Ok so while I'm very well versed in stock Jeeps and options, etc. I am definitely far from an expert on JK lifts and their manners on and off the road.

I will be daily driving my Rubicon (6 Speed Manual 2 doors) and will be wheeling it probably 1-2 times per week and 1-2 times a year to Rausch Creek with my bosses and their lifted Unlimiteds. I also do not plan to regear the truck.

My driving habits: I drive the Jeep like a sports car on the road (very skillfully i may add ) and in 4L offroad for the most part.

I'm thinking 3.5 AEV, 315/70/17 Duratracs
Anyone have any reason that wouldn't be the best option for me?

 

if thats what you feel you need go for it. there are many ways to run that size tire but 3.5" of lift is more ten you need.

 

I have their 2.5" lift with 285/75/17's and I absolutely love it. It will give you all the on road handling you want. As for rock crawling it will work but there is better options if need need a lot of flex. Also I would plan to re-gear. It will be ok at first but the lack of power will become a problem.

 

Thedirtman has a great sticky on the modified section about lifts sizes tire size etc. One thing you didn't mention was shocks. If you truly drive it like a sports car but also want great off road handling you may want to look at adjustable shocks. I drive mine aggressively on curvy mountain roads that are part of my commute. I have the King adjustables and dial them pretty stiff for the road to prevent body lean. Off road I dial them down to one of the softer settings. It does take some experimenting on what works for you.

 

I have a 12 2dr rubi and have a 2.5 inch lift with 315s on it. I have had no issues on or off road. With only 2.5 inches of lift you stay away from many other issues a larger lift brings. X2 on Dirtman's sticky on lifts.....

 

If you go to 315s plan on lifting at least 2.5" AND new wheels for the added back spacing. If you lift much over 2" you need other modes such as exhaust crossover and maybe new drive shafts.

With 3i5s you might also want gussets and sleeves plus heavier ball joints. Big tires on a stick (compared to auto) are rougher on the drive train, from the transfer case to the u-joints, because there is no give like an auto.

I would not go bigger than necessary. Once you start down that road you can never turn back. 285s are a great size for a 2 door.

 

You say you drive it like a sports car, a 3.5 with taller tired will greatly affect your COG. I would stick with a 3.5, and if you plan to wheel at Rausch often, the AEV might not be your best option.
You will eventually want to regear also, sooner rather than later I'm willing to bet, even though those Duratracs aren't the tallest 35's out there.

 

Lots of good stuff in this thread... https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...-lifts-288269/

 

I've got the 2" budget boost from skyjacker and the 1.25" body lift form rough country and running 35's and still crank about 80-85 on the highway

 

Pics please anybody?