TeraFlex 2.5" Budget Boost Installation Write-Up

[wayoflife]

http://project-jk.com/images/writeups/teraflex-bb/DSC02877.jpg

For those of you who have patiently been waiting for me to complete my TeraFlex 2.5" Budget Boost installation write-up, I'm happy to say that I finally got it done and it can now be seen here:

TeraFlex 2.5" Budget Boost Installation Write-Up (http://project-jk.com/index.php/?p=137)

Unfortunately, I don't have my 35's yet but I am happy to say that this lift still looks great even with the stock Rubicon 32" tires :yup:
Please let me know if you have any questions.

[Ryans_JK]

Very nice write-up. I have really been thinking about going with this kit on my Jeep. Looking at the install I just may get it :D

[Area-51]

Looks nice....and yeah, even with the stock Rubicon tires, does not look too bad....I think I could live with them for awhile with that lift on....now if I can just get lucky on March 12th...:thinking:

[HappyCurmudgeon]

now if I can just get lucky on March 12th...:thinking:


NOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Pick me dangit! My Jeep is dangerously low... To many people can still jump into it!

[darkrambler]

Excellent write up with great pictures. It makes me believe I can do this myself, with the purchase of a floorjack.

My question is about the track bars... are your axles off center now after this lift? I didn't see any trackbar brackets to relocate the trackbars, so I was wondering if you see any issues there, or if you plan some other solution later such as adjustable track bars.

Thanks for taking the time to post this great write up!

P.S. Dont worry... I'm gonna win!

[duneslider]

Excellent review and write up.

I am going to go with the tera lift but have a few questions.

I don't do hard core wheeling and right now my wife drives the jeep quite a bit everyday. I want to have something that drives good and is as safe as possible.

I am planning on getting upper control arms to help fix the castor so it doesn't wander quite as bad. Does this make sense or would I be wasting my money there.

Now, would a front track bar help with the driveability? Or is it more just to recenter the front? What about a rear track bar? Is there any need?

Thanks for the help!
Bryan

[wayoflife]

Very nice write-up. I have really been thinking about going with this kit on my Jeep. Looking at the install I just may get it :D

Thanks! I would highly recommend this kit if you are interested in it :yup:

Looks nice....and yeah, even with the stock Rubicon tires, does not look too bad....I think I could live with them for awhile with that lift on....now if I can just get lucky on March 12th... :thinking:

Seriously, I was thinking it was going to look real funny with stock 32's but in the end, I think it acutally looks quite good. :cool:

NOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Pick me dangit! My Jeep is dangerously low... To many people can still jump into it!

:D

Excellent write up with great pictures. It makes me believe I can do this myself, with the purchase of a floorjack.

My question is about the track bars... are your axles off center now after this lift? I didn't see any trackbar brackets to relocate the trackbars, so I was wondering if you see any issues there, or if you plan some other solution later such as adjustable track bars.

Thanks for taking the time to post this great write up!

P.S. Dont worry... I'm gonna win!

Thanks and it really is my pleasure to help out in anyway that I can. Regarding your question, yes my axle are off center now but just by about 1/4". Certainly noting to loose any sleep over in my humble opinion. As far as issues go, I have none to speak of :)

Excellent review and write up.

I am going to go with the tera lift but have a few questions.

I don't do hard core wheeling and right now my wife drives the jeep quite a bit everyday. I want to have something that drives good and is as safe as possible.

I am planning on getting upper control arms to help fix the castor so it doesn't wander quite as bad. Does this make sense or would I be wasting my money there.

Now, would a front track bar help with the driveability? Or is it more just to recenter the front? What about a rear track bar? Is there any need?

Thanks for the help!
Bryan

Thanks Bryan. Regarding your concerns, I can honestly tell you that my JK has no handling or ride quality issues after installing this lift and I would suggest that you save your money and wait until after you install yours to see if you really do need an adjustable front track bar and/or upper front control arms to adjust your caster. :)

[JEEPJK]

I'm gonna get it. I'll take the 32 inch tires off and throw them on my Xterra and then shove some 35's on the Jeep...

[Rubidozer]

Hey, wayoflife, I'm wondering when you will get the 35s on that 2.5 BB kit and show us some pics. I'm wondering how it will do with the bigger tires. And if you still feel that it doesn't need any other parts to complete it (adj. trackbars, cam-bolts, adj. arms, brakelines, tree on the mirror, etc...).

[wayoflife]

Hey, wayoflife, I'm wondering when you will get the 35s on that 2.5 BB kit and show us some pics. I'm wondering how it will do with the bigger tires. And if you still feel that it doesn't need any other parts to complete it (adj. trackbars, cam-bolts, adj. arms, brakelines, tree on the mirror, etc...).

