I want something that's versatile but not extreme.......

Go with a Teraflex 2.5" coil lift (with shock adapters to keep the stock shocks, or upgrade to Teraflex or other shocks) - versatile and not too extreme. I've had their 2.5" lift on my daily driver with 35s for 4yrs and very happy, no issues, easy home install, and Teraflex have great prices and great support. No need to change the stock driveshaft and can keep stock fenders with 35s.

 

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

Was eyeing that kit and the TF Budget Boost with shocks. If I had a Rubicon, I'd probably ride out using stock shocks. W/the Sport suspension, I'd probably get shocks with the lift...it just seems like the wise thing to do. For the <$250 price difference, is it a no-brainer to go w/the TF 2.5" coil lift + shocks rather than the TF BB kit + shocks? Pros vs. Cons?

 

I'm going to be a newb and bump this back up after some more research and thinking on the subject.

I don't want to do driveshafts either if I can help it (again, trying not to spend an arm and a leg on the daily driver...have another project that needs attention). The Jeep is my DD and sees mostly highway miles. Never wheeled before, but would love to hit a couple mild/beginner trails sometime after lifting. Even after the lift, the JK would still see 90-95% highway/on-road use. Yes yes, I'm admitting it's getting lifted mostly for looks (hold back the mall crawler comments )

If I don't want to touch the driveshafts AND retain the least chance of issues, is it best to go with a 2.5 coil/shock kit, or a budget boost? I've been considering the AEV 2.5" kit since I hear it's very highway-friendly, or the TF 2.5" kit since it's so highly regarded on here.

 

I have a TF kit (2" front / 1" rear spacers) with bushwacker flats and 315/70/R17s. Hopefullythis will give you an idea of what this setup may look like on your rig. Mine's a DD and I really like it. I am using stock rubicon suspension components btw. Feels like stock in terms of handling and ride comfort. This is my first jeep and 4x4 in general too!

 

Thanks for the pics. I appreciate it.

Rethinking this yet again, I may go with the AEV 2" spacer kit and eventually add some longer shocks (Bilstein 5100 maybe?) until I figure out what I really want to do with the JK. I figure that gives me time to save my pennies to allow me to go "all out" should I decide to...adding 35s, a full lift kit, and upgrade the axles and driveshafts as needed.

Since I've never been to a trail, I can't see making the Jeep look big and tough, only to have it not be able to live up to its looks the first time I venture out on a trail (e.g. 35's and a nice lift on the stock D30) or worse yet, have to think about my every move for fear of breaking something that I knew I should have upgraded all along.