New here, lift help please.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
New shocks vs adapters is a preference. If you are happy with your shocks, get adapters. If you feel like moving to a better/longer shock, then start looking through any of the other shock comparison threads.
Wheel spacers will depend on tire height, tire width, lift height, flare type, bumpstop length, whatever else. There is info in both of the sticky threads. Once you decide on a specific tire in a specific size, do a search to find the approximate 'actual' size of that tire. (the same stated size could be an inch or more different from one mfg to the next, so just understand that there could be more to it than just saying a 33" or 35")
Have you considered installing yourself? There are how-to's with steps and pics on this site, and plenty of people to give opinions and feedback, and there is even a Staging Area that is broken down into geographical areas. Wouldn't be a bad idea to post there and get to know some locals, and maybe see if there are any install parties coming up. (ya know, a group of people getting together to install new parts on different people jeeps, or work on something, or just stand around and BS...)
And any misc stuff you may or may not need will depend on what comes with the lift, and how you feel it rides and/or looks. If it doesn't have trackbar brackets or adjustables, and you are anal about having perfectly centered axles, then you might want to add a component. If you find that the steering is a little flightier than you like (since the caster gets lower as the height increases), then look at some form of caster correction. Everyone will have their own opinion on whether something would be needed or not, but it's your jeep and you will be driving it, so you will need to decide for yourself.
Wheel spacers will depend on tire height, tire width, lift height, flare type, bumpstop length, whatever else. There is info in both of the sticky threads. Once you decide on a specific tire in a specific size, do a search to find the approximate 'actual' size of that tire. (the same stated size could be an inch or more different from one mfg to the next, so just understand that there could be more to it than just saying a 33" or 35")
Have you considered installing yourself? There are how-to's with steps and pics on this site, and plenty of people to give opinions and feedback, and there is even a Staging Area that is broken down into geographical areas. Wouldn't be a bad idea to post there and get to know some locals, and maybe see if there are any install parties coming up. (ya know, a group of people getting together to install new parts on different people jeeps, or work on something, or just stand around and BS...)
And any misc stuff you may or may not need will depend on what comes with the lift, and how you feel it rides and/or looks. If it doesn't have trackbar brackets or adjustables, and you are anal about having perfectly centered axles, then you might want to add a component. If you find that the steering is a little flightier than you like (since the caster gets lower as the height increases), then look at some form of caster correction. Everyone will have their own opinion on whether something would be needed or not, but it's your jeep and you will be driving it, so you will need to decide for yourself.
Last edited by nthinuf; Feb 14, 2014 at 07:17 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 348
Likes: 3
From: Boise, Idaho
Hello all, havent been around for a while.
I had a 2dr JK a few years ago, and I sold it for something with better mpg. Ever since then I’ve been really regretting it and wanting it back so bad, screw the mpgs.
I’ve been contemplating getting a JKU, but I don’t like the stock look. Went in to the dealer to get a feel, of course there was an already lifted (w/ upgraded wheels/tires) JKU on the floor, and I inquired about it. After they told me they could add it to my Jeep of choice at their cost ($8500) I literally laughed in front of him while explaining it should cost less than half of that. I’m aware the warranty issue is a scam too.
I am a complete noob with lifts. My question is this: If I buy a stock JKU sport, and then order everything online, lift/tires/wheels, what all do I need to get, and what are reputable retailers?
My mechanic, whom I trust, said he would install it, I just want to make sure I have everything to get the job done. I would like 2.5”-3" lift, with 33-35” tires (leaning toward 3" x 35" setup). It’d be primarily city driving, so it’d be cosmetic more than anything. But occasionally I would take it out to the country and hit the hills.
Advantages, I assume, of having the dealer do it would be the tire sensors still functional, odometer/speedometer calibrations. It worries me having a mechanic install considering that. Also, do I need to worry about regearing, upgrading brakes etc?
Sorry for the long post, basically can someone recommend a good set up?
