Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Experts - recommend a 2.5 lift kit

84K views 115 replies 39 participants last post by  Marce1 
#1 ·
Would like to get some recommendations. I am looking for a 2.5 lift kit, and have been looking at the pro comp, Tera flex (mono or twin kits) rubicon express, and AEV systems (all coil/shock set ups). I think they are all within 350 of each other so warrant comparison. I would obviously like to spend the least for what fits my needs but would be willing to buy the most expensive if the benefits are worth it.

I will be using my jeep as full time daily driver. Even when I do get a second vehicle, jeep will still be daily driver. I primarily want the kit to clear 35 inch tires, and if I do go off road it's in state parks and hunting leases ( realistically something a stock jeep can handle). I like the way it drives stock, so would like it to not vary to far from that. Any recommendations?

Thanks guys.
 
#4 ·
Rock Krawler. They use progressive rate front springs while others use linear rate. Progressive springs stay soft during normal driving and then firm up when making a turn or hitting a bump. Linear rate springs are the same all the time. Rock Krawler is also American made, have great tech support and customer service. I have yet to hear anything negative about RK on any Jeep forum.

I don't know what state you are in, but RK is located in New York and their parts are designed with harsh winter weather in mind.
 
#6 ·
Argueably the best. Teryflex is a great all around kit for your daily driver. Kits like rough country, procomp, skyjacker seem to be ideal mall crawler set ups. Rock crawler is dedicated to offroad and also tend to be more money. Everything is opinion based. But i believe teryflex is your best all around performance road and offroad kit. Affordable, easy install. Complete for 2.5" kit
 
#10 ·
That's a good jumping off point right there. Go with that kit and you can upgrade lots of different ways in the future. As far as shocks, look into the Bilstein 5100 shocks as an upgrade over stockers at a good price. Your best bet is to read up on the incredible amount of reviews for each system and decide what your budget is.
 
#9 ·
ctempuser said:
Would like to get some recommendations. I am looking for a 2.5 lift kit, and have been looking at the pro comp, Tera flex (mono or twin kits) rubicon express, and AEV systems (all coil/shock set ups). I think they are all within 350 of each other so warrant comparison. I would obviously like to spend the least for what fits my needs but would be willing to buy the most expensive if the benefits are worth it.

I will be using my jeep as full time daily driver. Even when I do get a second vehicle, jeep will still be daily driver. I primarily want the kit to clear 35 inch tires, and if I do go off road it's in state parks and hunting leases ( realistically something a stock jeep can handle). I like the way it drives stock, so would like it to not vary to far from that. Any recommendations?

Thanks guys.
Do you want a ride that is better than stock on road as a daily driver?

AEV-has proprietary tuned Bilsteins and triple rate progressive springs and be sure to add the geometry correction brackets.

Do you want to not have to modify your exhaust to avoid having your drive shaft hit the crossover pipe?

AEV. The others require exhaust mod.

35 inches?

Should work with most 2.5 inch but you may require some trim of the rock rails ( if installed) and pinch welds if you plan on flexing them fully. Probably fine if you don't flex them all the way.

Before making up your mind, carefully read reviews of lifts and pay attention to people reporting problems and asking how to address problems with brand X lifts. Also note if you see lots of negative opinions about Brand AEV lifts being expressed by someone who hasn't owned, or wheeled the lift. Same holds true for any negatives expressed about other brands by non owner, operators.

Good luck,
 
#21 ·
Do you want to not have to modify your exhaust to avoid having your drive shaft hit the crossover pipe?

AEV. The others require exhaust mod.
I have the teraflex 2.5" coil lift on my 2012 JKU Rubicon and it does not need the exhaust spacer mod.
 
#12 ·
aev 2.5" is a great kit...i run it on my two door with 35's. i have NONE of the handling issues many report with other kits like flighty steering, wandering at highway speeds, driveshaft issues...etc. I got more than the 2.5" but it is due to running stock bumpers and no winch. aev kits are designed with their front and rear bumpers and tire carrier installed. this extra weight will put you at the 2.5". if u are gonna add bumpers and winch, it will be perfect. i added jks disco's and a jks adjustable trackbar as well.
 
#13 ·
I've been debating between the Rock Krawler Max Travel 2.5" lift and the Teraflex 2.5" Coil Lift kit.

The Rock Krawler comes with more components like the adjustable LCAs, adjustable front track bar, front sway bar quick discos, and rear track bar relocation bracket.

