[Andrew Welsh]

Hi!

I’ve recently decided to replace my very crappy RC 4 inch lift with the Metalcloak game changer RockSport suspension. But I’m undecided between 2.5 or 3.5 inches of lift. The kit cost the same for both heights. I’m just wondering the difference in how my JKU would sit for both options. I have front and rear steel bumpers with stinger, tire carrier and winch. I don’t have any skids, but I’d eventually like to put them on in the next few years. I’m hoping this upgrade will improve my ride quality and steering.

If anyone has these lifts(or similar) with 35s, your input and maybe some pics would be appreciated!





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[clos0791]

I have the 3.5 MC lift with Fox shocks and 35s at 29psi. It rides very smooth, better than when it was stock. I would go with the 2.5 lift if you plan on running 35s. I plan on moving up to 37s once my 35s wear out. The 35s look small on a 3.5 lift.

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[Andrew Welsh]

I have the 3.5 MC lift with Fox shocks and 35s at 29psi. It rides very smooth, better than when it was stock. I would go with the 2.5 lift if you plan on running 35s. I plan on moving up to 37s once my 35s wear out. The 35s look small on a 3.5 lift.

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Thanks for the suggestion! Nice build!


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[DesertRubi]

I just installed a 2.5" True Dual Rate a couple months ago, and 315/70/17s with 1.75" spacers last month. I had debated over the 2.5 vs 3.5 as well, and decided that the 2.5 would give me plenty of ground clearance boost and enough room for the "almost 35s" (33.75" tall installed), while perhaps maintaining better handling and a bit less complication with steering or driveline components. Although I never got a clear handle on how much of a difference there is between 2.5/3.5 in those respects.

I'm not trying to build it for the hardest crawling, in which case I probably would've gone 3.5" Game Changer, but I still like to get over some rocks now and then on desert overlanding trips, and I bet it could handle the Rubicon with maybe some better sliders and skids. I may test that theory out one of these days. I haven't had a chance to wheel it yet after adding the lift or tires.

I got 3-3.25" clearance boost from the lift as measured in various places around the frame/bumpers/etc. I have a reasonably light setup, with a light rear 10A bumper, no belly skids, but I do have a bit of weight up front with the 10A bumper and skid plus winch plate and a lighter winch. I had all of that installed before the lift, so that clearance boost factors in how it was sitting on the stock suspension with that loadout. It had a pronounced rake before the lift, and still has a bit of rake afterwards, which I'm fine with since it will help balance out rear sag with overlanding gear loaded up in the back.

I really like the stance on it, I think it has a pretty balanced look with the tire size, and it looks capable without being over the top. It also handles extremely well on pavement, including on twisty mountain roads. At least as good as stock, once you get used to the higher ride height anyways (didn't take me long). I was able to get the adjustable UCAs dialed in fairly well to about 4° caster and it handled well right from the install. I may go back and try to bump the caster up slightly one of these days, but not even sure I need to.

You may want to peruse this thread (and probably others for 3.5" kits):

https://www.wranglerforum.com/f354/...rum.com/f354/2-5-inch-lift-with-33-35-in-tires-with-pics-please-1045137-32.html

 

[Leadnut]

Looks great. 2.5” kits for a JKU on 35s is perfect, 3.5” for 37s. Most lifts come out about 0.5” more anyway.

 

[Andrew Welsh]

I just installed a 2.5" True Dual Rate a couple months ago, and 315/70/17s with 1.75" spacers last month. I had debated over the 2.5 vs 3.5 as well, and decided that the 2.5 would give me plenty of ground clearance boost and enough room for the "almost 35s" (33.75" tall installed), while perhaps maintaining better handling and a bit less complication with steering or driveline components. Although I never got a clear handle on how much of a difference there is between 2.5/3.5 in those respects.



I'm not trying to build it for the hardest crawling, in which case I probably would've gone 3.5" Game Changer, but I still like to get over some rocks now and then on desert overlanding trips, and I bet it could handle the Rubicon with maybe some better sliders and skids. I may test that theory out one of these days. I haven't had a chance to wheel it yet after adding the lift or tires.



I got 3-3.25" clearance boost from the lift as measured in various places around the frame/bumpers/etc. I have a reasonably light setup, with a light rear 10A bumper, no belly skids, but I do have a bit of weight up front with the 10A bumper and skid plus winch plate and a lighter winch. I had all of that installed before the lift, so that clearance boost factors in how it was sitting on the stock suspension with that loadout. It had a pronounced rake before the lift, and still has a bit of rake afterwards, which I'm fine with since it will help balance out rear sag with overlanding gear loaded up in the back.



I really like the stance on it, I think it has a pretty balanced look with the tire size, and it looks capable without being over the top. It also handles extremely well on pavement, including on twisty mountain roads. At least as good as stock, once you get used to the higher ride height anyways (didn't take me long). I was able to get the adjustable UCAs dialed in fairly well to about 4° caster and it handled well right from the install. I may go back and try to bump the caster up slightly one of these days, but not even sure I need to.