Thanks everyone! Excited to return to the Jeep world, can't believe I ever left.
I had a 2dr JK a few years ago, and I sold it for something with better mpg. Ever since then I’ve been really regretting it and wanting it back so bad, screw the mpgs.
I’ve been contemplating getting a JKU, but I don’t like the stock look. Went in to the dealer to get a feel, of course there was an already lifted (w/ upgraded wheels/tires) JKU on the floor, and I inquired about it. After they told me they could add it to my Jeep of choice at their cost ($8500) I literally laughed in front of him while explaining it should cost less than half of that. I’m aware the warranty issue is a scam too.
I am a complete noob with lifts. My question is this: If I buy a stock JKU sport, and then order everything online, lift/tires/wheels, what all do I need to get, and what are reputable retailers?
My mechanic, whom I trust, said he would install it, I just want to make sure I have everything to get the job done. I would like 2.5”-3" lift, with 33-35” tires (leaning toward 3" x 35" setup). It’d be primarily city driving, so it’d be cosmetic more than anything. But occasionally I would take it out to the country and hit the hills.
Advantages, I assume, of having the dealer do it would be the tire sensors still functional, odometer/speedometer calibrations. It worries me having a mechanic install considering that. Also, do I need to worry about regearing, upgrading brakes etc?
Sorry for the long post, basically can someone recommend a good set up?
Thanks everyone! Excited to return to the Jeep world, can't believe I ever left.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Joliet Illinois
If most of your build is cosmetic I have a suggestion. When I bought my 2 dr I was told by the sales manager (who has a lifted wrangler himself and was a wealth of knowledge) that in stock form you can fit a 33 inch tire. With that being said to fit a 35 in tire you only need another inch of clearance. You can pick up a 1.25 inch body lift for $100. Use the money intended for the lift on gears. For a daily driver your driveline stays stock and you get your look. Do your research on lifts while saving your pennies and if you still want that lift ( or start off roading more) than buy your suspension lift. I run 35 inch KM2's on a 2 inch suspension lift by Old Man Emu.
I PM'd you some other people to talk to talk to.
I PM'd you some other people to talk to talk to.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 0
From: 54° 4.5' N 123° 7' W
After perusing these forums for hours on end (day off well spent) I have concerns about 35s on 3.21. I just think 33's look a bit small. A re-gear is not in my budget anytime soon.
I am going to have a mechanic do the full lift install. Could anyone on here be so kind as to give me a list of everything I need to bring him. Teraflex no shocks, w/ adapters, or with shocks?
Also can anyone recommend a good 35 wheel/tire combo?
Do I need spacers, any misc stuff? Or can I just show up at the mechanic with the lift kit, wheels/tires?
Thanks!
I am going to have a mechanic do the full lift install. Could anyone on here be so kind as to give me a list of everything I need to bring him. Teraflex no shocks, w/ adapters, or with shocks?
Also can anyone recommend a good 35 wheel/tire combo?
Do I need spacers, any misc stuff? Or can I just show up at the mechanic with the lift kit, wheels/tires?
Thanks!
i would also really recommend that you give some thought to trying to install it yourself also. You really learn a lot. Took my son and I around a day to do it.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
I am going to go with the TeraFlex BB 2.5" w/ shock adapters. Will that be ok with stock JKU SPORT shocks?
Tires I'm looking at are Tire Details - Discount Tire
Wheels I'm looking at are Wheel Details - Discount Tire
Are those compatible? Wheel spacers needed?
All together is that a decent set up?
Is the BB just install and go, or is there more that needs to be done?? I've been reading a lot on here about adjustable front track bar, bump stop extensions and the front drive shaft.
Tires I'm looking at are Tire Details - Discount Tire
Wheels I'm looking at are Wheel Details - Discount Tire
Are those compatible? Wheel spacers needed?
All together is that a decent set up?
Is the BB just install and go, or is there more that needs to be done?? I've been reading a lot on here about adjustable front track bar, bump stop extensions and the front drive shaft.
