Hi, i have a 2010 Unlimited Sahara that has an AEV 2in spacer system on it, it was already installed when i bought it, i have been thinking about upgrading to either a 2.5 or 3in teraflex lift kit, i don't do much offroading and it's my daily driver, will i notice a difference when going to a real lift kit versus a spacer lift, it has the stock shocks on it and i have been wanting to change them to bilsteins 5100 but thought of maybe doing the complete change if i was gonna do the shocks. What are your thoughts on it?

 

Leave it as is. More lift means more issues to deal with. You'll want to adjust the caster and need control arms or geo brackets. You really don't gain anything at all but more work. If you were going to wheel it pretty hard, then there's more to consider.

 

If your set on wanting the height, get a real lift. you will just have less problems with it later. Even if you don't wheel, it still needs to be safe on the road. 3.5" lift should require steering drag link flip as well. probably the biggest cost between most 2.5 and 3.5 systems IMO. you would only need geo correction brackets to correct the caster; about an hour of work there. If its a hobby for you like it is me, your always looking for an excuse to do something to it anyways so the installation probably isn't deterring you? I assume your wanting to run 35s and I highly recommend C gussets on the front axle. worth every penny and I started with a Dana 44. I noticed the added stiffness instantly.

As far as driveablility, in crosswinds at speed your not going to like it taller; it's going to be much more effected by the wind in any direction really. All bumps and dips in the road will be more exaggerated because the top of the jeep will sway ever so slightly farther because its taller, and it is a lot more noticeable while driving than you would expect. My Rubi is at stock height, my folks' Rubi have an AEV 3.5 lift with the drag link flipped. Both are running 35s, both have 4.10 gears. If my dad were doing it again, he would've done the 2.5 system.


Minimum, I would do trackbar brackets front and rear, C gussets, geo correction brackets, brake line extensions, and sway bar links, taller shocks, along with however you choose to add height, either coils or spacers.
if you go 3.5, I would add a drag link flip kit.

 

thanks for the info, i already have 35s on it, you are right that i'm always looking for an excuse to do something to it, i really was leaning towards a 2.5 lift but since i have a 2in spacer and its only 1/2in more with the lift kit will it be noticeable? also if i just leave the spacer lift on it can i just add taller shocks if so what is your recommendation?

 

If you were to add only 1/2 in of height to your suspension and nothing else then I would agree with Invest2m4 and leave it as it is. However, if you were to invest in a more complete suspension system then there would be a few things you would notice on and off road. Lets start with some basics. A quality progressive rate coil spring will give you a better ride especially when you add weight like bumpers, winches, tire carriers, ect. to your rig if they aren't already there. Adjustable control arms will allow you to dial things like caster, pinion angle, and thrust angles back to where they are supposed to be in turn making a more predictable, better handling and performing jeep on and off road. Adjustable track bars/brackets will allow you to recenter your axles under your jeep and can give you a better roll center again contributing to better ride and control of the jeep. Shocks can greatly improve the ride of your jeep as well and getting the appropriate length shock to match your suspension will give you the travel you may want off road. Depending on how "complete" of a lift you do depends on how noticeable it will be. At a minimum, we would recommend doing a kit that will allow you to correct your caster and recenter your axles. You can always start out with a basic kit and add to it down the line if you so desire. Feel free to PM us if you would like a price on anything at all or any other advise. If you ever wanted to come down to our shop and go through a few things first hand let us know being as how we are pretty local to you.

 

Most Jeeps I've read about with a 2.5 lift will see about 3" of total lift, unless you have full bumpers and several accesories. If you have a couple jacks, jack up the frame till you measure about .75-1" of lift and see what you think. I plan on wheeling mine every chance I get, so I will eventually put on a 2.5. Really it's all in what you want to do; I don't know what your money situation is.. If your shocks are too long (and I don't know what the limit is) and if you manage to get a tire in the air the spring/spacer can fall out, which is why lift springs are so much longer at free length.


I guess if your really happy with how it drives, I wouldn't change it. If you just want to make it drive better, I would add C gussets and geometry correction brackets (I would do those anyways). And if you buy longer shocks you should get brake line bracket extensions as a precaution. If you just want the extra height, do it right or you won't be happy with how it will drive afterwards. You're really at the limit of having to do track bar brackets and caster correction brackets at your current height.

 

The difference between a 2 inch spacer lift and a quality 2.5 "complete" coil lift is a significant change. The coil lift is an excellent upgrade, not a cheap upgrade for sure. My daughter had a 2 inch spacer lift and we swapped to a 2 inch coil lift. Same advertised height but the coils are higher .. even with steel bumpers and rocker armor it got 3 inches. Articulation, ride quality and look were all enhanced. Definitely time and money well spent. More lift can lead to complications, but at 2.5 on a 4 door...nahhhhh. I guess I'm the voice of dissent here....I say go for it. I run a 2.5 RK X-Factor on a 2 door and love it. It's my DD and I wheel it often. Yes you will notice a difference when going to coils and yes you will notice a difference with a quality shock.

 

Thanks for the info, that was exactly the info I was looking for.