Skippman

Yeah, yeah, I know... asked to death...

This Jeep serves as my daily driver and I wheel maybe once or twice a year, and nothing overly hardcore. Just fire trails, creeks, and such. I'm mostly looking to do the lift to fit 35" tires under the JK and achieve a more aggressive look.

On my old Wrangler I ran 35" Goodyear DuraTrac's with a 2.5" TeraFlex lift. I liked the way it rode well enough but with my new build I'm considering going with a shorter lift and swapping to flat fenders. I've been looking at some of the Rough Country kits but I dunno if I can justify $1000+ for a 1.5" lift kit.

So, my options to run 35"s in my mind are to either get a 2.5" lift or go with a 1.5" lift and Hurricane fender flares. Again, budget is a factor and I'm not hardcore enough to spend a grand on fender flares.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

DJ1

If you have a 2-door, I'll sell you my 2.5" AEV kit for dirt cheap assuming it doesn't sell here locally first.....

Rough Country? Forget that. I would just save your $ then.


Keep in mind you can run 35's with no lift and flat fenders....

.

Albino Lizard

You are better off using a budget boost if you are only going to lift 1.5". I have used the AEV 2" kit on a couple jeeps. Easy to install and it includes everything you need to keep it driving good. I will tell you that 35's with a 2" lift will still rub fenders at full flex. Someone makes a factory looking high fender that will clear 35's at stock height. Throw a leveling kit on and you will look good.

Skippman

Yeah, that's what I figured. I doubt with the wheeling I do I'll hit full flex all that often. I read a lot of good things about the AEV kit and might just go that route. I just know for a while there the Rough Country kits were all anyone could talk about on here.

Albino Lizard

The AEV kit is less than $300. You really can't go wrong.

TheDirtman

With flats you really don't even need a lift for mild trail stuff. Maybe just add a 3/4" spacer to the front coils.

Skippman

So you like the AEV 2" puck lift then?

I was also considering their 2.5" DualSport XT w/ the geometry brackets. I've read reviews where they claim the ride is better than stock. I know I said I couldn't justify $1000 earlier, but that was for a 1.5" lift.

If I got with a 2.5" lift, IIRC I won't need to go with flat fenders to avoid rubbing in most situations. Is that still accurate?

Albino Lizard

Here's why I say BB. The most expensive thing you can do is buy parts twice. $300 isn't a huge loss and you can run 35's. A spring lift and all of the components in a good lift kit are by far better. The issue is that it takes a solid $2000 to $3000 to get all of the parts you need to properly run a 3-4" lift. I promise 2.5" will only be a transition lift. It's going to be a waste of $1200-1500. Throw on the spacers, run 35's and see how it goes. Save your money and buy a good lift!

When it comes to lifts I'm more of a franken lift guy. I have an evo enforcer pro (coilovers) with rear metal cloak arms, and some other metal cloak steering components. I buy the best parts I can afford. I thoroughly inspect my vehicle at least 2 times a year and replace worn/damaged parts as necessary. My jeep has never left me stranded.

lowendrider

Depends on "look" you're after. If you're set on the flatfenders, I'm with Dirtman...do the fenders and add a 3/4" spacer up front to level it out.

Albino Lizard

I agree with that option also. The only issue with flat fenders is when you lift your jeep all you can think about is 37's.😂