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Which MC lift 2.5 or 3.5

11K views 83 replies 21 participants last post by  TerryC6 
#1 ·
I have a 16 Rubi JKU with a Mopar 2" lift. I am pretty heavy with front bumper, winch, full skid plates, side steps, rear bumper, 35" tire on back.

I ended up getting 3" in front and 1" in the rear, but that also included adding Teraflex puck lift. 1 up front and 1 in the rear.

From what I have read the rating for MC is true but they account for added weight. I have zero plans to upgrade to 37" Currently my stance is perfect and my flex is good with no rubbing. I also have flat fenders as I rubbed on the stock ones.

My fear is that the 2.5" lift will be smaller than what I have now, and the 3.5" lift will be much bigger and cause my tires to look tiny. Again I do not want to upgrade to 37"

I am looking at 2 different lifts:

1.) The Game Changer with Rocksport Shocks. Cost more but includes all 8 arms
2.) The True Dual-Rate as I already have adjustable lower control arms. Then later install all 8 arms. I also have the front drive shaft replaced from the Mopar kit.

My cut tells me to get the 3.5" lift since its the same price, but I really do not want tiny looking wheels under the flat fenders. Anyone have the MC lift in 3.5" with 35"s with flat fenders...? :)

This is a daily driver, but I do like to get offroad whenever I can. Sometimes its dirt trails, ruts, and other times there are rocks involved. Nothing major and nothing a stock Rubi couldn't handle. At some point will get more wild :)

Thanks,

Ken~
 
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#2 · (Edited)
it will look pretty tall with flatfenders. I installed a 3.5 GC on my buddy's jeep and he had 35's and stock flairs.

it is on the white 4 door.

 
#3 ·
I personally wouldnt run anything less than a 3.5-4" lift on a 4 door, it needs the extra breakover angle.
 
#5 ·
Here is a picture of my rig with the 2.5 MC lift. My rig weighs about 5300 lbs empty, you can see my mods below. When the trailer is hooked up and we are loaded for a trip we hit 6000 Lbs plus and I still have at least 2.5 inches of lift. With stock fenders I hit 917 on the RTI ramp. I am going to 37's so I will be changing out for 3.5 inch springs.
 

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#6 ·
Go 3.5" for sure.

I don't have the Metalcloak but considered it quite a bit before going with my AEV. I knew I was going with 35s and nothing bigger but also would prefer the option later if desired. I contemplated the 2.5" a LOT but I also wanted to keep my stock flares and stock wheels. Honestly both of those are due more to actually liking them and how they look more than anything financial at all. Ultimately, went with the AEV 3.5" dual sport lift and tire carrier, 35" Patagonias and a few other miscellaneous items. I am extremely happy I went 3.5" and not 2.5" right out of the gate. I felt 100% sure I would have always wished I had gone bigger if having chosen a 2.5" lift. IMO 3.5" with stock flares and 35s is a perfect set up and look while also performing very well as a DD and trail rig. Here are some pics for reference that I hope will help:
 

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#9 ·
I don't have the Metalcloak but considered it quite a bit before going with my AEV. I knew I was going with 35s and nothing bigger but also would prefer the option later if desired. I contemplated the 2.5" a LOT but I also wanted to keep my stock flares and stock wheels. Honestly both of those are due more to actually liking them and how they look more than anything financial at all. Ultimately, went with the AEV 3.5" dual sport lift and tire carrier, 35" Patagonias and a few other miscellaneous items. I am extremely happy I went 3.5" and not 2.5" right out of the gate. I felt 100% sure I would have always wished I had gone bigger if having chosen a 2.5" lift. IMO 3.5" with stock flares and 35s is a perfect set up and look while also performing very well as a DD and trail rig. Here are some pics for reference that I hope will help:


That looks great with 3.5 and 35s. I contemplated doing the same thing but ended up going straight to 37 and flats.


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#7 ·
Nice lookin Jeeps!!

If I still had my stock fenders then I would for sure be going with the 3.5" lift. However, I have a feeling with me being on flat fenders (Bushwackers) and 35's the 3.5" lift is going to make my tires look tiny.

I guess worst case I go 3.5" and if it looks odd I just find a set of stock fenders to put back on.

I think I can get away for now just going with the True Dual-Rate lift to save some $$ right now. Then later add the rest of the arms.

Anyone see an issue with running Teraflex lower Apline arms while the uppers would be MC?

Also if I go with the 3.5" am I going to have to do the Draglink flip? I am already running Yeti Steer Smarts up front so can just buy the addition piece to flip it I believe. I know I would also have to add the track bar relocation bracket up front to raise that up.

If only MC made a 3" lift life would be good.

