it out and you will be a pro in no time, hehee. Here is a link to the Tech section.

JK Tech Forum - Jeep Wrangler Forum
 
#6 ·
I would guess the answer would be in the hundreds, but once you go past 2.5" it seems that getting everything "tuned" right becomes a bigger issue. You want the suspension and steering geometry to be correct so your Jeep drives well, but lifting it changes all the angles involved, and no 2 Jeeps are identical so it may not be as easy as "You need parts A, B, and C." It'll take some driving and researching on your part

Disclaimer: I am by no means an expert
 
#16 ·
I'm a big fan of the Rancho 5000X shocks... Best value shock on the market in my humble opinion. :beerdrinking:
 
#21 ·
#26 ·
Welcome neighbor (North Jersey here too) :wavey:

I have been on the forum since February, got my Jeep in May and still think I have much more to research with regard to lift, shocks, wheels and tires! Best advice is read and read some more everything, especially the thread posted by Unstuck. There is a lot of info to learn before you attempt to lift. This is a good one too:
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/so-you-want-bigger-tires-755625.html

As for shops, besides OKAuto, there is Total Performance in Mahwah and Globex in Toms River. I called both actually this week and they were very nice on the phone and gave me quotes on a couple of lifts I am interested in without having to take a day off and go in (not open on weekends). Good luck!
 
#27 ·
They Neighbor,
Thanks for the info I appreciate it.

Hi All,
I just got my first my first I just got my first Jeep Sahara. I want to lift it and put bigger wheels on it. I was wondering what are the best shocks for the price to use? Also any basic info around lifting and putting wheels on a Jeep would be greatly appreciated. I live in Northern NJ and wondering if anyone knows any good shops around here? Thank you
Welcome neighbor (North Jersey here too)


I have been on the forum since February, got my Jeep in May and still think I have much more to research with regard to lift, shocks, wheels and tires! Best advice is read and read some more everything, especially the thread posted by Unstuck. There is a lot of info to learn before you attempt to lift. This is a good one too:
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/so-you-want-bigger-tires-755625.html

As for shops, besides OKAuto, there is Total Performance in Mahwah and Globex in Toms River. I called both actually this week and they were very nice on the phone and gave me quotes on a couple of lifts I am interested in without having to take a day off and go in (not open on weekends). Good luck!
 
#34 ·
What I did..= 3.5" lift

...and I'm so glad I did!!!....

A little background. I originally installed a TF leveling kit(2 1" pucks up front and a 1" puck in the rear) and I have 33's on stock 18's with 1,5 Spydertrax wheel spacers. I have since added a SB xrc mod front bumper and GenII rear. The addition of this weight sagged my stock springs and overwhelmed the shocks. I lost a lot of lift with the sag from the extra weight of the steel bumpers. The drive ability and on road feel suffered as well(this vehicle is a DD as well as fun off roader on the weekend ie, forestry service roads..getting back into fly fishing spots )...the Jeep felt heavy and wallowed under the affect of the weight, on the stock suspension....the steering felt vague and heavier,and there was severe brake dive..I missed the way it handled before the added weight....

.......I couldn't take that lousy feel anymore,so I picked up a TF 2.5" spring and shock lift....what a night and day difference this has made.
I just finished the install....but what I did,because the weight of the bumpers sagged and drooped the stock suspension so much,is this........when doing the install,I left the 1" TF spacer in the back,and left a 1" spacer per side up front...then installed the TF 2.5" spring and shock lift.........

......and like I said earlier "what a night and day difference" The Jeep is now very tight feeling, with crisp handling and the steering feels lighter and connected....not mushy, wallowy and vague .
There has been nothing but positives by doing this. The Jeep looks fantastic with the new lift and stance...but it's the handling and steering that blows me away...I'm so glad I did the 2.5" spring and shock lift...and I'm so glad I left 1" pucks up front and out back...it transformed the Jeep!!!

And I'm @ 4 degrees caster and 2 degrees pinion,with no geo.correction!!

And a pic of the TF 2.5" and 1" puck lift; Attached Thumbnails








Attached Thumbnails

__________________
My alternative to LED headlight replacement..
 
#35 ·
I know I am little late to the thread, but to echo what others have said, come up with what you want your Jeep to be, write down all the mods you want, price them and figure out what you can afford every few months and purchase in groups.
That is basically how I have been doing it with my Jeep. I knew I wanted a 3.5" lift so I went with the AEV because it had the drop brackets and drag link flip with the kit. I will eventually replace control arms but that is for a later mod for me. I did the lift and picked up some spacers to run for a couple months until I could afford tires and wheels. I'm glad I went that route so I got some work out of my stock tires and now I have the lift and tires I wanted first try.
i am still planning a bunch of other things but am waiting after my last string of mods. The temptation to compromise will be there, but don't wait and get what you want it will be cheaper in the long run and you will be happier with the Jeep.
I don't know what your planned use is but if you are mainly road with some off road you can do a 3.5" lift you can run the stock drive shaft for a while but you have to stick to less extreme off road to prevent damaging it. Once you get an aftermarket drive shaft have at it offroad. Good luck and enjoy the process.
 
