08 rubicon 4-door

The dealership where I purchased my jeep will honor the warranty if they
install the lift of my choice, new wheels and 35 inch tires. I have a 1" body lift with coil spacers but would like to keep the BL and switch to a 3" coil lift with what ever other goodies you guys may think I need. I don't have to buy the parts from them as long as they do the work and make sure everything is set up properly. Would like to avoid too much angle on drive shafts to avoid any issues there. I also have the RR base bumper with Superwinch 9.0 synthetic and want to keep it as level as possible front to back.

Sorry to be so long winded!

What do the experts of this forum think?

 

That's great and all, but what if that dealership goes out of business?

A lift kit doesn't automatically void your warranty. It depends on what breaks and how it broke and what was effected. There are mod friendly dealerships out there that will help you to get things covered (to a certain degree) regardless of who installed your lift kit.

 

I realize anything can happen in business these days but they have taken care of me so far and I would prefer someone with more experience than myself do the install.

 

You know I have gone back and forth on this question forever. Mod it and risk the dealerships not honoring the warranty (if it is a legitimate claim as stated previously) or leave it stock and not be happy or just learn to live with it. In the end, it drove me nuts driving on stock wheels/tires, not having a lift, and looking like every other JK on the street. This of course is just my opinion of what I wanted. So, I did a lift, added 35's and couldnt be happier, except for the 37 envy that I now have.

If you have a dealership that is willing to warranty after the mods, GREAT. I would suggest something in writing or atleast have the service manager be very clear what he is willing to warranty. Especially since I would assume you are going to paying a premium price for them to do the work.

But in the end, make it what you want it to be.

 

Right, but shop it around to see how competitive their pricing is and what the quality of their lift components are.

 

My dealer made the same offer when I told them I was installing a lift and was asking about the driveshafts. I told them I was looking at teraflex and they said that's exactly what they recommend so I was tempted. However looking at the facts about the driveline angles and such, I decided when my driveshafts do go I'd prefer to replace them with aftermarket parts so I don't have to worry as much about a failure on the trail. Your driveshafts will need to be replaced with a 3'' lift at some point because they will fail, so why replace it with another that will have the same problem? Other than the driveshafts there's not alot else, imo, that can break that they can directly blame on a lift. 35'' tires could cause other problems though, such as axle shaft/gear/ball joint/axle tube failure. They could try to blame the lift for these failures but if you challenge it they would have a hard time proving it. I'd recommend doing the lift yourself so you learn the jeep better, but have them install the tires 'under warranty' cause thats what has a greater potential to cause problems. I know others may feel differently but thats just my opinion.

 

Driveshafts WILL fail with a 3" lift? Are you sure?

 

On a 2 dr., with any lift over 3", new longer driveshafts are recommended. Especially if it is going to be seeing serious trail duty.

 

yup. I have a TF 3" and lost my driveshaft boot within 5 minutes of my first trail ride with the new lift. If you have a 2 door, you should count on getting driveshafts if you wheel. Do it once and do it right. I see you have a 4 door, so your rear will be ok, if you have a 6 speed your front will prolly be ok also. At least for a good long time.

 

Thanks for the response.

I guess my real question is: What 3" lift do you recommend for moderate trail use and good street/hwy handling?

As far as doing the lift myself, I am certainly capable as I have arleady installed the body lift, bumper, winch and grew up swapping motors in cars and such.
I am older now and have the money but not much time so this and the warranty is why I am cosidering a dealer install.

Again please consider this is a 08 4-door rubicon.

Thanks for any help!