Lift advice
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 195
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
Lift advice
Ok,
So I really want to put a lift on my jeep, but I'm not really that familiar with them. From what I've read it looks like Teraflex is the most recomended, and Northridge has some really good prices on them right now.
So, here's where my lack of knowledge comes in.
What is the real difference between a body lift and a suspension lift?
What are the benefits/drawbacks of each?
Can they be done independently of each other?
For a 2.5" lift, are there any other modifications/additions that should be made in conjunction with the lift?
Thanks for any input.
James
So I really want to put a lift on my jeep, but I'm not really that familiar with them. From what I've read it looks like Teraflex is the most recomended, and Northridge has some really good prices on them right now.
So, here's where my lack of knowledge comes in.
What is the real difference between a body lift and a suspension lift?
What are the benefits/drawbacks of each?
Can they be done independently of each other?
For a 2.5" lift, are there any other modifications/additions that should be made in conjunction with the lift?
Thanks for any input.
James
JK Junkie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
What are your intentions? A bl is the cheapest way to put on larger tires, but doesn't help approach, departure, or breakover angles. Will you be wheeling your jeep? What size tires are you planning on running? Tera's 2.5" BB is a great place to start if you aren't sure of your future in the Jeepin community. It will get you on 35's, ride almost like stock, and doesn't break the bank should you decide to go another route in the future. I started with that lift and have no regrets. My only regret was reading into the lifts too much driving myself nuts.
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Trinity, NC
I have the Teraflex 2.5" lift with shocks, but it was already installed when I purchased it used with only 4k miles, but it has actually raised it over 2.5". I'm having a handling issue due to the lift, but I have ordered Teraflex Flex Lower Control Arms to increase the caster angle, so hopefully that problem will be solved soon. I'm not sure that's not the reason the previous owner traded it in. Their lost my gain!
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,665
Likes: 4
From: Hammond Louisiana
See FAQ....
Suspension
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...72&postcount=2
Body
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...78&postcount=6
Suspension
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...72&postcount=2
Body
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...78&postcount=6
JK Super Freak
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 5
From: Lawrenceville, NJ
Ok,
So I really want to put a lift on my jeep, but I'm not really that familiar with them. From what I've read it looks like Teraflex is the most recomended, and Northridge has some really good prices on them right now.
So, here's where my lack of knowledge comes in.
What is the real difference between a body lift and a suspension lift?
What are the benefits/drawbacks of each?
Can they be done independently of each other?
For a 2.5" lift, are there any other modifications/additions that should be made in conjunction with the lift?
Thanks for any input.
James
So I really want to put a lift on my jeep, but I'm not really that familiar with them. From what I've read it looks like Teraflex is the most recomended, and Northridge has some really good prices on them right now.
So, here's where my lack of knowledge comes in.
What is the real difference between a body lift and a suspension lift?
What are the benefits/drawbacks of each?
Can they be done independently of each other?
For a 2.5" lift, are there any other modifications/additions that should be made in conjunction with the lift?
Thanks for any input.
James
LOL
OK,
A Body Lift (BL) just lifts the body up higher off the frame, think "thicker body mounts".
The primary reason for doing this is to fit larger tires, as lifting the BODY raises the FENDERS out of the way to make room.
A BL can improve approach and departure angle for the parts attached to the body, but not for those attached to the frame.
A BL does not raise your Center of Gravity (COG) enough to notice, as the body is light (A few hundred lb) compared to the frame (A few THOUSAND lb).
------------
A Suspension Lift (SL) increases your ride height by making the frame sit higher above the axles (Think "taller springs").
The primary reason for doing this is to increase ground clearance for the frame, and it also improves the approach and departure angles for all parts of the frame INCLUDING the body, etc...
...but it does NOT increase clearance for the axles, diffs, etc...that are NOT held up by the suspension.
An SL does increase the COG enough to notice, as the the frame weighs a few thousand lb, and includes the body as well.
------------
Larger tires DO increase your ground clearance at the diffs, etc...as well as approach, departure and so forth, as the tires raise the ENTIRE jeep, not just the body or just the frame, etc.
-----------
The BEST way to get room for larger tires is to get the fenders out of the way, a BL is the most popular route, but simply removing the fenders works too.
Using ONLY a SL to make room for tires means you're going to have the larger tires rise to the same point under suspension compression, and hit whatever they would have hit WITHOUT a lift.
Most kits include bump stop extensions, which simply stop the tire from rising, robbing you of uptravel/hurting articulation.
For the same sized tire, a BL will allow more uptravel articulation than an SL.
Now, one ADVANTAGE to the SL, and bump stop extensions, is that while the absolute upper travel is capped by the stop, that ALSO means that you can now fit a shock with a longer travel range.
So, if with just a BL you were limited to a 10-11" travel shock for example, with a taller lift, you might fit a 14' travel shock. (And count on the stops to avoid over compressing it).
This does mean that for the same sized tire, you need to raise your COG MORE with an SL than a BL, but, you can potentially increase your overall articulation.
----------------------
You CAN do both, as they do not interfere with each other....and get the best of BOTH worlds.
If its just for tires, the BL is the easiest, least expensive route....and, you can add an SL at any time in the future if desired, and, after you wheeled enough to know what your objectives are.
