Newb question: Lift or level??
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Gate City, VA
Newb question: Lift or level??
Hello everyone, I am somewhat new to the JK, I have a 2009 2dr Rubicon that is bone stock. This is my first jeep since the 77 CJ-5 I got rid of a couple of years ago. Anyway, my JK is a daily driver, I wheel on occasion but nothing too extreme. I am looking to replace the factory plastic bumpers with some aftermarket steel ones. From reading dozens of other posts on here, I understand that once I put heavier bumpers on, it will cause my suspension to sag from the extra weight. My question is this, when I put on aftermarket bumpers, to level out the Jeep should I:
1) Purchase a leveling kit
2) Purchase a BB kit
3) Purchase a coil lift kit
I have been looking at Teraflex products, and from what I have read on here they make quality products. Up to 2.5" is as high as I want to go. Also, if adding any of the above, will it require me to replace any other suspension components (drive lines, trackbar, etc.)? I have the lifetime powertrain warranty and want to keep it valid. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
1) Purchase a leveling kit
2) Purchase a BB kit
3) Purchase a coil lift kit
I have been looking at Teraflex products, and from what I have read on here they make quality products. Up to 2.5" is as high as I want to go. Also, if adding any of the above, will it require me to replace any other suspension components (drive lines, trackbar, etc.)? I have the lifetime powertrain warranty and want to keep it valid. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: MA
I would go with the larger coils and use spacers to level the front as needed when you are done adding weight to the front end. If you go with a BB, you will most likely be taking it off add adding coils down the road. Once you start, you catch the fever.
As far as needing other parts, I believe anything above 2.5" you will start needing adjustable or extended trac bars or trac bar brackets. The higher you go, the more stuff needs to change.
Another big concern is preventing and overextension of your brake lines with flex, so you may want to correct this as well with a 2.5" lift.
As far as needing other parts, I believe anything above 2.5" you will start needing adjustable or extended trac bars or trac bar brackets. The higher you go, the more stuff needs to change.
Another big concern is preventing and overextension of your brake lines with flex, so you may want to correct this as well with a 2.5" lift.
Last edited by bostonMA; Jul 1, 2009 at 10:30 AM.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, CO
From what I've heard the teraflex kit is complete with everything you NEED. If you're just trying to keep it level, go with some spacers, but if you want to go with bigger tires (33's, 35's) go with the lift. AND even if you get a lift, you may have to end up getting the spacers to level out the front end anyway.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, TN
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Hello everyone, I am somewhat new to the JK, I have a 2009 2dr Rubicon that is bone stock. This is my first jeep since the 77 CJ-5 I got rid of a couple of years ago. Anyway, my JK is a daily driver, I wheel on occasion but nothing too extreme. I am looking to replace the factory plastic bumpers with some aftermarket steel ones. From reading dozens of other posts on here, I understand that once I put heavier bumpers on, it will cause my suspension to sag from the extra weight. My question is this, when I put on aftermarket bumpers, to level out the Jeep should I:
1) Purchase a leveling kit
2) Purchase a BB kit
3) Purchase a coil lift kit
I have been looking at Teraflex products, and from what I have read on here they make quality products. Up to 2.5" is as high as I want to go. Also, if adding any of the above, will it require me to replace any other suspension components (drive lines, trackbar, etc.)? I have the lifetime powertrain warranty and want to keep it valid. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
1) Purchase a leveling kit
2) Purchase a BB kit
3) Purchase a coil lift kit
I have been looking at Teraflex products, and from what I have read on here they make quality products. Up to 2.5" is as high as I want to go. Also, if adding any of the above, will it require me to replace any other suspension components (drive lines, trackbar, etc.)? I have the lifetime powertrain warranty and want to keep it valid. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
