I’m not a newb to Jeeping, I’ve owned 2 TJ’s in the past and currently have a 2005 Rubi. What I am a newb at is lift/tire mods. Other than some basic mods like swapping out bumpers and adding a winch I’ve never really done any serious mods to any of my Jeeps. I’m in the market for a 2012 JKU Rubicon and have read just about every thread on this board pertaining to lift kits and tire mods. What I’ve gathered from the wealth of information here is that 35’s with a 4” lift should be a good fit for a 2012 JKU (auto tranny with 4.10 option).


The information that I’ve been unable to find on this board is how the “ride quality” is impacted by adding 35’s with a 4” lift. I know it’s a rather subjective question but this Jeep will be used as my daily driver so I’m wondering, after adding the lift and tires how does the ride quality change compared to the stock 2012 Rubicon when driving in the city and on the highway. Is it softer or stiffer, steering more sloppy or tighter, more comfortable or less comfortable, is it incredibly louder, etc?


I’d really like to add 35’s and a 4" lift to increase the off road performance (plus it looks cool) however if it makes my daily commuting miserable maybe I should just leave it stock as I’ll be spending a lot more time on pavement than wheeling. I’d love to hear feedback from members here on how I should expect the “ride quality” to differ between a stock 2012 JKU Rubi and one with 35’s and a 4” lift. Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.

I don't recall many recommendations on this forum for a 4" lift. Every time someone does, most will remind them that a 2.5" to 3" lift will easily clear 35's. 4" is that area where other issues creep in such as drive shaft angles and steering/alignment issues.

Hmmm, perhaps I misinterpreted some of the information I read. I definitely don't want to overdo it and welcome any advice you're willing to give. That being said, can you address my original question assuming a 2.5" to 3" lift with 35's? Thanks!

I hear AEV is coming out with a 2.5" spring kit that will work great with 35's, but I don't know much about it or what is included.

I am waiting to hear more.

I just ordered the TF 2.5" Coil Lift and its due to arrive at my house Tuesday. It gets about 3" of lift on a 2DR. It comes with front coil spacers, longer front and read coils, longer sway bar links, track bar reloc. bracket, and TF 9550 shocks.

Pretty inclusive for a 2.5"

Please update me/us with a detailed review after you have it installed. I'm pretty much decided on that lift with the Bilstein's from ORW.

Oh dont worry, Ill have a ton of info for everyone

I was going to get Bilstein's but it was more than i wanted to spend at the moment. I dont think i will be disappointed with the TF ones though. I ordered from NR4x4...they gave me a great deal!

4 Inch lift on a JK is not necessary. 3" is the sweet spot in my opinion especially with a 4 door. My 2 door looks great and I think if it were a 4 door would be money too. 3" perfect on JK's and 35"s, although even 2.5" is doable especially for 2 doors.

Post pics when done!!! No fear.

X2

My 2008 with 35s and a TeraFlex 2.5" spring lift. I don't have any clearance issues/rubbing:



I think the ride is as good or better than stock, though I've had the lift so long it's kind of hard to remember stock.

Ride quality is completely subjective and different kits will give different results. Some people, like myself, think a stiffer ride is "better". Others would thing a softer ride is better. Gas shocks will give a stiffer ride in general than hydro.

Anybody used the Old Man Emu kits for JKs? I had the OMEs on my TJ Rubi and it gave a nice soft ride with the springs countered by gas charged shocks. It was a very comfortable and daily-driven 2.5" TJ lift.

The JKs have softer factory springs to begin with, and I'm not sure if ARB produced the same kind of springs in the OME JK kit.

Softer than what? There is a wide range of spring rates in the JK, from soft to very stiff.

Factory JK springs are softer than factory TJ springs were. One of a number of reasons why the ride is so much nicer (along with wheelbase, weight, longer arms, etc.)

I'd prefer a ride that is "softer" compared to the stock JKU Rubi. That being said, can anyone recommend a specific lift/tire/wheel combination (and specific brand) that would accomplish this both on the pavement and when wheeling?

I don't have a budget limitation as I've learned over the years that you truly do get what you pay for and the majority of the time if you "go cheap" it usually ends up costing you more in the long run. My philosophy is buy the very best product possible and take good care of it. It may cost you more upfront but over the long-term you'll come out ahead.

I'm curious, can you give references to this information?

Then you will definitely want to ditch the Rubicon gas shocks in favor of hydro shocks. Just an FYI, "the very best" shocks will most likely always be gas charged.

I've never actually driven in one, but I'd expect something like this would ride very well.

Thanks for the feedback. Great looking Jeep!