#38 ·
Question on lift kits for you guys. I found a local shop that does nothing but jeep and they have their own kits they put together that they found was best, practical and comes with everything they think one would need according to the owner. What do you guys think of these options and are they as good or better than other kits in the 3 inch lift range???

4x4 Source Daily Driver with Fox Shocks $1599Are you looking for a great daily driver lift at an economy price? The 4x4 Source 3 inch Daily Driver lift is an economical option. This suspension lift is complete and has everything you need to make your Jeep drive perfect down the highway. This lift will fit up to 35 inch tires. Also available in 2.5 inch height.



Includes:

Progressive Rate Springs

FOX 2.0 Shocks

Front Adjustable Front Track Bar (centers front axle)

Brake line extension brackets

Bump stops front and rear

Rear track bar bracket (centers rear axle)
Exhaust Spacers (prevents driveshaft rubbing on exhaust

Quick Disconnects or fixed links (Rubicon)

4x4 Source Custom Installation and Tuning


Optional upgrades:​​

Superchips Flashcal corrects your JK speedometer for larger tires. - $169
Fox Steering stabilizer 2.0 upgrade with installation $199

Front Adjustable Lower Control Arms (fixes castor, a must for 2DR Jeeps!) - $400


4x4 Source Ultimate Daily Driver - $1899Just when we thought our Daily Driver Suspension couldn't get any better it did! We now include EVO Manufacturing Plush coils in all our Daily Driver suspensions. EVO is the leading manufacturer of Jeep suspensions. If you don't believe us Google "EVO Jeep" and see for yourself. The 4x4 Source 3.5" suspension lifts is the most economical option that provides an amazing ride and performance. All the 4x4 Source custom lifts are designed to drive and perform well on and offroad. EVO for everyone!!!


This Jeep suspension was designed for the person who spends more time on the road and wants a nice ride but wants to blaze the trail with the local Jeep club on the weekends. With EVO Manufacturing Plush Ride coil springs, Fox 2.0 shocks, EVO rear roll center correction bracket, Adjustable front track bar and all the other required components your Jeeps ride will improve and give you the stance you want. Our best seller this suspension comes with lifetime warranty on parts and installation. Fits 35" tires and 37" tires with flat fenders. Also available in 2.5 inch height.



​Includes:
EVO Plush Ride Coil Springs
FOX 2.0 Shocks
Front Adjustable Front Track Bar (centers front axle)
Brake line extension brackets
Bump stops front and rear
EVO Center of Gravity Relocation Rear track bar bracket (centers rear axle)
Exhaust Spacers (prevents driveshaft rubbing on exhaust)

Quick Disconnects or fixed links (Rubicon)
4x4 Source Custom Installation and Tuning


Optional Upgrades:


Superchips Flashcal corrects your JK speedometer for larger tires. - $169
Fox Steering stabilizer 2.0 upgrade with installation $199
Front Adjustable Lower Control Arms (fixes castor, a must for 2DR Jeeps!) - $400
 
#39 ·
The 2nd kit "4x4 Source Ultimate Daily Driver - $1899​​​" with the EVO coils would be my choice. Add a procal to adjust speedo, lower control arms and I would also add a new from Adams 1310 driver shaft ($350ish) and ditch the exhaust spacer.
 
#40 ·
Hi guys , I know I'm super late to this thread , but I'm also new to the jeep world. I have a Stock 2017 Wrangler unlimited Sport. First on my to do list is 3.5" lift. i found a few kits that "comes with everything" am i covering everything needed to complete my lift in this kit :ROUGH COUNTRY 3.5" JK SUSPENSION LIFT
 
#42 ·
Here is my evolution simplified.
1) 285/70s=slight suspension rub
2) 1.5" adapters=flare outer lip rub due to tires moved outward (4.5" backspaced rims=no change)
3) 2.5" TF coil lift w/shocks, AEV geo brackets & TF exh spacer=helped but still hit rear fenders and actually popped one loose
4) 1" offset on the drivers side rear tires=TF adj rear trackbar
5) Still hitting flares=flat fenders(room for 37s.)

2.5" vs 3.5" lift. 3.5" requires the extra parts as stated before.

Coil vs. Budget (spacer) lift. The aftermarket coils are expecting the Jeep to have heavy addons (winch f/r bumpers) so if not you get a lil more then 2.5" raise. Budget lift uses stock springs and not expecting that extra weight.

With the combination of the geo brackets and rear TB, My alignment was better than when I brought it in to get the lift put on.

Running cost of the evolution (not including tires and rims)
3) around $850
3.5) $1100
4) $1850

So for around $1850 I had the stuff to go up to 37"s. I won't go there because of Dana 30 front and weight. When I step up to 34"s(285/75), probably have to go with 3.56 gears.

By changing some of the brands
before fenders $970 and after fender $1270

why exhaust spacer? The $50 was worth the extra security
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2CQD68LHSg

Here is the end result with the 285/70s
 
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