I purchased a used 2014 JK Rubicon earlier this month that already had a Pro Comp 3" lift on it and it rides worse than my Ram 2500. From what I have read, this seems to be the norm for Pro Comp lift kits and is mainly attributed to their horrible shocks.

My question is should I just get new shocks and build off of the Pro Comp springs/rear track bar bracket -OR- just start over with a new lift? I don't know how good Pro Comp springs are and I don't know if throwing some good shocks will even help the ride. If I decide to start over from scratch, then I am thinking of going with a Metalcloak 3.5" starter kit to build off of, but I am open to any suggestions. I plan on staying with 35" tires.

 

Between those two choices, I'd go Metalcloak. But since you are staying with 35's, consider their 2.5" coils instead.

 

I can tell you that outside of the raised rear TB bracket, there's not a ton worth trying to work around. You would be better off replacing with something of quality that you'll be happy with. Unless you're married to the idea of 3.5", a nice Metalcloak 2.5" lift would be great with 35s, and would be easier for your previously described use. You'd probably also net closer to 3" if it really matters. Keep steering upgrades in mind as well.

 

Thanks for the responses. Yeah, the 2.5" kit is probably better for me if I plan on staying with 35's. What supporting mods would I have to worry about with the 3.5 kit over the 2.5 kit?

 

If you are going to go 3.5" of lift you should be looking at a full kit with all the control arms and I would recommend a drag link flip if you are wanting the best ride you can get. Most lift companies size their lifts to handle more weight and you will get more than advertised lift unless you are armored up with steel bumpers and a winch. 35's don't need 3.5" of lift and it will not do much for you but make the jeep more top heavy.

 

Add front DS to what Dirtman just said above. The little extra money you'd spend doing 3.5" lift would probably be better put towards steering component upgrades...BJs, nice TR.

 

This Jeep does have heavy OR-FAB front and rear steel bumpers and a winch. Not sure if that makes a difference. Kind of wanted a Jeep that was already moded because I don't have the time and wanted to spend the the money elsewhere(currently working on compound turbos setup and supporting mods on my Cummins truck). However, the ride with this Pro-Comp lift is unbearable. Kind of makes me not want to drive it and that is coming from someone who has driven 3/4 and 1 ton trucks all his life.

 

Your caster is likely way out of spec. Drop brackets also lower the roll center and degrades ride quality. I get some modded jeeps that come to my shop that are just plain scary to drive. It amazes me when I hear what people spend on jeeps that makes them drive like shit.