I'm getting my wheels and tires from 4 Wheel Drive Hardware and the last time I talked to them (Friday of last week), I was told they would be shipping out this week. So, maybe by the end of the week if I'm lucky.

[jeepik]

look for my post in the modified forum

i have the 2.5 inch tera bb, and 35's on stock rubi wheels

[oskee6]

I'm thinking about this kit, but does it create a need for wheel spacers to even out the center of gravity? Also, having never messed with anything like this, how would i know if i did have off center axles or other problems? I can identify the shocks and springs - probably anyway, but what else is there that I am working with when putting on a budget boost? And, (last one I promise), are there any advantages to say, a FT 3" lift vs. the budget boost type kits?

Thanks,
Derek

[wayoflife]

I'm thinking about this kit, but does it create a need for wheel spacers to even out the center of gravity?[quote]

No, wheel spacers are not needed for any reason.

[quote]Also, having never messed with anything like this, how would i know if i did have off center axles or other problems?

Unless you install a track bar relocation bracket in the rear and an adjustable front track bar up front, you WILL have axles that are off center - period.

I can identify the shocks and springs - probably anyway, but what else is there that I am working with when putting on a budget boost?

Please read the write-up carefully and look at all the detailed photos. They should tell you everything you need. :yup:

And, (last one I promise), are there any advantages to say, a FT 3" lift vs. the budget boost type kits?

Sure, a Budget Boost is dirt cheap but new 3" coils will perform much better on the trail and in many cases, offer a better ride on pavement as well.

[duffman]

Well, my Teraflex bb came in a day early so with limited time available I decided to tackle the front of my Jeep for a good nights work.

Everything went pretty smoothly although I would like to add a couple of points to WOL's excellent write up.

First of all, due to high demand teraflex has changed from the bumpstop extensions up front to adding bumpstops to the axle pad via the ol drill and tap method.

The next thing I would like to add is that the shocks are definately the second travel limiting factor after the sway bars. I learned this the hard way when after removing the nut on the upper shock mount the axle quickly dropped and I ended up with a very sore leg thanks to the brake rotor nailing my shin! So it is a good idea to support the axle with a jack while removing the shocks.

Took her out for a quick test drive and I will have to agree with Eddie that the ride and handling feels almost unchanged at least with the stock BFG MT's. I was very impressed. Hopefully I can get my tires on tomorrow or thursday we'll see if she still handles well.

[wayoflife]

First of all, due to high demand teraflex has changed from the bumpstop extensions up front to adding bumpstops to the axle pad via the ol drill and tap method.

Hey duffman, is there a chance you could take a pic of this and post it here so that I and others could see it? :)

The next thing I would like to add is that the shocks are definately the second travel limiting factor after the sway bars. I learned this the hard way when after removing the nut on the upper shock mount the axle quickly dropped and I ended up with a very sore leg thanks to the brake rotor nailing my shin! So it is a good idea to support the axle with a jack while removing the shocks.

Man, I'm sorry to hear you got hurt and hope you are okay. However, step #2 in my instructions clearly indicate that you should "Leave the floor jack under the front axle to help support it." Also, if you look at the photo in step #4, you can even see the floor jack just behind the shock being removed :yup:

[moabmike]

Tera 2.5 BB with 33's.. I like it. Mine went smooth also.. nice write up WayofLife.

[JackMac4]

Awesome write up eddie. I just may have to do something like this - it looks too easy to not do it.

[duffman]

Hey duffman, is there a chance you could take a pic of this and post it here so that I and others could see it? :)



Man, I'm sorry to hear you got hurt and hope you are okay. However, step #2 in my instructions clearly indicate that you should "Leave the floor jack under the front axle to help support it." Also, if you look at the photo in step #4, you can even see the floor jack just behind the shock being removed :yup:


I'll take some pictures today of the new bumpstops.

I really should have known better when removing the shock. I just did my brother's 2000 TJ about a month ago and followed your directions exactly on 4x4xplor.com and everything went smoothly. I was probably just so excited when doing my own lift that I didn't even think about it! I think it actually hurt my ego more than my leg:)

Edit: Here is a picture of the new Teraflex BB front bumpstop:
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/front_bumpstop.jpg

[duffman]

Couple of additional thoughts on the Teraflex BB after driving around on it for a couple of days:

Finished up the rear last Wednesday, the brake line extension brackets when installed properly had a little too much bend in them which caused my brake lines to be streched badly in ways they are not supposed to. The fix was easy however, I just grabbed a hold of them once they were bolted on and gave a good tug to pull them out a bit and give my brake lines some much needed slack at full droop. The rear shock extensions were also a little tricky to get lined up but it just took some extra time and patience to get through.