You may want to peruse this thread (and probably others for 3.5" kits):



https://www.wranglerforum.com/f354/...rum.com/f354/2-5-inch-lift-with-33-35-in-tires-with-pics-please-1045137-32.html

This post was extremely helpful! Thanks for taking the time to respond. I actually have the exact same bumpers (the 75th anniversary ones) with winch as well. The only difference being I added a Maximus 3 stinger. I think I’m leaving more towards 2.5 inches at this point. To be honest, the stance of your Jeep looks identical to the stance of my 4 inch rough country lift. The RC sags a ton and is extremely terrible. If I went with 2.5 inches and wanted to go to 3.5 inches, I would just need to purchase the 3.5 inch coils, as all other parts are the same.


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[DesertRubi]

This post was extremely helpful! Thanks for taking the time to respond. I actually have the exact same bumpers (the 75th anniversary ones) with winch as well. The only difference being I added a Maximus 3 stinger. I think I’m leaving more towards 2.5 inches at this point. To be honest, the stance of your Jeep looks identical to the stance of my 4 inch rough country lift. The RC sags a ton and is extremely terrible. If I went with 2.5 inches and wanted to go to 3.5 inches, I would just need to purchase the 3.5 inch coils, as all other parts are the same.


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Good point on swapping the coils if necessary after adding more weight, or if going up to 37s. Also forgot to mention, if it isn't obvious from the rear shot, I went with the Rocksport shocks to save cash and don't have any complaints on the ride.

 

[Andrew Welsh]

Looks great. 2.5” kits for a JKU on 35s is perfect, 3.5” for 37s. Most lifts come out about 0.5” more anyway.

Thanks for the input. Originally when I purchased my first lift, I was very new to lifting vehicles and I should have done more research. I bought a 4 inch kit with the intention of running 35s, a big mistake.


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[HKLover]

2.5" Gamechanger, full MC Undercloak skid plates, MC Rocksliders and Flip Steps, MC aluminum Exoskin, winch, fridge on Tembo Tusk slider, and shelf in rear, Maximus-3 stinger on front, Mazimus-3 Spare tire carrier, Maximus-3/Rhino Rack roof rack on top, Genesis Dual battery system under the hood, with Nitto Ridge Grappler 305/70/17. In other words, it's heavy and the MC springs really haven't sagged much. Had it loaded down with camping gear, girlfriend (she's top heavy in the right spots! :drinks, food and other stuff and drove from Ohio to Moab and it handled the weight just fine.

 

[PlineyTheElder]

Here’s mine, not an MC (but you said similar). It is a JKS JSpec 2.5” with Nitto Trail Grapplers in a 35” size. I believe they are one of the largest 35s on the market.

I netted about 3” of lift all the way around but in this pic I don’t have anything heavy installed except for the 35” spare on the Teraflex HD carrier.

Like you I was trying to decide between 2.5 and 3.5 and opted going this route so I could always install flat fenders and go to 37s if I wanted. Not sure though what 37s on a 2 door would look right or not. Also I’m glad I went with 2.5 and 35s as there are already parking garages I can’t fit into around town. [emoji848]


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[Andrew Welsh]

2.5" Gamechanger, full MC Undercloak skid plates, MC Rocksliders and Flip Steps, MC aluminum Exoskin, winch, fridge on Tembo Tusk slider, and shelf in rear, Maximus-3 stinger on front, Mazimus-3 Spare tire carrier, Maximus-3/Rhino Rack roof rack on top, Genesis Dual battery system under the hood, with Nitto Ridge Grappler 305/70/17. In other words, it's heavy and the MC springs really haven't sagged much. Had it loaded down with camping gear, girlfriend (she's top heavy in the right spots! :drinks, food and other stuff and drove from Ohio to Moab and it handled the weight just fine.

Love your Jeep! I also plan on eventually getting Metalcloak skids and the flip step/rocker, so it’s nice to know it handles the weight.


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[Andrew Welsh]

Here’s mine, not an MC (but you said similar). It is a JKS JSpec 2.5” with Nitto Trail Grapplers in a 35” size. I believe they are one of the largest 35s on the market.

I netted about 3” of lift all the way around but in this pic I don’t have anything heavy installed except for the 35” spare on the Teraflex HD carrier.

Like you I was trying to decide between 2.5 and 3.5 and opted going this route so I could always install flat fenders and go to 37s if I wanted. Not sure though what 37s on a 2 door would look right or not. Also I’m glad I went with 2.5 and 35s as there are already parking garages I can’t fit into around town. [emoji848]


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Those tires are beefy! They look on a lot bigger than my 35s. And that’s a good point about the flat fenders for additional clearance. I’m currently running stock fenders too. All of these replies have helped me decide on the 2.5 inch kit. I will be ordering it later today.


