I am looking to put a 2.5 inch lift on my 2012 JK. I have read that I will need to replace my front drive shaft if I do this. But If I don't ever plan on disconnected my sway bar links, would it be an issue if I don't replace my drive shaft? thanks. I am mainly just going for looks and a little more clearance. i don't do much offroading and the little that I do is just for hunting or the dunes at silver lake michigan.

 

You'll be fine with your stock drive shaft. It's something that may eventually wear out but you should be able to get a fair amount of use out of it.

 

Use it till it breaks!

 

I've heard that when fully extended in will rub on the exhaust. but if i'm never disconnected wouldn't that mean I probably wouldn't ever rub? I don't want break it, so I am hoping for some helpful and tested thoughts. Thanks in advance.

 

It's a bigger issue on the 2 door.

 

Auto or manual? And how centered are the axels. The front shaft may hit the tranny skid even if your still connected. So, it's best to just keep an eye on the boot and think about a future drive shaft. If your rig is a 2 door, think about both. May I suggest diff covers too. Once lifted, you may drive a bit more aggressive, and the stock covers are stamped steel that peel away from the pumpkin.

 

A 2.5 inch lift wont be an issue. Not enough droop to rub. If you get more than 3.5 or so, you will see that the droop on the front drive shaft will cause the boot to rub. Use the sway bar disconnects all you want, no worries.

 

It just rips a bit of the boot cover off on the drive shaft, just if it happens keep it greased, I rub 4.5 inches of lift, and I haven't even touched my drive shaft and I'm out all the time and yes it's an auto, you won't have any issues.

 

thanks a ton for your experience with this issue. I can't wait to get some lift on her.

 

2.5" lifts are easy to run smooth. Not much is absolutely needed. Maybe extend your sway links if you feel a difference, otherwise good to go. My 2nd lift was a 2.5 susp.