I do have some ESP issues that I didnt have before but my steering wheel is slightly off center. These issues only occurr on onramps with some sort of bank to them. I can still take normal turns pretty hard with no problems but the ESP causes me to enter the freeway like I'm driving Miss Daisy. I'll have to center my steering wheel when I get some time and see if its still a problem.

Otherwise the ride and handling aren't much changed at all from stock even with my 305/70-17 Maxxis Bighorns. I have to say I'm quite please with the way my ride handles and looks now. Hopefully I'll have some time soon to see how she does off road!

The only gripe I have so far is I don't think I'm a big fan of the new front bumpstops in the kit. I was very careful to make sure they were centered on the spring perch but they are so wide that I think they slightly rub the springs on one side. I do think an adj track bar would solve this problem though as my axle has shifted only a tad to the drivers side but it is enough to slightly pull the spring in that direction as well which leads to the rubbing of the bumpstop. Maybe I can order some extensions in place of the bumpstops in the kit...

[wayoflife]

I'll take some pictures today of the new bumpstops.

Edit: Here is a picture of the new Teraflex BB front bumpstop:
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/front_bumpstop.jpg

Okay, I spoke with TeraFlex and was told that all new kits come will be coming with the budget bumpstop extension as is shown in my write-up. The bumpstop extensions shown in this photo is intended for their standard lift kits and was only included because there was a shortage of the budget ones. Need I say, it looks like you were lucky and got an upgraded kit :)

[wayoflife]

I do have some ESP issues that I didnt have before but my steering wheel is slightly off center. These issues only occurr on onramps with some sort of bank to them. I can still take normal turns pretty hard with no problems but the ESP causes me to enter the freeway like I'm driving Miss Daisy. I'll have to center my steering wheel when I get some time and see if its still a problem.

You know, I've been thinking about this for a while now and I should note that my JK is sitting 3/4" lower up front a maybe half that much in the rear due to my winch and bumpers. Needless to say, I most likely didn't experience any problems with ESP or handling on my Jeep due to the fact that I'm not as tall as others would be without the extra weight. Anyway, I have since modified my write-up to include steering re-centering instructions to address any ESP issues that might be encountered.

The only gripe I have so far is I don't think I'm a big fan of the new front bumpstops in the kit. I was very careful to make sure they were centered on the spring perch but they are so wide that I think they slightly rub the springs on one side. I do think an adj track bar would solve this problem though as my axle has shifted only a tad to the drivers side but it is enough to slightly pull the spring in that direction as well which leads to the rubbing of the bumpstop. Maybe I can order some extensions in place of the bumpstops in the kit...

Actually, the extensions you have are better in my opinion and your problem isn't with them but rather with the fact your axles have shifted towards each other due to the lift. The only way to correct this is with longer lower control arms.

[mudblud]

Hey Eddie,
You shamed me into installing this lift myself, rather than paying my mechanic to do it. I'm glad, I had fun. My observations of the kit and install so far: The washers for the rear shack extensions were too small for their corresponding bolts...:confused: a trip to the store, no biggy just kinda shabby. Next, I didn't diconnect the rear track bar; I disconnected the upper control arms, 6 one way half dozen the other. I got the bottom bolt in bump stops for the front as well. I like the kit a lot. Thanks for the excellent write up.
-Pat Walker

[duffman]

On my install I actually didn't have to disconnect the track bars at all. Just removed the shocks and sway bar links and muscled the springs and spacers into place. I found the same thing with the washers on the rear extensions. Mudblud, what size washers did you buy? I was running out of daylight so I installed mine without washers. I figure I can straighten out the steering wheel and get the correct size wahers on this weekend.

[mudblud]

Hey duffman,
I took the bolt to the store, I think it might have been 5/16ths washers or the next size up. I just got my tires: 33"super swamper iroks! I love them. We ran Maxxis bighorns on some company trucks and liked them.

[duneslider]

I also had the wrong sized washers. I bought 3/8" washers. I got mine at lowes cost like a buck for five. Kinda bothered me I had to run to the store in the middle of the install.

Bryan

[greggradwohl]

35s?
Got em yet?
Pics?
Rub?

