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Most popular lift/shock setup on WF

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kjeeper10
This is just one setup. I recommend it all the time and many run it. I figure making a thread to link to instead of typing will save a lot of time.

Lift kit

Teraflex 2.5" coil lift without shocks or extensions why in bold ? Because without shocks or extensions, the rear frame side TB bracket is replaced with the better axle side bracket.
TeraFlex - JK 2-Door 2.5” Lift Kit

TeraFlex - JKU 4-Door 2.5” Lift Kit
Every thing is here to get you started ie. Swaybar links, bump stops, brake line brackets, etc

Shocks

Wait for it .........Rancho RS9000xl adjustable shocks. For the price can't be beat :thumb: Rancho RS999329 RS9000XL Series Front Shock Absorber for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 3-3.5" Lift
Rancho RS999330 RS9000XL Series Rear Shock Absorbers for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 3-3.5" Lift
Yes I know .. It says "4" of lift"
No worries .. The 29xl/30xl have a compressed length about 1" over stock (Rubi shocks)
You will have more than enough bumpstop to run these shocks. These shocks are just about perfect with a 2.5" lift

Edit 3/22/15 Rancho 5000x
I am adding Rancho 5000x shocks as a option. Cheap and the ride really well.
Rancho RS55329
Rancho RS55330

Caster correction
Any lift over 2" should have caster angle corrected. Low caster can create a flighty feel to the steering at speed.
Rancho New Geo brackets
https://www.amazon.com/Rancho-RS62103-Geometry-Correction-Bracket/dp/B01IDHBIWK
-or-
Front lower control arms fixed or adjustable(choose brand)

2012+ only
If you're off roading with the swaybar disconnected. There's a good chance the front driveshaft might contact the exhaust crossover. Exhaust spacers move the crossover piping back adding clearance.
https://www.quadratec.com/products/16191_9203.htm

Extras
Recommended but not overly important.

Front Track bar (choose brand)
The rear is close to center with the bracket. A adjustable track bar will center up the front axle.

9/16 bolt kit
Why not ad some death wobble insurance. Heck .. All bolts should be loosened during install of the lift. A few extra minutes to swap in new bolts ... Why not :D
http://www.northridge4x4.com/northridge-4x4-jeep-jk-grade-8-hardware-kit

cool new option available
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/teraflex-sport-8-flex-arm-kit-1104666.html

There you have it. Post up if you have or ordered this combo. Share any Likes/dislikes/other parts added.

www.krawloff-road.com

POPULAR JK 2.5" ENTRY LEVEL LIFT BY KEN (WranglerForum.com Lift)

Looking for a great entry level lift for your JK? This kit offers a great on road and off road ride. The base of this system uses the TeraFlex 2.5" lift system with linear rate coils. Add in Rancho front correction brackets, and Rancho 9000XL shocks and you have a pretty solid setup! Plus it is...
www.krawloff-road.com www.krawloff-road.com
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Pressurized
I agree, the TF 2.5 is probably the most often recommended set up on WF for people not trying to go extreme.

The RS9000XL's are great and even then, there are other premium shocks like Fox if someone isn't sold on the Rancho's.

The AEV and RE drop brackets do offer a little more adjustability although the Rancho are built the best.

The new JKS front track bar is a stand out for me...

Cant go wrong with the bolt kit.

Solid choice.
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marslim said:
Just thinking here, but it kind of looks as though the exhaust spacer kits move the crossover pipe back wards but also slightly downwards? Making the crossover pipe hang lower than the cross member?
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The spacers do not push the crossover pipe that far down. This short installation video gets you a couple good looks at it.

http://youtu.be/JZo-q4JPP-I

The Rancho replacement crossover pipe does hang down a bit lower although it's still not below the frame.
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TJammer said:
Is there a similar RK kit with the triple rate springs which you would recommend in a similar "complete solution" package?
Click to expand...
I would say this Northridge kit covers that pretty well.

Rock Krawler JK 2.5 Flex System Kit - RKJK25FS-KIT

They have even more deluxe options, but it gets $$$.

Rock Krawler JK 2.5 X Factor System Kit - RKJK25XF-KIT
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kjeeper10 said:
Yes.. Last year RK offered one coil for 2 and 4 door. The 1.5's became a popular option for 2 doors. This year the kits are labeled 2 door and 4 door. The 1.5's are 2 door 2.5's also.

