Hi guys & gals, I just got my JK last week and already looking into lift kits. this is driving me nuts as with my CJ you swapped some springs, shocks a few other bits and BAM it was in the air and big rubber underneath. Now the JK's have brackets, long arms, radius arms, coils springs etc etc and trying to decide on the right kit will make you nuts.
So, my questions is this...
What seems to be the kits most people use Nth degree, Rubicon Express, Skyjacker, Trailmaster etc and which seems to work best.
I eventually would like at least 3.5 or 4.5 inch lift, looking to run 35" or 37" tires. also will those tire be ok with the 3.73 gearing or will it just suck the life out of the 3.8. On my CJ I ran 33's with 4.10 gears.
Thanks in advance for any info.
BTW I have an Unlimited X, 6 sp with 3.73 gears

 

for starters I wouldnt use any of the ones you mention, I'd make sure you get adjustable control arms with whatever lift you go with

 

Welcome to forum, when you get a chance, download the 2009 TeraFlex catalog from my sig line below. If you have any questions about lifting a JK, give me a call.

Joe

 

I went 4 inch LCG Teraflex LA. Love it. Call Joe. I ordered mine from Alpha Expedition. David and Joe from both companies gave me great service and answered all my questions.

 

Well you have a few problems with your tire size choices... For one, a Jeep with 3.73 gears and 35s will dog it a bit, and it would be even worse with 37s. Also, judging by your gears you do not have a Rubicon, which means you do not have a front D44. Now you can beef up a D30 and run 35s no problem on the trail, but no matter what you do, a 37 will ruin that D30 easily... So in my opinion, I would go with 35s. It would prevent you from having to buy and install a front D44 and shouldn't be TOO bad if you don't plan on regearing.

 

Zap what you say seems to make sense but there hasnt been much reporting of breakage to the dana 30 on the forum here. I cant recall anyone saying theirs broke because of 37's or 35's for that mater, not to say it hasnt happened, but I think alot will depend how its wheeled, he can also put some cgussets on it, skids, axle truss and I bet he'll be as good as a 44, they are the same tubes, the new generation dana30 is better then the old I believe. As far as the gearing I'm not sure he has 3.73 though, I thought all the new 6spds have 3.21 the auto's have 3.73.

here is thread asking about dana 30 breakage https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-talk-26/whos-blown-up-there-dana-30-front-axle-due-mods-stupidity-good-times-85779/

 

Don't do it!!! It will spread a disease that will magicly empty your checking account. Symptoms are a grumpy wife, dirty clothes, and the JK tends to continue to keep growing at a sometimes exponential rate!!!!!!!

 

Well I guess I stand somewhat corrected lol It's just that something tells me that if you didn't take it easy with 37s that you would be in a bit of trouble in a serious off road situation... But obviously there is no proof so far, so I will keep my hypothetical mouth shut As for the gears, he mentioned 3.73s so I took his word for it.

 

It's the small size of the ring & pinion on the D30's (compared to the size of the D44's) that people are concerned with. Yes, you can get shafts and gussets and tubes and trusses, but a tiny r&p is a tiny r&p, which you have just made into the 'weak' link in the drivetrain.

I have pretty much decided to run my 30 un-modded, and will move up to a 44 or 60 if/when it breaks. But for now, it is working just fine for me.

 

OMG not another one