Hi everyone so I just bought a a 08 jk unlimited x about 2 months ago and I really love it. This is going to be my first bottom up build I do, my last truck was a 96 xj with 31 and a 3" rc lift but I got it like that. So on this one I want to do a lift but I'm getting real confused it seams like no lift comes with every single thing I need or am I wrong and can I just get one kit with everything required bump stops, brackets to move stuff around and etc, I'm thinking maybe 2.5 - 3.5 I'm not really sure as I'm on a budget but I do want to get something worth while it don't want to be disappointed a year from know it is my dd and i have never been on a trail so I plan to make that trip with my jk but it is mostly my dd so I really want something that is great for city driving but also great when I get on the trails no crazy trails tho nice light trails to just see what my jk can do.

 

What tire size will you be running? What is your budget? Are you willing to chop the flares or go to flats?

Have you browsed through the faq's yet?

While you are reading and doing research, consider gearing and possible front housing upgrades as well.

 

Unless you are going with 33" or bigger tires, you really don't need a lift.

That said, I have a 4" Rancho Sport Lift with RS9000XL adjustable shocks on my 2010 JK Unlimited Sahara. I am extremely pleased with the ride and handling.

If I was to do it over again today, I would go with their 3" with the same shocks. At the time I got my 4" the 3" wasn't available.
Rancho 3" Sport System for 07-13 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK - Quadratec

Reasons for 3":
1) down travel is the same as the 4".
2) less stress on front drive shaft.
3) front track bar relocation bracket and control arm brackets not needed (simpler install with adjustable track bar).
4) uses standard pitman arm (less stress on steering box).
5) inch shorter means better rollover resistance.
6) fits in garage without taking off roof rack.


Except for tires and wheels with proper back spacing. Everything you will need is included.

Which ever lift you decide on, be sure to read the installation manual before buying so there won't be any surprises later:
http://gorancho.com/assets/instructi...Revision_A.pdf

 

I like your reasoning.

 

use the search function and you will find 10 pages that ask the same question as you. Pick a couple of the treads and enjoy the reads.

 

I'm thinking about 35's with flat flares and yea I'm definitely considering regearing and strengthening of other components but I'm not that far yet. And as far as a budget goes I'm thinking about 2500 for wheels and tires and about 2000 for the lift

 

You have a realistic budget and should be able to buy a nice kit.

Personally I would be looking at the 2.5 Rock Krawler X factor kit with some Bilstein shocks and 17" wheels and a 35" tire of your choice. It will go about anywhere you want it to and will give you a ton of flex with cut/flat fenders.

I love my 3.5 kit with factory flares....works amazing and thr ride on the street is good

 

This. And honestly, you don't even need the control arms. You can get by with the Rock Krawler 2.5 Stock Mod and add in bump stops, adjustable front track bar, rear track bar bracket, steel braided brake lines, Bilstein 5100 shocks, and probably an exhaust spacer for around $1100-$1200. That's almost exactly what I run for 37's w/ chopped factory flares and trimmed pinch seams and it works out great. Been running it for over 2 years without issue and my rig spent about 18 months as a daily driver with that set-up. No complaints. And install is pretty straight-forward. Should take you and a couple buddies maybe 3-4 hours to install, including beer breaks.

 

Now I've heard a lot of bilstein shocks and of fox shocks which are better or are they equal depending on price range.

 

That really depends on which model shocks you're comparing. The bilsteins are great shocks. Fox are better