Basically what I am thinking I want to do for now is add a new front bumper with a winch and after reading it seems I will need to supplement the front suspension or it will sag with the additional estimated 90-100 lbs from a winch plus the weight of whichever bumper I end up getting. I want to keep the stock tires for now and get some miles on the jk before I really lift it too much and throw on some 35's(my ultimate goal) as this is my DD and I want to find out what it's really capable of first, plus gas prices are about to explode I hear.

So, I really want the jk to be level and the front end to be able to handle the extra weight I will be adding. I am curious if yall think I would be better off going with a leveling kit(if so which one is best) or a small 2" lift such as the rubicon express lift or something comparable in price range and ability.

Thanks for any input.
-Rooster

2.5 Teraflex BB is a great start !!

Im looking at the new AEV 2 1/2.

Just ordered Terraflex 2.5" lift. I don't know if you want to go any less adding a winch and bumper. I'm going to run the stockers with spacers until I need new tires. Then go new 15" wheels and new tires.

is that what you have on yours? if so how do you like it? it looks good in your profile pic, not too tall for the stockers IMO

I was just looking at that one actually. looks good. it seems everything made by AEV is just top notch

that's exactly what I was thinking about doing. maybe adding more of a lift and new tires and wheels all at once when my current tires are dead.

thanks everyone for the input

TF 2.5 coils W/ stock tires (41K)
SpiderTrax spacers for now.

see that right there is what I want. It's level, looks like you could easily squeeze more tire in there, but doesn't look too tall to where it looks bad with the stockers.
thanks for the visual. it's definitely helping with my decision.

How do you like that lift kit?

also, I'm on a budget and trying to avoid having to make any drivetrain changes or having to add anything to sway bars links which may narrow down my possibilities a lot, I'm not sure

Great kit. Very popular and easy to install.
I was thinking about a BB but the cost of TF's "basic" coil kit was not much more.

Honestly never heard of one complaint.
Well except for me

That pic was taking a day after i installed it. I failed to take before measurements. The 2.5 kit uses 3" coils for the front and 2" for the rear. Every jeep responds different. Goal is a level 2.5" total but somehow my front sits almost 2" higher than the rear. TF is sending me 1" spacers for the rear, to fix the problem. I couldn't be more happier.

Thanks for the compliments

you're welcome man, it looks good.

i agree about the price difference, some places the basic 2.5" kit with shock adapters is a few bucks cheaper than the BB WITH shocks. it looks like I may have found what I'm going to do.

Did you have to make any mods to drivetrain or sway bars?

it's good to hear about a company taking action to make sure their product does what it says it will and that their customer is happy. it doesn't happen that often anymore.

AEV 2.5 Lift Kit

I wouldn't recommend a BB for what the OP is wanting. With the added weight of the bumper and winch, the stock springs will still sag regardless of the BB. OP needs new coils for sure.

Yep Thats what i got for now. Like most it sit lil higher in front for adding bumpers. But i think it needs bigger tires. Planning on taking it out in few months and changing to coils but only for more lift. No problem ever since i have had it in very good kit. Had it in since 300 miles.

^^^What 4fit said.

OP, depending on what you settle on, you're probably gonna have to get swaybar links. You won't need anything for the ds (exhaust spacer or new ds itself) as long as you don't get new shocks that are longer than your stockers.

The swaybar links aren't too expensive.

When I added a bumper and winch I bought a set of Teraflex 1" spacers for $40 to get the front back up. I lost about 3/4" and the 1" spacer took a little bit of the factory rake out. Cheap and easy solution until I was ready to lift it for new tires.

I went halfway - A Teraflex Performance leveling kit. I like the look of the 2" lift, which is basically what I got out of the Teraflex coils, and ORW treated me right on the price. Here is a before and after and the difference between the coils (stock vs. TF)

that looks really good. that's what i want for the time being till i can afford wheels and tires and get some miles on my rig first. thanks for the visual

thanks for the input. I think i've decided on the 2.5" coils with shock adapters so it sounds like i'm in the clear, unless i'm looking at it wrong. and it comes with sway bar link as well.

i thought about that but i think i would like a little bit more lift than that. thanks for the input tho

the teraflex kit that is

thanks again for your input. I'm ordering tonight

Way to go The kit will have new links for tha rear SwayBar and the rears then become the fronts. I am still waiting on my kit. 4Wheel Parts has them on back order as is some other stuff I have on order

TF makes some great gear - can't go wrong with it!

What's the exact package you ended up with? What was the name and price. There are so many I keep going back and forth, but your scenario is mine. I want a lift and I want to add a rampage recovery bumper, 33"s with 15 wheels eventually. I want to start with the lift just don't know the exact one to buy on there.

TeraFlex 2.5" Suspension Lift Kit, With Adapters TF-1352000

that's the kit i'm ordering in a minute. it's the 2.5" coil with shock adapter so i can use my stock rubicon shocks

thank you!!!!

I almost did that myself.

TF 2.5" Coil/Lift Kit. 32.71" Tires.