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JK Freak
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 607
Likes: 0
From: West Tennessee
LOL
OK,
A Body Lift (BL) just lifts the body up higher off the frame, think "thicker body mounts".
The primary reason for doing this is to fit larger tires, as lifting the BODY raises the FENDERS out of the way to make room.
A BL can improve approach and departure angle for the parts attached to the body, but not for those attached to the frame.
A BL does not raise your Center of Gravity (COG) enough to notice, as the body is light (A few hundred lb) compared to the frame (A few THOUSAND lb).
------------
A Suspension Lift (SL) increases your ride height by making the frame sit higher above the axles (Think "taller springs").
The primary reason for doing this is to increase ground clearance for the frame, and it also improves the approach and departure angles for all parts of the frame INCLUDING the body, etc...
...but it does NOT increase clearance for the axles, diffs, etc...that are NOT held up by the suspension.
An SL does increase the COG enough to notice, as the the frame weighs a few thousand lb, and includes the body as well.
------------
Larger tires DO increase your ground clearance at the diffs, etc...as well as approach, departure and so forth, as the tires raise the ENTIRE jeep, not just the body or just the frame, etc.
-----------
The BEST way to get room for larger tires is to get the fenders out of the way, a BL is the most popular route, but simply removing the fenders works too.
Using ONLY a SL to make room for tires means you're going to have the larger tires rise to the same point under suspension compression, and hit whatever they would have hit WITHOUT a lift.
Most kits include bump stop extensions, which simply stop the tire from rising, robbing you of uptravel/hurting articulation.
For the same sized tire, a BL will allow more uptravel articulation than an SL.
Now, one ADVANTAGE to the SL, and bump stop extensions, is that while the absolute upper travel is capped by the stop, that ALSO means that you can now fit a shock with a longer travel range.
So, if with just a BL you were limited to a 10-11" travel shock for example, with a taller lift, you might fit a 14' travel shock. (And count on the stops to avoid over compressing it).
This does mean that for the same sized tire, you need to raise your COG MORE with an SL than a BL, but, you can potentially increase your overall articulation.
----------------------
You CAN do both, as they do not interfere with each other....and get the best of BOTH worlds.
If its just for tires, the BL is the easiest, least expensive route....and, you can add an SL at any time in the future if desired, and, after you wheeled enough to know what your objectives are.
OK,
A Body Lift (BL) just lifts the body up higher off the frame, think "thicker body mounts".
The primary reason for doing this is to fit larger tires, as lifting the BODY raises the FENDERS out of the way to make room.
A BL can improve approach and departure angle for the parts attached to the body, but not for those attached to the frame.
A BL does not raise your Center of Gravity (COG) enough to notice, as the body is light (A few hundred lb) compared to the frame (A few THOUSAND lb).
------------
A Suspension Lift (SL) increases your ride height by making the frame sit higher above the axles (Think "taller springs").
The primary reason for doing this is to increase ground clearance for the frame, and it also improves the approach and departure angles for all parts of the frame INCLUDING the body, etc...
...but it does NOT increase clearance for the axles, diffs, etc...that are NOT held up by the suspension.
An SL does increase the COG enough to notice, as the the frame weighs a few thousand lb, and includes the body as well.
------------
Larger tires DO increase your ground clearance at the diffs, etc...as well as approach, departure and so forth, as the tires raise the ENTIRE jeep, not just the body or just the frame, etc.
-----------
The BEST way to get room for larger tires is to get the fenders out of the way, a BL is the most popular route, but simply removing the fenders works too.
Using ONLY a SL to make room for tires means you're going to have the larger tires rise to the same point under suspension compression, and hit whatever they would have hit WITHOUT a lift.
Most kits include bump stop extensions, which simply stop the tire from rising, robbing you of uptravel/hurting articulation.
For the same sized tire, a BL will allow more uptravel articulation than an SL.
Now, one ADVANTAGE to the SL, and bump stop extensions, is that while the absolute upper travel is capped by the stop, that ALSO means that you can now fit a shock with a longer travel range.
So, if with just a BL you were limited to a 10-11" travel shock for example, with a taller lift, you might fit a 14' travel shock. (And count on the stops to avoid over compressing it).
This does mean that for the same sized tire, you need to raise your COG MORE with an SL than a BL, but, you can potentially increase your overall articulation.
----------------------
You CAN do both, as they do not interfere with each other....and get the best of BOTH worlds.
If its just for tires, the BL is the easiest, least expensive route....and, you can add an SL at any time in the future if desired, and, after you wheeled enough to know what your objectives are.
JK Junkie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 0
From: HAWAII
LOL
You CAN do both, as they do not interfere with each other....and get the best of BOTH worlds. If its just for tires, the BL is the easiest, least expensive route....and, you can add an SL at any time in the future if desired, and, after you wheeled enough to know what your objectives are.
You CAN do both, as they do not interfere with each other....and get the best of BOTH worlds.
If its just for tires, the BL is the easiest, least expensive route....and, you can add an SL at any time in the future if desired, and, after you wheeled enough to know what your objectives are.
This is the route I took I first added the 1" BL so that I could have a little clearance for my 33s, then thereafter I added the 2.5" TF coil lift so now I can run 35s...Just waiting for the GY MT/R kevlars to be in stock so that I can order them 