[FuLcRuM]

On my install I actually didn't have to disconnect the track bars at all. Just removed the shocks and sway bar links and muscled the springs and spacers into place. I found the same thing with the washers on the rear extensions. Mudblud, what size washers did you buy? I was running out of daylight so I installed mine without washers. I figure I can straighten out the steering wheel and get the correct size wahers on this weekend.
Mine was the same, replacement bump stop extentions and the washers were the wrong size.

I also just left them off, I will probabbly pull them this weekend and put some in.

Other then that the install was pretty easy and seems to be working great. So far I haven't had any ESP issues. :thumbs:

[Bamoman]

WOL thx for the great write up. ill be installing this kit too and i have a few questions. is there a way to install additional spacer up front to level out the jeep? i have new bumper and winch that really make the front droop....ideas? suggestions? thx again for the great write up and all your help

[wayoflife]

35s?
Got em yet?
Pics?
Rub?

Yup, here's a couple...

http://www.project-jk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14432

http://www.project-jk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14402

http://www.project-jk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14414

and I got a ton of them here...

TeraFlex 2.5" Budget Boost w/35" Tires Pics (http://project-jk.com/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=13423)

and here with the top off...

Topless Pics (http://www.project-jk.com/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=14476)

:cool:

[wayoflife]

WOL thx for the great write up. ill be installing this kit too and i have a few questions. is there a way to install additional spacer up front to level out the jeep? i have new bumper and winch that really make the front droop....ideas? suggestions? thx again for the great write up and all your help

Yeah, I hear ya. With the Warn bumper I have and PowerPlant, my front end ended up loosing 3/4" in height. I suppose the only real option would be to have the rear spacers cut down or add 3/4" spacers up front.

[Bamoman]

Yeah, I hear ya. With the Warn bumper I have and PowerPlant, my front end ended up loosing 3/4" in height. I suppose the only real option would be to have the rear spacers cut down or add 3/4" spacers up front. i bought the skyjacker 3/4 spacer from summit with my winch, you think i can put that up front with the Teraflex BB to level it out?

[BaltChief]

Is there a printer-friendly version of this writeup?

This is the one I printed....it works pretty well but this pics are small.

http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-ups/teraflex-jeep-jk-wrangler-25-budget-boost-lift-installation-write-up

[Fubeka]

Two Questions:
1-Do I want to add a 1/2 or 3/4 spacer to front to level the Jeep w/the BB install (assuming I am buying a winch)? I have seen other JKs around w/winches and they look like they are balancing on their tip toes. Like if they were to brake hard downhill they'd topple over

2-Does 2.5 inches give me enough space for 35 inch tires?

[VINdecent]

Add the spacer during the lift, 3/4". I didnt and had a rake, so I ordered the spacers and now need to install them. Its cheap and will save you time to do it all at once.

Plenty of people run 35's with a BB, might have some slight rubbing on the fenders also might be a little doggy on the highway.

[kane516]

Yup, here's a couple...

http://www.project-jk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14432

http://www.project-jk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14402

http://www.project-jk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14414

and I got a ton of them here...

TeraFlex 2.5" Budget Boost w/35" Tires Pics (http://project-jk.com/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=13423)

and here with the top off...

Topless Pics (http://www.project-jk.com/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=14476)

:cool:
Looks great! Did you have to do the track bar relocate? My lift went in last summer (07). I'm still running the Rubicon stockers but want to do 35s. I will probably be doing wheels as well but just want to bolt them on with no problems. Any suggestions. I've seen so many different variables and just want to do it once and right. I did have an alignment done right after we lifted it.

Thanks!

[Gokracer1]

WOW! Just saw this get bumped... Your Rig looks NOTHING like that anymore Eddie...http://img2.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/confused/confused0068.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/free-unhappy-smileys.php)

BTW Great Write up to

[marctheman]

i just ordered my teraflex BB and should get it on tuesday!
i wanna put a winch on my jeep later so i was thinkin i might as well get that other spacer and do it all at one time to save my self a headache of puttin it in later but when i brought up another spacer for the front the guy at my local 4X4 shop said i couldnt put it on?:what?:
He said the reason was because i didnt get new springs i got the BB with just shocks!
is that true??

[wayoflife]

i just ordered my teraflex BB and should get it on tuesday!
i wanna put a winch on my jeep later so i was thinkin i might as well get that other spacer and do it all at one time to save my self a headache of puttin it in later but when i brought up another spacer for the front the guy at my local 4X4 shop said i couldnt put it on?:what?:
He said the reason was because i didnt get new springs i got the BB with just shocks!
is that true??

this is not true. you can stack the spacers.

[PoorDad]

Is stacking the spacers safe? At the very least, it seems like they could be noisy:dontknow2: