While you can get away with cheap lifts you really should make sure that you have all the components to make your life more trouble free. Once you start going over 4inches it gets vastly more complicated. Not only due to having to adjust for angles but the added stress starts breaking things.

Dont start thinking that you will just wheel carefully if you skimp. If you have a larger lift and tires you will naturally wheel in more difficult areas, usually until you break something. Its not a bad thing, its just how it works. WHen you increase your capability you will find yourself on more difficult trails because they seem easier. Better to plan ahead and wait a little bit if you need a few more parts than to skimp and break something.

Personally I think the best out there is Offroad Evolution, followed by Rubicon Express Trailmaster and Teraflex. There are not many "Bad" kits out there. Most of the guys stand behind their products. What you will find is that the completeness of the kits is very different. So is the warranty.

 

Thanks for all the info, one last question for now.If I go up 4 inches how much longer does the drive shaft have to be. I need to get this info to my friend so he can check on it at work. I read where I need to go with a double cardin u joint too.

 

Alot of that depends upon how much you take your JK out wheeling. If you start doing more aggressive flexing/wheelin your stock shafts will start to fail. Just keep an eye on the driveshaft boots. Generally they get a hole, which the grease gets flung out, which leads to the bearings/joint to fail.

 

Going back to the original statement of MAX 35" tires, most 4" kits will offer you ample room to run 37's...But in my humble opinion check out Teraflex 2.5" coil lifts or OME...A lot of guys run them with great results!

 

I'll check it out. I'm pretty sure I am going to go with the Rancho 4 ". I am going to be running an off road bumper and rock sliders with some other options added later. All that weight is going to take away for a 2.5 lift.

As sson as I figure out the length needed on the new drive shaft and part needed to go with the setup I can order them at cost. Thanks for the help.

 

I can't believe noone mentioned Rock Krawler. They have an great kit and they are upgradeable. They are also having a huge sale right now. Check the vendor section.

 

the 4 inch rough country lift is econimical and it does just as good as any other lift like it out there. I would highly recommend going with a 4 inch lift with whatever brand due to the large tire size though. here is my lift

 

Go out to Tom Woods custom drive shafts, click on the jeep JK. It has all the info on how to measure, new flanges vs adapter plates, types of shafts, pics and diagrams ... everything you need to know


Also remember to research the lift to see just how much height those 4" coils will actually give on your 2door.

Here is a quote direct from TeraFlex in another thread:
Do rancho coils give similar heights ????

 

I chose the zone offroad 3" lift. tire size is 315/70/17 or 35x12.50. it is easy as pie to put in and very affordable. the lift plus heavy duty steering stabilizer was $560.00 not bad. I love the lift as well great ride quality!! Any question feel free to PM me

 

If you are looking to run 35s, checkout the

Show you're 35s

thread in the show and tell. You can see what lifts people are running and pick the look you are after. I think a 3" kit and flat fenders is an awsome look.