So we have ordered a 2012 JK (4dr) and are going to run 37" Toyo M/Ts. We're trying to figure out which lift to go with. We will mostly be just riding on the road with minimal off-road use (my wife loves the look of a lifted Jeep but is so particular about vehicles, it's unlikely it will off-road). However, maintaining a ride as close to stock or better is of extreme importance. I realize the bigger lifts will offer the excellent off-road capabilities as well, but that's really just a bonus for our situation. I am leaning toward one of these options....
Rock Krawler 5.5" (Mid or Long, not sure yet)
Full Traction 6" Long Arm

Can I get some feedback from people who are currently running these or recommend another lift that gives stock or better ride on the road?

Thanks

 

You don't need nearly that much lift or 37's to have a good looking lifted mall crawler. The driveability wouldn't be worth it. Stick around 3", 35's and maybe flat fenders to give an even more lifted look. just my 2cents

 

If you are not planing on going off road much, why spend the money on a long arm? You can run 37s on 4" of lift. It seems to me that you can do a small suspension lift, 2.5" or 3" and add a 2" body lift to get the same results look wise without compromising ride quality too much. Also, I understand with the 2012, if you lift the suspension more than 2" you will need a new front drive shaft as well.

The look of a lifted Jeep can also be achieved by trimming you fenders or buying flat fender flares, so 2.5" coil lift with 2" body lift and flat fenders will look like a monster on 37s.

 

Long arm will give the best on road ride quality, but that costs $$$. If ride quality and reliabilty are your main concerns, it comes at premium price. Long arm lift, shocks, wheels, tires, driveshafts, axle reinforcement, labor, etc... Could end up at 10k when its all over, but you'll have one awesome jeep.

Or spend a fraction of that on spacer lift, shock extensions, wheel spacers, body lift, trimmed fenders, and your own labor. Hope nothing breaks, and you will have a "good looking" jeep. Or you can find a middle ground inbetween the 2 extremes. It really depends on what you are looking for and what kind of person you are to determine whhat is best for you.

 

if money isn't an object, long arms is definitely the way to go for optimal ride quality and comfort but 5.5" of lift is a lot more lift than you need or may even want. to help keep your center of gravity down, i might recommend you trim your fenders or install flat fenders and run something a bit lower. of course, if you're just looking for a tall look, either one of the kits you're looking at will get the job done. i have personally run the FT kit and it performed quite well and i would recommend it.

 

You can run a TeraFlex 4" LA kit with 37's with a 4dr no problem. I've ran that combo with my 2008 and 2012 JK's.

 

On a 4 door with that "show and shine" type look with 37's and factory fenders the 5.5" to 6.0" systems will give you that look. If you are willing to run some flat fenders (plastic or metal), you will easily fit 37's under a 3.5" lift. It all depends on what you want and what look you are going for.

We have seen alot of "show and shine" type JKU's running on 5.5" of lift with factory fenders and 37's. They look sick. But, they certainly are not for the hard core wheeler type!

RK

 

Consistent with nearly every response here, you don't need the full 5+" lift for 37's. It sounds like you are focused mainly looks over off-road capability.

If that is the case, then I'd consider a smaller 3-3.5" lift with a flat fender set for the tires. This approach should save you some money and help the jeep's look remain proportional.

I run about 5" of lift on my jeep to clear 38x14.50 tires, so you should be more than fine with that lift and 37s.
Good luck!

 

Here's my Dozercon with 37" MTR's with a 4" TeraFlex Long Arm kit and stock flares.


Papa Smurf with 38" MTR's, 6" TeraFlex Long Arm kit with TrailMod flares.

 

Both of these Jeeps are so incredibly sexy