[gowest]

I have read everything I can find on mild lift kits for my JK Ruby Unlimited and I can't tell which one is best for me--need some help. Almost all my driving is on pavement with about 10-15% on dirt and off road. I have signed-up to do the Rubicon Trail in 2011 and have been advised to consider a 2-3" lift and 33-35" tires. I have been looking at the RE 2" spacer/shock lift, Old Man Emu 2" spring/shock lift and my Jeep dealer seems to prefer Trail Master's 3" spacer/shock lift. In such a basic kit is there really much difference? Supposedly they all employ mono-tube shocks which I'm told are better than stock.

Will 35"x12.5" tires require re-gearing to maintain road performance?

I think 33", LT285x70R-17, KM2 BF Goodrich mud-T's will fit my stock rims. Would this tire and a 2-3" lift kit do the job for me on the Rubicon Trail?

Appreciate any experienced advice on this subject--thanks.

 

[Elevated Offroad]

Here is what 285/70/17 looks like on my jeep no lift and trimmed fenders so a 3'' lift with these tires will work fine.

 

[gowest]

Looks good--so no problems with the taller, bigger tire fitting on the stock rim. Thanks for the reply.

 

[zerokoo149]

I went with the AEV 3.5" Premium lift with 35x12.50x17 KM2's. I couldn't be happier with the lift, as it drives just like stock. Here is a picture:

If you want to use your stock rim, you will need to use wheel spacers, since there is too much back spacing and the tire will rub.

 

[zerokoo149]

BTW...The optimal gearing for 35" tires is to have 4.88 for a manual transmission, or 5.13 for an automatic transmission.

If you have a manual with 3.73 or better, you can probably get away with that for a while, but from what I have heard, an automatic will really feel a power loss.

 

[JIMBOX]

I have BIG 33" Hankooks and 4.10 gears, an auto and the AEV Procal Module-

I don't have any trouble and can still use the O/D and cruise control, on LEVEL FREEWAY !!

:rofl::rofl: JIMBO

 

[gcrissman]

I have a TF 2.5" lift and 33" tires. I've had no issues on rides with just 33's and the ride is very close to Stock. I went with aftermarket wheels but what was said about spacers is true.

I like the amount of clearance I have with 33" and my OEM fenders but I am planning on 35" tires when I regear, get flat fenders, and reinforce the axle some over the next 2 years

 

[BlackMountain]

would he be okay running 35's with 4.10 gears on a manual?

 

[zerokoo149]

It's not optimal, but I'm sure he'd still be happy with it. Even for the short time I still had my 3.73's, it wasn't that bad.

 

[Jet6122]

Here is mine with 285/70/17's on stock wheels and auto 3:73's. Two inch Daystar leveling spacers in front. Needs a boost in the rear tho, cause it sure isn't level. Should have went for the Tereflex front/rear level kit. Drives fine in o/d and cruise on interstate, on flat ground as stated above!

 

[J_Westy]

Appreciate any experienced advice on this subject--thanks.

I'm really happy with the daily driver ride on our Jeep with the OME 2" lift and 33x12.5's on the stock rims. It's a bit firmer but not at all bouncy.

We won't get to any wheeling until next year, so I can't comment there...

 

[zerokoo149]

Your jeep looks good.

I'm really happy with the daily driver ride on our Jeep with the OME 2" lift and 33x12.5's on the stock rims. It's a bit firmer but not at all bouncy.

We won't get to any wheeling until next year, so I can't comment there...

 

[gowest]

Thanks everyone for your reply's. I definitely learned a few things from the feedback. Although I'm still not sure which lift to buy, I don't think I will go higher that 3.5". I'll stick with the stock rims for now and put on 33" BFG KM2's. I have the auto trans so I'll give the 4:10 gears a try, but may go to the 4:88 or 5:13 later. Even my stock ride requires heavy throttle on most highway hills here in N. AZ.

Appreciate all the pics as well--it really helps to see the mods--everybody's jeep looks very cool--I'll post mine after I get the mods complete.

Thanks!