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[sheepythejku]

Post up before and after pics! I am in the same boat. Currently 35's eventually want 37's or even bigger but that is so far away it doesn't make sense to lift for that. Probably going to go MC Gamechanger Rocksport 2.5" and would love to see what it looks like.

 

[Andrew Welsh]

Post up before and after pics! I am in the same boat. Currently 35's eventually want 37's or even bigger but that is so far away it doesn't make sense to lift for that. Probably going to go MC Gamechanger Rocksport 2.5" and would love to see what it looks like.

I’m ordering that kit today. I’m hoping to get it shipped and installed within the next few weeks. I’ll update this thread with pics after!


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[skitime]

I have the 2.5 Metalcloak Gamechanger Rocksport with Quadratec wheels with 35" Nitto Ridge Grappler. I offroad every year for two months in Colorado and Utah. This setup seems perfect (no rubbing) and the ride on and offroad is awesome.

 

[Tmav]

I have the 2.5 Metalcloak Gamechanger Rocksport with Quadratec wheels with 35" Nitto Ridge Grappler. I offroad every year for two months in Colorado and Utah. This setup seems perfect (no rubbing) and the ride on and offroad is awesome.

What backspacing do u have and how much bumpstop did u put in? I threw all 4” of bumpstop in For now till I can test it out. I’m thinking I’ll be fine with 3”of bumpstop. I have 285/75/17 that measure out to 33.70 inches and 4.75 back spacing.

 

[skitime]

What backspacing do u have and how much bumpstop did u put in? I threw all 4” of bumpstop in For now till I can test it out. I’m thinking I’ll be fine with 3”of bumpstop. I have 285/75/17 that measure out to 33.70 inches and 4.75 back spacing.

The Quadratec Hardrock wheels are 17x8.5 with 5.2in Backspace (+10 offset)

I have 2" bumpstops in the rear which was recommended by Metalcloak.

 

[Andrew Welsh]

2.5" Gamechanger, full MC Undercloak skid plates, MC Rocksliders and Flip Steps, MC aluminum Exoskin, winch, fridge on Tembo Tusk slider, and shelf in rear, Maximus-3 stinger on front, Mazimus-3 Spare tire carrier, Maximus-3/Rhino Rack roof rack on top, Genesis Dual battery system under the hood, with Nitto Ridge Grappler 305/70/17. In other words, it's heavy and the MC springs really haven't sagged much. Had it loaded down with camping gear, girlfriend (she's top heavy in the right spots! :drinks, food and other stuff and drove from Ohio to Moab and it handled the weight just fine.

Hey, absolutely love the look of your Jeep. It’s making me question whether or not I should put the end pieces of my 75th anniversary bumper back on. Just wanted to ask you how you find the nitto ridge grapplers? I really love the look of those as well. 305s look great without looking small and I’m sure they give a better ride than 35s.


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[HKLover]

Hey, absolutely love the look of your Jeep. It’s making me question whether or not I should put the end pieces of my 75th anniversary bumper back on. Just wanted to ask you how you find the nitto ridge grapplers? I really love the look of those as well. 305s look great without looking small and I’m sure they give a better ride than 35s.


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Thanks for the compliment.

I actually took the end pieces off of my front bumper before the girlfriend and I went to Moab and I think I am going to leave them off. I think I like the look a little better. Kinda 6 to one, half a dozen to another kind of thing I suppose.

I freaking love the Ridge Grapplers. They did awesome in Moab, and on the numerous mud and rutted up logging and gas well trails I have run down in West Virginia. I am actually going to be going up to true 35's in Nitto Ridge Grapplers when it comes time to get new tires. I'll have to do a regear at that time (currently an auto with 3.73's) also so I am hoping this set of Nittos lasts a while. So far they seem to wearing very well since I do a 5 tire rotation with every oil change.

Just FYI those are on rims with 5.5" backspacing and I have 1.25" Spydertrax behind them.

 

[Andrew Welsh]

Thanks for the compliment.



I actually took the end pieces off of my front bumper before the girlfriend and I went to Moab and I think I am going to leave them off. I think I like the look a little better. Kinda 6 to one, half a dozen to another kind of thing I suppose.



I freaking love the Ridge Grapplers. They did awesome in Moab, and on the numerous mud and rutted up logging and gas well trails I have run down in West Virginia. I am actually going to be going up to true 35's in Nitto Ridge Grapplers when it comes time to get new tires. I'll have to do a regear at that time (currently an auto with 3.73's) also so I am hoping this set of Nittos lasts a while. So far they seem to wearing very well since I do a 5 tire rotation with every oil change.



Just FYI those are on rims with 5.5" backspacing and I have 1.25" Spydertrax behind them.

I really like the look of the ridge grapplers. I currently have a set of 315s, knock off KO2s. They are called AMP terrain pros. And they seem decent. I bought them because they were heavily discounted opposed to the BFGs. I do a tire rotation every oil change as well. And it definitely helps. Keeps the ride smooth. When they wear out I was originally just going to get a set of BFGs, but now I’m throwing the Nitto RGs into the mix.


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