I was never a fan of the 5100's. River city off road sells packaged kits including Rancho 9000's.
The Stock mod is more comparable with the kit in this thread. The stock mod does not include front lowers, which gives you the option to buy the correction brackets.
Click to expand...
Quite a few people do like the 5100's (that's that opinion thing again), but if we try to keep this to "popular", I agree with the Rancho's being more popular here on WF and Overland Journal agrees. :bop:

Putting it together:

Lift: RK 2.5 Stock Mod (includes front track bar)

Shock: Rancho RS9000XL (using RK's recommended lengths it would be 31's front and 30's rear which deviates from the usual 31/32 pairing, I think I would still look at the 31/32's)

Bump Stops: 2" F/R (big tires, probably 3"F and 2"R)

Geo Brackets: Rancho

Exhaust Spacers: Rugged Ridge

9/16 Bolt Kit

I'd like to personally try those springs and cycle the suspension to get a more accurate shock and bump stop recommendation. Of course, tire size is also a factor.

We have some Stock Mod builders here, maybe we'll get a chime in.

I just sold (well you know what I mean) the "popular" TF build to a family friend and we should be building it in a few weeks. She has the 285/70-17's already.
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kjeeper10 said:
No debate .. The RK setup is popular as well. The whole point was to put the TF setup in a thread to link to. A lot of people run this setup and is recommended almost daily.
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Point taken.
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kjeeper10 said:
This is just one setup. I recommend it all the time and many run it. I figure making a thread to link to instead of typing will save a lot of time.

Lift kit

Teraflex 2.5" coil lift without shocks or extensions why in bold ? Because without shocks or extensions, the rear frame side TB bracket is replaced with the better axle side bracket.
| TeraFlex Suspensions
Every thing is here to get you started ie. Swaybar links, bump stops, brake line brackets, etc

Shocks

Wait for it .........Rancho RS9000xl adjustable shocks. For the price can't be beat :thumb:
Rancho RS999329 - Rancho RS9000XL Series Front Shock Absorber for 07-15 Jeep® Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 4" Lift - Quadratec
Rancho RS999330 - Rancho RS9000XL Series Rear Shock Absorbers for 07-15 Jeep® Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 4" Lift - Quadratec
Yes I know .. It says "4" of lift"
No worries .. The 29xl/30xl have a compressed length about 1" over stock (Rubi shocks)
You will have more than enough bumpstop to run these shocks. These shocks are just about perfect with a 2.5" lift

Caster correction
Any lift over 2" should have caster angle corrected.
Geo brackets
Rancho RS6250B Control Arm correction Bracket - Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3ST5QA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5O1-ub11Z8M3G
Front lower control arms (choose)

2012+ only
If you're off roading with the swaybar disconnected. There's a good chance the front driveshaft might contact the exhaust crossover. Exhaust spacers move the crossover piping back adding clearance.
Teraflex 2610000 - Teraflex Exhaust Spacer Kit for 12-15 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 3.6L - Quadratec

Extras
Recommended but not overly important.

Front Track bar (choose)
The rear is close to center with the bracket. A adjustable track bar will center up the front axle.

9/16 bolt kit
Why not ad some death wobble insurance. Heck .. All bolts should be loosened during install of the lift. A few extra minutes to swap in new bolts ... Why not :D
Northridge 4X4 Jeep JK Grade 8 Hardware kit - GRADE8

cool new option available
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/teraflex-sport-8-flex-arm-kit-1104666.html

There you have it. Post up if you have or ordered this combo. Share any Likes/dislikes/other parts added.
Click to expand...
Back on the "popular" TF 2.5 lift recommendation.

It sounds like we should add the new RS5000X as a value option in the shock category. They are getting good reviews.

Rancho RS55329
Rancho RS55330
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bobtwojeeps said:
<snip> I had a few questions about the recommended setup.

1. When you say lower control arms (choose) do you mean adjustable control arms? Can be fixed or adjustable. Fixed should be slightly longer than stock and Teraflex and Synergy have great options for fixed at that lift height.

