I am considering the installation of a Rubicon Express 4,5" lift kit.

I own a jk08 2dr 6sp manual X version with 3,21 ratio.

My question is the following:

Besides what comes along with the kit what other stuff should I buy. (e.g. some short of cv joint replacement?, or longer drive shafts? , disconnects?.)

As I am new to the mods kindly be as detailed as you can be with the info.

 

is there a reason why you are considering this kit specifically and how big of a tire are you ultimately planning to run? i ask only because going with a long arm kit is a really big step and most likely one that you don't really need. the jk was practically designed to fit 35" tires and can be done well with just a 3" lift and being that the jk control arms are as long as they are to begin with, the need for longer arms really isn't that necessary. now, if you plan on going up to 37's, you might want to consider a long arm kit but IMHO, i would personally recommend one that uses a 4-link setup as opposed to radius arms like the RE kit does. while radius arms will work just fine, they will also limit the amount of flex you will have and by a lot. RE themselves are the first to admit as much.

aside from all that, other things you should buy are a new rear u-joint style drive shaft (front won't be needed as you have a 6-speed), disconnects won't be needed as the kit comes with them but you will really want to get new gears for whatever tire size you are going to be running.

 

Thanks for the reply Wayoflife, most enlighting. Therefore should probably address first the issue of regearing.
I don't think I will be going any bigger than 35', would 4,10 suffice?
And for that tire size what lift should I go for in your opinion taking in to consideration that it's daily driver.

Thanx

 

If you're going to re-gear, I would go with 4.88 gears since it's your daily driver. If you're on a budget, you can probably get away with 4.10 gears from a Rubicon owner that re-geared, but 4.88 is the way to go for 35" tires.

As far as the lift is concerned, you can likely get away with a budget boost, but if you are serious about wheeling and also want a good quality suspension system, check out the Full Traction 3" Ultimate Lift. It's very comprehensive and includes everything you'll need to run 35s with no problems. There are dozens of other lifts to choose from. Do a search in the mod forum and you'll have plenty of reading to keep you busy.

Here's the write up for the lift:

http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-...ation-write-up


Good luck and don't forget to post pictures.

 

For 35's you shouldn't need more than 3.5 tops. Like others said, 2.5" lift would probably do. Good 3" kits are Rubicon Express, Teraflex, Currie, and Clayton Offroad.

I'd do the lift and tires first, then decide if you need to regear.

 

As mentioned, for 35's, you definitely want to get a lift that's closer in height to 3"-3.5" and a long arm kit is simply overkill. Trust me, sticking with a short arm kit at this size is the way to go and you will be happy with it. certainly, the kit itself will be a hell of a lot cheaper and installation will be a hell of a lot easier as well.

while factory 4.10's will work (assuming you have them in your jeep now), personally would upgrade to 4.88's is MPG matters to you and 5.13's if you'd like to get more pep out of your Jeep.

 

Thank you all for your replies which are really helpful, in setting priorities and building the correct wish list.