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2" vs. 2.5" lift & tires advice

5.3K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  GuzziMoto  
#1 ·
So I've taken my stock 2016 manual JKUR about as far as I dare take it off road (and was quite surprised and impressed by what it could do, frankly) and now it's ready for a lift. And even though I have done quite a bit of research about all the ways to go about it, I was hoping to get some direct input.

Firstly, the lift. I figure a 2.5" lift is the way to go as I haven't really seen 2" lifts that are more than just budget boosts. The Mopar one is just too expensive for my budget. 2.5" is probably more than I need, but if I can't find a 2" that is performance oriented rather than just an aesthetic thing I'd be fine with 2.5". I'll be keeping stock bumpers and don't have a winch, so I believe most lifts will be a bit taller than described. Does it seem to be the case that 2.5" is the smallest lift that gives true returns on the trails? I am looking at the TF 2.5in lift w/o shocks and then getting their Falcon 2.1 shocks with which to pair it.

Secondly, tires. Looking at the usual KO2, Duratrac, and Cooper Discoverer ST MAXX. I would really like to not buy new wheels, so I'm pretty sure I want 285/75R17 all-terrain tires. Is that the closest to a true 34" tire I will find? I know KO2s run small, but it seems like stock wheels are not really meant for 315s. While I have the 4.10 gears, I don't think I want true 35s yet just for general road performance, gas mileage, etc. as at the end of the day, it is a daily driver.

The primary goal here is a performance bump over stock, so I'd like to find a tire that balances being large enough to fill the wheel well nicely without stuffing tires in that impede the articulation. Any thoughts on the above lift/tire combo would be much appreciated! I know this isn't exactly a unique setup, so any related photos are of course appreciated as well.

- Will
 
#2 · (Edited)
2” mopar coils your choice of shocks and 285/75-17s will get you far off the beaten path.
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#3 ·
Is there a site that offers that lift without shocks? I have only seen the Mopar 2in as a complete lift & shock combo from Mopar direct and it's a price I just can't meet right now. If that's what you're running in the closer jeep, it looks like just what I'm going for and sounds like it'll do what I'm hoping it will do.
 
#4 ·
Yes you can order just the coils. That is what I’m running with falcon shocks. Mopar online parts in the vendor section can hook you up.
 
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#5 ·
You'll more than likely want to add lower control arms to you list with those springs. Many will say drive it first and see what you think but if handling matters to you, buy once, cry once. Also research the Nitto Ridge Grappler. They have quite a following on here and are offered in 285/75 C. The Rancho 2" lift will give you exactly 2" but will require bump stops for 285/75/17s. Good Luck.
 
#6 ·
All you really need to go further than stock will is to lift the bottom of the frame fails to be like a line strait through the center of the wheels. 1-1.5 inch spacers front and back. Wheel with that a few times. Its dirt cheap and suprising effective. Once you find something you cant clear, then I will be more than happy to give advice.

Btw, my xj with the same size tires, embarrassed my jkur offroad. High belly and 3 inch lift.
 
#7 ·
I have done at least three different versions of a lift on our JKU.
I think a leveling kit is a great start. But if you want to go higher, there are a few good options. The Mopar 2" lift, with the addition of either geometry brackets or adjustable front lower control arms, is a great option. Keep in mind that it is a 2" lift in name only, and like most every spring based 2.5" lift most will get at least 3" of lift from it.
Another great 2.5" lift option in the TeraFlex based Most Popular Lift on the Wrangler Forum. That is my personal preference. The third option worth mentioning, and the cheapest, is the Rancho 2" Progressive Spring lift. Unlike the Mopar 2" lift, the Rancho 2" lift really is 2" (about 2.5" up front and 1.5" in back to help level the Jeep). I am not a big fan of the Rancho lift, it did not work out as well for us as it does for many others. But it does have its share of supporters around here.
There are other options, some are more serious like MetalCloak GC. Perhaps it would be wise to read about the various options and determine which suits your needs and wallet the best.
There is a beginners guide to lifting thread, as well as a thread on each of the above mentioned lifts. The more research you do the better the odds you will get what you want the first time.
 
#9 ·
I was going back and forth between the TeraFlex and Mopar. As I imagine both give a little more height to an otherwise stock Jeep, the 2in (or 2.5+) Mopar will probably end up giving me all the height I need, and look better with 33.5-34in tires instead of 35s.
Definitely been doing a lot of research about all these. Just wanted the feedback on to what I had narrowed it down, and it's been quite helpful!
 
#8 · (Edited)
I should have stated the gobi is mopar 2" the anvil is TF 2.5. They are identical heights

coil numbers for mopar 2" are 77070091 and 77070096
 
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