I have a 2011 Rubicon...I love it and want to lift it a little (not a lot)...3" or so...I am hearing conflicting stories about both the Teraflex 3" long arm kit and the AEV dualsport ST 3.5....I have lifted vehicals in the past and hated the ride both on and off road....to the point were I swore I wasn't going to do it again. But I have also done it right and loved it. Price is not so important as lifting a vehical twice is way more expensive than doing it right the first time. What is the consensus here?

 

What size tires are you looking to run.? That will help some :p

 

I like my OME 3" Heavy Duty kit. Springs, shocks and trackbar. Def improved the ride and I got every bit of 3" out of it.

 

if you're really looking at a long arm kit, there really is no comparison between it and a set of over priced relocation brackets. for the most part, i typically don't recommend long arms until you get into the 4"+ range but, only because people looking to go that big are also looking to spend a lot of money. but, if money isn't so much of a concern, long arms will do a much better job of correcting your suspension geometry and provide a significantly better ride and handling. if you do go with the TF kit, i would recommend that you run better shocks like bilstein 5100's. the TF shocks are just okay.

 

I will run a tire a few inches taller than the stock BFG Mud tires on it now. I am going to keep stock rims as well.

 

I have heard that about that TF shocks thx....still a bit confused about your recommendation though....

 

okay, what are you confused about?

 

I'm not even sure that I need a long arm kit....One source tells me thats the only way to fly for true ride quality. The AEV suspension is not a long arm kit correct?....and the last thing I want is to screw up the geometry of things and create problems for my self down the road...So Im at a loss....I thought I did my homework, and was about to pull the trigger...but as of late Im second quessing everything.

 

Everyone will have a slightly different opinion, Some guys run 37's on D30's. some would say thats absolutely crazy, some have been doing it for years and 0 problems. Basically take what everyone tells you and form your own opinion or try and drive some JK's that have a lift that you want or drive a jk with LA then compare it to a JK youve driven with a SA if you can. Wayalife knows his stuff tho, I personally value his opinion very highly based on his experience with the JK's. Its your rig, do what you feel is best based on all the HW you have done. Regardless of what a single person tells you, you are going to form your own opinion from collectively hearing others opinions.

 

you don't need a long arm kit and i never said that you did. you said "I have lifted vehicals in the past and hated the ride both on and off road....to the point were I swore I wasn't going to do it again". you also only mentioned two different lift kits that i presume you were looking at and based my response to you on them.

no, it is not. it is a kit that consists of a bunch of overpriced relocation brackets. these relocation brackets allow you to use your factory suspension components. the ride and handling it provides is good but, for what you'd be paying, i would recommend that you get a rancho sport kit instead. trust me, i have seen both and the rancho kit is made much better and is offered at a fraction of the price. having said that, neither will give you the kind of ride that a long arm kit will at the same lift height you are look at.

the taller you go, the more your suspension geometry will be off. drop brackets like what AEV and Rancho offer will help address things up front but, not in the rear. still, long arms will require you to chop off your factory mounts so that you can install new ones further down your frame and this will give you the best geometry correction. granted, it takes a lot more work to install and is a lot more expensive BUT, you said money was not much of a concern and, if you really want to ensure the best ride, this is the way to go. if you are afraid of welding, look at the Full Traction kit as it is a bolt one.