To the best of my knowledge, the teraflex kit doesn't come with those components, and once you add those components to the teraflex kit the price comes very close to matching that of the RK kit.

The one thing steering me away from the RK kit are reports of getting more lift than advertised, as RubiJK12 said. Personally, I want to avoid driveshaft modifications that would be required with a taller lift.
 
#14 ·
TX Sasquatch said:
I've been debating between the Rock Krawler Max Travel 2.5" lift and the Teraflex 2.5" Coil Lift kit.

The Rock Krawler comes with more components like the adjustable LCAs, adjustable front track bar, front sway bar quick discos, and rear track bar relocation bracket.

To the best of my knowledge, the teraflex kit doesn't come with those components, and once you add those components to the teraflex kit the price comes very close to matching that of the RK kit.

The one thing steering me away from the RK kit are reports of getting more lift than advertised, as RubiJK12 said. Personally, I want to avoid driveshaft modifications that would be required with a taller lift.
Yep....
 
#15 ·
I have the 2.5 Teraflex Coil Lift. I drive the lift daily and have wheeled it at full flex, other than the kit, the only modifications I have done are the exhaust spacers, and an Evap Canister relocation kit. With these couple of modifications I can fully flex and haven't rubbed or hit anything. The onroad performance is very nice as well.
 
#18 ·
I like the way it drives stock, so would like it to not vary to far from that. Any recommendations?
I've got the AEV 2.5 dualsport. I didn't lose any of the stock feel, but I did notice a slight upgrade in handling performance. I have the geometry correction brackets that I think makes a difference.

I haven't tried the other lifts, so they may be just as nice.
 
#20 ·
Sueby said:
:eek: you're getting me bumpers and a winch?? Aw Ken, you rock. :punk: And I thought the steering stabilizer was enough...
Promise......... If I win the lottery lol

But yes.... The RK coils are not 2/4 door specific.
I got almost 1.5" more height over the TF's.
The stock mod kit includes a front TB but 2 doors might need LCA's as well to keep caster in check.
 
#25 ·
TX Sasquatch said:
I've been debating between the Rock Krawler Max Travel 2.5" lift and the Teraflex 2.5" Coil Lift kit.

The Rock Krawler comes with more components like the adjustable LCAs, adjustable front track bar, front sway bar quick discos, and rear track bar relocation bracket.

To the best of my knowledge, the teraflex kit doesn't come with those components, and once you add those components to the teraflex kit the price comes very close to matching that of the RK kit.

The one thing steering me away from the RK kit are reports of getting more lift than advertised, as RubiJK12 said. Personally, I want to avoid driveshaft modifications that would be required with a taller lift.
Like the combo your looking at. I'll have to look in to that.
 
#29 ·
Sueby said:
There is no 'to begin with' it's allllll getting done in one shot. Begging boys for favors is getting old, one LARGE favor is easier than 5 small ones. :rofl: Rear UCA's huh?? :bottom:

Maybe I'll start looking into the Clayton 3.5...
Pinion angle.

No way I could do rear lowers right now. Uppers and lowers = wheelbase/pinion

And....... :nonono: favors? I love working on jeeps :D
 
#30 ·
Sorry OP if I've sorta hijacked your thread...



So then why the heck does the Max Travel lift come with front and rear lowers and not front lowers and rear uppers? The clayton 3.5 comes with all 8 - I'm waiting for Bob to let me know how many inches he really got out of his Clayton 3.5.

I really don't want anything over 2.5 anyway, maybe this is all a mute point to begin with. I dont' want to deal with DS issues...
 
#31 ·
I've been agonizing over 2.5" lifts as well, and I've come to the conclusion to get the Rock Krawler Max travel kit. Sure it might be closer to 3" up front and 2.5" in the back. But I'll have the piece of mind that the suspension geometry will still be close to stock since that kit does come with the LCAs both front and rear.
 
#32 ·
CombatChuk said:
I've been agonizing over 2.5" lifts as well, and I've come to the conclusion to get the Rock Krawler Max travel kit. Sure it might be closer to 3" up front and 2.5" in the back. But I'll have the piece of mind that the suspension geometry will still be close to stock since that kit does come with the LCAs both front and rear.
You have a 4 door which will put you closer to 2.5 total.

Sue- a lift naturally lifts the pinion up slightly.
This is why caster is lost in the front.

I'm assuming rear LCA's are more for clearance and not really set that much longer. Maybe a degree or so just enough to point the pinion down.
With stock DS's you are fine. Aftermarket rear uppers are needed as well.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top