Ken~
 
#10 ·
I currently run the MC 3.5 with no drag link flip. Drives fine with just a tiny bit of vague steering vs my old 17 setup with drag link flipped. I have the flip ready to go on, just need the time to do it. I wouldn’t hesitate to run without it for an extended period if needed.


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#8 ·
this is how a 3.5 and bw ff looks. In my opinion kind of goofy and I regretted doing flat fenders on it. this a RK 3.5 but it lifted it exactly the same as the 3.5" mc I installed on my buddy's.
 
#12 ·
It’s definitely better, but I drive a hundred miles a day without it right now. It’s noticeable, but only because I’ve had one with the flip. If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was great.

I have to install Reid knuckles at the same time, so it’s not a simple drag link end swap.

Once my front axle comes in, it will all get done.


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#13 ·
I'm running 35s with the 3.5" MC lift. I don't think it looks funny, but I look at it every day. :)
 

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#17 ·
I just went 2.5 with 37 x 13.5 x 17 Cooper STT Pros. All 8 arms and going to change to rocksports soon. I have cut stock fenders and have plenty of room. Still waiting to wheel it as I just changed over from a terribly sagged Teraflex 2.5 lift. The MC gained me 2 inches from the TF. Im bumped at 2 all around right now but will carry the pucks with when I wheel it the first time soon. I like the lower cog with the 2.5 lift. I know you sacrifice a little flex but I have a JK and a 2 door has limitations when you make it a skyscraper.
 
#18 ·
I have 2.5" True Dual Rate with 315/70/17 Patagonias (measure 33.75" installed on my stock rims), stock flares. I think it looks pretty good, probably wouldn't look bad with flats either. Note MC doesn't correct rake like others, you can see I have some. I am a bit front heavy with a 10A bumper (with lower skid) and winch, though no heavy belly skids yet and a light rear 10A bumper. If I recall correctly, I measured around a quarter inch droop with adding 160lbs, which is what the Hard Rock skid system weighs.


 
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#19 ·
perfect stance. Of course I like a little rake.
 
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#25 ·
I have the Rocksports on mine also but only a 2.5" MC Gamechanger. They are a little stiffer than stock but like @DesertRubi said you can really rip the JK around some curves a lot faster than a Jeep should be able to.

I've had mine down a few washboards and they handled it just fine. When it comes time to replace them I have every intention of getting them again.
 
#29 ·
I had the Rocksports, and I didn't hate them. They only lasted about two years, so I replaced them with a set of 7000MTs from Rancho. It's a nicer ride and the price is about the same.
 
#27 ·
So I went with the 2.5" lift and plan to add 1 puck up front to level it back out or close to it.

Went with the True dual rate rock sport lift. Figure I can upgrade the arms later. When I do that can decide if I want to upgrade the springs as well to 3.5"

Thanks for all the info and pics.

Ken~
 
#30 ·
I like my lift, but, A buddy just did the 3 1/2 gamechanger and Rocksport shocks and it rides great. Very nice on the street. I would have to give the MC springs and shocks a serious look. Not a fan of the gold zinc plate on the arms and stuff.
 
#32 ·
The Rocksports are a fairly soft shock with less compression dampening than other IFP shocks like Falcons. They are going to ride smooth but with a soft spring you might blow through the travel and bottom out. I will be installing the MC bumpstops as they cushion the bottom out nice. With the Rocksport shocks you should be OK with a 2 1/2 inch bumpstop extension in the front and with the MC bumpstops you could do 1 3/4 extension. Just my calculations. Report on the shocks and what springs you have with them.
 
#34 ·
If money was no issue I might try the Falcon 3.3's for the 2 door as they are valved lighter for the 2 door but still would get plenty firm. The 2.1's will stay for now. I am doing some 1/2 inch spacer and MC bumpstops with some mods to the bumpstop spacer to get max compression travel. Putting a wedge in the rear to correct the bow in the rear spring.
 
#40 ·
If you're going to run their shocks I would also install their Bumpstops. There is a thread on them.
 
#41 ·
I think I’m about to order some MC springs. Not sure if I want 2.5 or 3.5. I want 3.5”, but not the problems with the driveshaft or drag link flip. 10% off and free shipping is a decent deal even though they raised the prices of stuff just before this sale. Hate it when companies do that.
 
#51 ·
My lift finally came in late last week, but the rear shocks are on back order :( My plan was to install this past weekend, but that didn't happen. Going to call around to a few shops and see what they would charge to install at this point. I have too much travel coming up to give up an entire weekend to install the lift.

Hopefully the rear shocks come in sooner rather than later. Overall the parts look top notch and very excited to get everything installed :)

Ken~
 
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