Does this amount of vertical space....I-----------I.....really make the difference??
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
Does this amount of vertical space....I-----------I.....really make the difference??
At the risk of getting flamed for not searching enough (I've spent a couple of hours looking for my exact topic of choice) does this vertical distance below really make the difference between doing all the mods necessary with a 3" lift vs a 2.5" lift? The gap between the two capital I's is approximately 1/2" and is the gap presumably responsible for a fair amount of expense and work when it comes to deciding between the two sizes of lifts.
I-------I
I just purchased a 2014 JKU after trading in my 2012 JKU which had a TF 2.5" BB on it w/ swapped out 19/59's and Rubicon shocks. In the summer time I ran 35" KM2's on 15" AR23's (one of the few who still like the look of smaller wheels) and in the winter time i ran a set of Rubicon wheels w/ the 31-32" BFG MT's. In both instances i ran w the tires aired down a bit to soften the ride. Long story short, I was pretty dissatisfied with how the JKU rode. It may have been a combination of a number of things; tires still too stiff, the 19/59's, not having geo correction brackets, crappy roads here in Ohio, etc. Nevertheless, on the new Jeep I'd like to not repeat the same problems. I don't fault TF at all. They seemed to have a great product. It was well made and install was easy w/ their great instructions.
This now leads me to my question above. I've priced out a number of 2.5" lifts w their shocks (AEV, OME, RK) as well as Rancho 3" Sport Lift. In all honesty their rebate deal is very hard to pass up. I can get the 3" Sport Lift w 4 9000's and their Geo Correction Brackets for about $690 total. The other lifts (all w Geo Correction Brackets added to them) are running $1,115 for the AEV, $945 for OME and $915 for the RK Stock Mod w/ Rancho 9000's. I can save at least $200 by going with the Rancho but the difference between the 3" lift and the other 2.5" lifts has me scratching my head. Does that seemingly marginal distance noted above really mandate longer brake lines, exhaust modifications, adjustable control arms, etc? I'm a realist when it comes to offroading. My time offroad will be about .5% of my overall driving if that and it will be mostly forest service roads, logging roads, etc and probably no rock crawling. Why 35's then? Just because I like the way they look on 15" wheels. Any experience w/ going between 3" lifts vs. 2.5" lifts or vice versa out there?
I-------I
I just purchased a 2014 JKU after trading in my 2012 JKU which had a TF 2.5" BB on it w/ swapped out 19/59's and Rubicon shocks. In the summer time I ran 35" KM2's on 15" AR23's (one of the few who still like the look of smaller wheels) and in the winter time i ran a set of Rubicon wheels w/ the 31-32" BFG MT's. In both instances i ran w the tires aired down a bit to soften the ride. Long story short, I was pretty dissatisfied with how the JKU rode. It may have been a combination of a number of things; tires still too stiff, the 19/59's, not having geo correction brackets, crappy roads here in Ohio, etc. Nevertheless, on the new Jeep I'd like to not repeat the same problems. I don't fault TF at all. They seemed to have a great product. It was well made and install was easy w/ their great instructions.
This now leads me to my question above. I've priced out a number of 2.5" lifts w their shocks (AEV, OME, RK) as well as Rancho 3" Sport Lift. In all honesty their rebate deal is very hard to pass up. I can get the 3" Sport Lift w 4 9000's and their Geo Correction Brackets for about $690 total. The other lifts (all w Geo Correction Brackets added to them) are running $1,115 for the AEV, $945 for OME and $915 for the RK Stock Mod w/ Rancho 9000's. I can save at least $200 by going with the Rancho but the difference between the 3" lift and the other 2.5" lifts has me scratching my head. Does that seemingly marginal distance noted above really mandate longer brake lines, exhaust modifications, adjustable control arms, etc? I'm a realist when it comes to offroading. My time offroad will be about .5% of my overall driving if that and it will be mostly forest service roads, logging roads, etc and probably no rock crawling. Why 35's then? Just because I like the way they look on 15" wheels. Any experience w/ going between 3" lifts vs. 2.5" lifts or vice versa out there?
JK Freak
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
From: Cody, WY
Short answer:
no, that half inch doesn't necessarily mean you need extended brake lines, drive shafts, ect.
Long answer:
Most companies make either a 2.5" and 3.5" lift or 3" and 4" lift. I wouldn't really let that half inch affect your decision as you can add half inch coil spacers later.
Staying at the 2.5" - 3" of lift is about the prime location for JKs. Depending on what lift you go with will define what else you may or may not need to do to do it correctly.
Say for example you went with Metalcloak, who makes a standard but "long travel" kit, you would most likely end up having to buy extended brake lines and drive shafts VS say AEV who makes a more expedition type of lift that may not see the same type of trails as the Metalcloak, you would be able to get away with stock brake lines and drive shafts.
Some companies also say their coils are 2.5" of lift but when done the jeep will sit at 3" of lift and vice versa.
If it were me, I would be looking at who makes quality parts and if their parts suit me for the type of trails/ driving I would be doing. Then I would research the lift of interest and see what others have had to do to get their Jeep to perform correctly if anything. With about every kit out there under 3" you should be able to get away with stock drive shafts and brake lines depending on how you use your jeep. But, I wouldn't let the half inch be the determining factor when looking for a lift.
no, that half inch doesn't necessarily mean you need extended brake lines, drive shafts, ect.
Long answer:
Most companies make either a 2.5" and 3.5" lift or 3" and 4" lift. I wouldn't really let that half inch affect your decision as you can add half inch coil spacers later.
Staying at the 2.5" - 3" of lift is about the prime location for JKs. Depending on what lift you go with will define what else you may or may not need to do to do it correctly.
Say for example you went with Metalcloak, who makes a standard but "long travel" kit, you would most likely end up having to buy extended brake lines and drive shafts VS say AEV who makes a more expedition type of lift that may not see the same type of trails as the Metalcloak, you would be able to get away with stock brake lines and drive shafts.
Some companies also say their coils are 2.5" of lift but when done the jeep will sit at 3" of lift and vice versa.
If it were me, I would be looking at who makes quality parts and if their parts suit me for the type of trails/ driving I would be doing. Then I would research the lift of interest and see what others have had to do to get their Jeep to perform correctly if anything. With about every kit out there under 3" you should be able to get away with stock drive shafts and brake lines depending on how you use your jeep. But, I wouldn't let the half inch be the determining factor when looking for a lift.
JK Super Freak
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 2
From: Pleasant Hill Ca.
Will i have a teraflex 2.5 coil lift and a 1" teraflex spacers all around for a 3" lift on my 08 jku i all so have a 10k wench and a steel bumper up front a a teraflex tire carrier in the back with 34 inch toyo mt witch is about 115 lb with the rim. I am very happy with the lift and i did add the control arm brackets up front. Although I have never used the Teraflex shocks I do like a stiff ride though.it is my dd as well about 75 miles a day. good luck
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga, ON
Based on your use case and requirements, I'd say buy an AEV 2.5" kit and have done with it. Ride will be great, and will give you the room to run 35's.
AEV kits are generally complete. If you need it, its included.
AEV kits are generally complete. If you need it, its included.