2. You suggest an adjustable front track bar, would it be advantageous to also purchase an adjustable rear track bar? Not needed, the bracket typically takes in to account amount of lift and comes close to centering the axle on it's own. That said, an adjustable rear track bar can be used for fine tuning if you wanted to.

3. This is not related to the suspension but thought you could offer some insight. My Jeep came with the Rubicon 10th anniversary wheels which are very nice looking but are only 7.5" in width, would a 35X12.50 tire work on this wheel, I realize that I would have to use wheel spacers. The manufacturer specs for a 12.5 wide tire say that they should be mounted on a wheel from 8.5 to 11.0 inches.

Taken from Nitto website:

35x12.50R17LT E 121Q206900 19.334.7612.528.5-(10.0)-11.03195@65
However, many people do it and as kjeeper10 mentions, some shops will not install that size tire on that size wheel.

Thank you for your help.
Click to expand...
I posted my comments in BLUE above. You are doing the research, I am confident you will build a great Jeep!
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CephalicJKU said:
Thinking about doing this set up for my lift now instead of one of the prefab kits. What is the reasoning behind using the geo brackets instead of new control arms? Ive seen a few people say the brackets give up some of the clearance you just gained with the lift.
Click to expand...
The brackets do hang lower and reduce chassis ground clearance. But they also reduce the operating angle of the front control arms which reduces the impact transmitted to the frame due to the higher control arm angles from a lift. It also reduces the brake dive induced by weight transfer. The geo brackets give a better ride... The lower control arms perform better off road. That's where you have to make a choice.


MotoMatthew said:
What kind of performance trade off would a person be making if they wanted to use the stock rubi shocks with the adapters on this setup (saving $450)?
Click to expand...
The shocks do make a difference, but they can also be changed any time later if you wanted to. You might have a little less wheel travel with the shorter shocks, but it wouldn't be an issue under normal operating conditions. Also, keep in mind that you can do the new RS5000X shocks for about $150 right now with the Rancho rebate.
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jeepernick said:
I'm looking to spend roughly around $500, I wouldn't mind going over that a bit. What is the main difference between control arms and brackets? From what I've seen from your posts this seems to be the way to go along with the new Rancho 5000x. Correct me if I'm wrong...
Click to expand...
I think maybe some vendors are still using an older stock photo? Here is the same Teraflex catalog number from a different vendor and the bracket is right...

Teraflex 1351002 - TeraFlex 2.5" Lift Kit without Shocks for 07-15 Jeep® Wrangler JK 2 Door - Quadratec

Sounds like the new Rancho 5000X is a hit!
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dealerjoe said:
Here's what all the pieces look like!! Glad my gf doesn't mind me spending all my extra cash on my other baby, or the fact that my pile has overtaken the living room couch, lol. Install next week I'm hoping!

There are a few extras there too I'll admit... Blue krylon and glitter clear coat, and a couple tools I needed, plus a high volume 100psi 12v compressor I got on sale at HF.

Joe
Click to expand...
Looks like FUN!!! :bop:
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HunterTheBeagle said:
Those blue coils are pretty sweet!
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Just right for my Cosmos!
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kjeeper10 said:
:whistling: :whistling:

WF's Most Popular JK Lift/Shock Setup - Pkg Deal
Click to expand...
hahahaha!! Well done! :worthy::worthy::worthy:

WF's Most Popular Lift "KIT"

:awesome:
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kjeeper10 said:
It's all allen. If I had it my way .. It would be called the KJ Combo :rofl:
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Get him to put in a KJ option that swaps out the geo brackets for the TF front lower sport arms!!! :happyyes:
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AOR said:
New name, new location, new options. You have spoken, we have listened. :rofl:

WF's Most Popular JK Lift/Shock Setup - KJ Combo Deal

:mooning:
Click to expand...
Great job! There are some that don't like the concept of the brackets and that's fine, those options allow anyone to get it right, no matter their preference on caster correction.

If it's a DD and my wife is driving it regularly, I'll take the brackets. If it's a Rubi and I know I'm using my lockers to get where I am going, I'm going to likely choose the front lowers...

I like what you've done here. :happyyes:
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AOR said:
Cool!

