I have been searching through this site and all over the web and need some advice...I would like a lift kit for 08 Rubi Unlimited. I have been working with a good shop here in Suffolk, VA, and am stuck between a ProComp 4" or going all out on the AEV kit.

Main concern is daily driving quality...I get to wheel about once a month and will probably never do anything extreme like Moab, but I also want a kit that will not break on the trail!

Someone, anyone, please enlighten me! Which of these two kits would make the best use of my money!? Thanks for the input!

 

The AEV kit lacks control arms, which seem to be the undeniably best parts of a comfortable tight suspension system. I would look at something more like this from Teraflex:

http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...rod=TF-1256200

3" with front lowers and rear uppers. Seems very nice, and you can probably get a killer deal from Northridge on it. Call/PM/Email for help, his name is Dave.

 

Start with these two in the FAQ's:

Q: What are all the components that I will need with a 3" lift?
Q: What are all the components that I will need with a 4" lift?

Compare the suggested components to what is included in the kits you are looking at. If any parts are missing from the kit, decide if you need to add it, or if it is something you can live without. (at least for a while). Pay attention to the cautions on driveshafts!! The best advice anyone can give you is 'look past the cheap price tag and compare the components'...

This one is important also:
Q: What is Caster? How much do I need?

Does the kit you are looking at let you adjust caster? No adjustment? Cam Bolts? New 'fixed' arms? Adjustable arms? (Do a search on cam bolts before you have them installed!!)

Just do some research to make sure you getting a lift you'll be happy with. Do it right the first time, instead of constantly adding and replacing and fixing because you went cheap...

 

Thanks all for the info! Certainly you all are more in the know than I am at this point! I agree as well that I should probably make sure this is done right the first time! I was pitched the ProComp kit and while I still can not talk intelligently about these issues, it made me pause when I saw the difference in price along with all the strong opinions scattered about the web! Any amount of money in this range is a big deal for me so I think I may continue to research and save my pennies!

 

I went through Dave at Northridge. During the Scratch and Dent sale hosted on the forum, I saw the OME long travel shocks on sale. I sent a PM to Dave and got the 3.5" Rubicon Express standard lift, it comes with a front adjustable track bar. I added the JKS rear adjustable track bar, along with the OME LTs, and got it out the door for under a grand. Dave is about an hour's drive for us. So, we went it up Monday and got it. He's a great guy. All over this forum, and, true to his word. I'll buy from him 1st from now on.

Bob K.

 

I'm not sure why you want a lift that large if you're not going to offroad much, but whatever you decide, do not choose a lift kit based on price. You may see two different 4" lift kits with surprisingly different prices. This is because some come with more or less of the major components needed for a lift of this height. If you want a 4" or greater lift kit, make sure it comes with control arms (flex arms), driveshafts, and track bars. Many of the less expensive ones do not. (Make sure to read the links posted above by inthinuf regarding necessary components.)
I have always received top notch service from both Northridge 4x4 and Teraflex. I would always recommend buying Teraflex from Dave at Northridge. A lot of people on this site love there products. Its not the cheapest, but there is a reaon why many have it. It is a great product.
...and welcome to the forum!

 

I hear ya! I think I may forego the 4" lift and look at a levelling kit and when the stock tires need to be replaced just going with some 33"s...seems like the easier thing to do. Plus, at this point, my skill and interest is not high enough to justify this significant an expense and I do not want to ruin my JK with a cheaper kit just to say I have it!

 

One more thing...what about a levelling kit...something to bring the front even with the back? I honestly just do not like the look and that would be something I would like to change sooner than later if it is not as major a job than an all out suspension swap! Any thoughts or advice? What to get or where to get it?! You all rock, thanks for the help. I posted some pics in case you wanted to see!?

 

Any of the BB's would be fine. As mentioned earlier, just be sure to check the components included. Some are more 'complete' than others.

Here are two decent options from TF. (you have the option of no shocks, extension brackets for stock shocks, or new longer shocks)

2.5" BB
http://www.teraflex.biz/products/jk-...get-boost.html

Leveling Kit - 2" front 1" rear
http://www.teraflex.biz/products/jk-...eling-kit.html