Ok I'm wanting to take advange of the RK sale by Bryan and purchase a lift tomorrow. It will be going on a 2012 Unlimited Rubi 6-speed. I will be running 35" MT/R tires. I can get the 2.5 Max travel and 3.5 mid for essentially the same price. The 3.5 Xfactor is $600 more but I get a free steering upgrade kit (i think it just consists of a drag link). I plan to eventually run 37" tires with tube flares, but don't want to spend the money to regear, and buy tube flares right now. I will be pairing it with Bilstein 5100 shocks. 95% of the time this will by a daily driver rig, but would like to take it to Clayton, OK and some other trails eventually.

So my questions are:
1. Are the 2.5 Max and the 3.5 Mid essentially the same lift just different springs?
2. Is the 3.5 Xfactor the only one that re-centers the back axle?
3. Will I need new driveshafts for any of the three lifts?
4. Will it cost me more than $600 to upgrade to the xfactor lift and draglink kit down the road?
5. What the heck will the Steering package do for me?

Thanks guys!

 

1. The 2.5 max- I don't think this comes with all 8 arms like you would get with the 3.5 x factor. Yes dif springs
2. Yes. The 2.5 max and the standard 3.5 don't come with the adj rear track bar.
3. With the unlimited and 6 speed you might be able to get away without replacing F/R DS. Very unlikely to need them with the 2.5.
4 I don't know. If your planning on running 37s someday I would just do it now.
5. The steering package is a adj track bar and drag link flip. Drag link flip not needed at these ride heights but justifiable at 3.5in of lift. It will make your steering better and make FEEL less like a lifted Jeep.

With that said, what you can do is order the 5.5 in X factor with the 3.5in coils. This is going to include the Ult steer package as well as the adj rear track bar and all 8 arms. And if your planning on running 37s someday this might be a good idea. I wouldn't start with a 2.5in lift if you already know your going to be getting 37s someday.
I went with the 5.5 in x factor with 3.5in coils.

 

I have the 3.5 Mid arm, with 5100 bilstein shocks and 35'' tire. The ride its 3x better than stock! The flex on off-road its amazing, and the arms are heavy duty, so you can heat any rocks! With this set up i have a lot room to clear 37'' (next year im going 37'' ).

1. Yes
2. No
3. No, you have 6speed so you are ok
4. yes
5. Adj and heavy duty

 

1. Yes.
2. The X Factor and X Factor Plus kits move the axle back 1". Adjustable track bars are used to center the axle side to side.
3. With the 2.5 Max Travel - probably not. With the 3.5 and up lifts - more than likely.
4. Probably. You're looking at upper control arms, a rear track bar, and upgraded rear links. Plus, you may need longer shocks.
5. The Ultimate Steering will improve steering feel and handling on the 3.5" and up lifts.

 

Ok I should have clairified that when I said re-center the rear axle I meant front to back in the wheel well. Sorry for the confusion. Also I've noticed that the auto guys are saying yes on driveshafts and the stick guy are saying no. Is it merely dependent on your transmission? Anyone know if this applies to the 2012 as well? Thanks for the replies so far, big help!

 

Bump, have to do this by today.