I will combine that with what Alie gets me. I just sent off an email asking for full details on these. I also need weights and demsnsions from her. Their site is sometimes lacking. :D Well, most of the time really.
Click to expand...
This industry is not very refined... Some very basic information is often not available and sometimes they struggle to or just don't answer simple questions. I'm experiencing that on my track bar dimensions inquiry. TF is one that hasn't replied at all.

I'm going to send you an email. :happyyes:
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kjeeper10 said:
1/2 should be ok .. 1" might have a affect on caster angle.
Click to expand...
I was thinking the same thing. 1/2 would be ok, 3/4 is maybe and 1" is probably too much.
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kjeeper10 said:
"Fixed" lol

At this height 3/16-1/4 of length works great for caster angle.

The Rancho brackets average 5° at 2.5" :p
Click to expand...
Agree, easy and effective and not much more $$ than brackets.

I've got mine already and will probably add adj uppers in phase 2.
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Jrexxx said:
Well. Got home. Pulled the jeep back into the same spot so I could begin work and it seemed to be sitting level. I measured and now it's level. What in the world? Lol
Click to expand...
Welcome to JEEP! That's how we roll.... :rofl2:
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jlachance92 said:
After reading everyone's responses to this setup i have decided this will be the lift i put on my new jeep and the first major set up i have done alone hopefully everything goes decently smooth lol . are there anythings you would change or add for a new 2015 willys 2dr? No, the Willy's is a perfect candidate for this lift.

should i go with the Control Arm correction Bracket or new front lower control arms? which is the better option? Better is more related to how you will use your rig. I prefer the control arms at 2.5 and below and both at 3.5 and above... The brackets can provide a slight improvement for on road driving and the arms provide more clearance when off roading. Both correct caster and that is the important part.

new to this stuff dont really understand what everything does yet sorry ... if so do you recommend and particular brand. The Teraflex fixed SPORT arms are a simple bolt in installation.

also this will sound stupid but what is front track bar for and is it a good idea to get one if so what do you recommend ? The track bar is the 5th link in a 5 link suspension system. It attaches the axle to the frame in the lateral (side to side) position. The other 4 links are your control arms... The track bar keeps your axle centered under the Jeep. Since it pivots on the frame, your axle shifts a little during suspension movement. That also means that it is shifted a little when we add a lift. An adjustable track bar allows you to certer it back up. At this lower lift height, it is very difficult to notice and does not affect the suspension at all. I have a little OCD in me, so I had to get a bar. I prefer the new JKS front track bar. The TF bar is offered in Allen's upgrade list.

and sorry but one more thing your first link for the teraflex 2.5 kit isnt working. Check the link I added below.

sorry for all the questions i feel pretty dumb lol
Click to expand...
WF's Most Popular JK Lift/Shock Setup - KJ Combo Deal

This image is of an older Jeep, but the components are still very similar on our JK's.
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coryc819 said:
So it sounds like this might be the best lift option for me. Of course being the newb that I am I have 1,000,001 questions. If someone would rather take my conversation off line I'd be more than happy to do that.

I have a 2015 Rubicon Hard Rock. I would love to take it off road on occasion (once or twice a month) but primarily it is my every day vehicle.

The lift and shocks seem pretty straight forward. Where you start losing me is with the caster correction. Just not sure which of the two options are for me. Also now you through this flex arm stuff at me and my head starts spinning.

The last bit of help I could use is tools. I plan on doing this myself because I really want to learn this stuff. I have a couple grease monkey buddies that will be with me so I can't screw it up totally but I don't have a vast selection of tools. What are the essentials that I will need outside of your normal socket set.

Thanks

Cory C.
Click to expand...
Ken covered most of it, so I'll throw some opinion in to it.

At only 2.5" of lift, the brackets don't have as big of an improvement in drive/ride quality as they do at higher lift heights. Yes they do correct caster just the same. I believe at 2.5" the better choice is the fixed TF Sport Front Lower Control Arms for a small $$ increase. They are a direct replacement for the stock LCA's. On top of that, you have an RHR and it seems like losing the ground clearance would be less desirable.

As for tools, a floor jack and 2 jack stands is a must. More is better.... Off of memory, the common sizes are 18-21-22mm sockets and wrenches. A long breaker bar and torque wrench.
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