I am very new to the JK world, so please forgive my ignorance---some quick questions on lifts:

1) I understand the difference between a suspension lift and a simple body lift, but what are the pros and cons of both? Does a suspension lift offer more advantages when off-roading?

2) Is a 2.5" lift sufficient to run 35" tires? If so, how does that affect the ride (especially on the highway)?

In short, I'm looking to lift my jeep and make it better suited for off-road travel BUT I'd like to do so on a reasonable budget and I don't want to sacrifice much on-road handling (really do not want to deal with that death wobble bullshit).

So, WHAT IS THE BEST OPTION?

Sorry again for the ignorance but I'd appreciate any and all advice. Thanks.

 

Suspensions will allow more travel body lift will just clear larger tires. 2.5 would clear your 35s

 

Since you are new I'll give you this advice. What your looking to do is going to snowball into all kinds of money needed to be spent . Trust me. Lower your expectations a little for now and go with a budget boost lift and 33 inch tires. Then as you progress in your off road capabilities then start thinking about a bigger loft and tires.

 

Teraflex makes a great kit just my opinion. Welcome to the forum

 

1. the pros of a suspension lift is that it will not only "lift" your jeep higher off the ground, it will also provide better articulation when off roading. the cons of a suspension lift is that it costs more and sometimes a lot more to do right. the pros of a body lift is that it's cheap - dirt cheap and will get you riding on bigger tires. the cons of a body lift is that it does nothing for the performance of your jeep, if you go too tall, you can see the ugly gap between your frame and body and depending on what kind of transmission you have, it can get in the way of the shifter. really, anything more than 1" is too tall.

2. 2.5" of lift will get you clearing 35's - kind of. you'll still have some fender rub when flexing on the trail but, trimming you fenders will fix that. a 1" body lift on top of your lift will do the trick too. this is really not a bad option to look into.

"best" option is to save up your money and do it right the first time. get a nice 3" suspension lift that comes complete with what you really need to dial in your ride.

 

Yup welcome to the forum. I agree with all of the above. Just wanted to add that death wobble is the result of lack of maitenance or improperly torqued bolts. It can even happen stock. A good lift kit won't cause DW.

 

Thanks much for the advice!

 

I am new to off raoding too; Wayoflife has the best advise on this one save your money and purchase a nice 3 to 4 inch lift. I went with rough country enty level 2.5" lift thinking the same thing; not wanting to go to big. I was going to buy 33" tires last week and instead went with the Falken Wild Peak 315/70/17 which messures 34.1. I purchased them from discount tire and was told I would not have an issue with rubbing. took them out for a test today and had to back out of two obsticals because the tire was grapping the fender so bad. I am know trying to figure out what the best solution is going to be. Not real exicted, but am probably going to have to go with the body lift.

When they say you can run 35" with a 2.5" lift they are correct if you stay on the road.

 

Did u install bump stops?

 

Well said WOL... 3" is perfect.

I added 3/4" spacers to my 2.5" Teraflex, adjusted the front trackbar a little and
it rides just fine. Adj control arms would make it perfect.