Wife and I picked up our first Jeep last summer - it's a 2013 JKU. Limited specs, but from what I can tell it came with - winch, front and rear Smittybilt XRC bumpers, upgraded rear tire carrier, 33" duratracs, and what appears to be a 2" spacer lift.

For the lift, I'm guessing it's a 2" as there are pucks on top of all the springs and the front shocks have an extension bracket that is exactly 2" long eyelet to eyelet.

However, based on the stock JK dimension of 18.5" from the centre of shock bolt to bottom side of shock tower, mine only measures 19". The springs appear to be stock from what I can tell - does it make sense that a 2" spacer lift would only net 0.5" lift based on all that added weight?

I am planning to get a RK 1.5" lift with their triple rate springs later this year, but the shocks are in need of replacement now. Question is: can I purchase the Fox 2.0 adjustable reservoir shocks in the 1.5" - 3.5" variant given my current lift is only 0.5"? Are there other measurements I could take to ensure they'd fit until I upgrade the rest of the system? I'm guessing it should be fine as the shocks go from 15.2" to 24.8", so clearly they should fit within the 19" I currently have. Anything else I should know would be greatly appreciated, still very new, but doing lots of research!

 

Welcome. If you have a 2" spacer lift then the new shocks will work ok as they say 1.5 to 3". I would go with the Metal Cloak, Synergy or similar top brand of lift as opposed to RK. Not much difference in cost and you need to adjust for caster anyway so why not use the good stuff.

 

Appreciate the response, thanks! That's what I figured, I was just curious since the actual lift only ended up being 0.5".

My thought was to piece together a kit somewhat. For example, I was looking at Clayton or Metal Cloak for most of the parts (control arms, sway bar links, various hardware/spacers/bump stops/etc.), Steersmarts for certain components they appear to do really well on (track bars, tie rod, drag link, sector shaft brace) and RK just for the springs because I like the reviews on their triple rate springs and like the fact that they offer a 1.5" spring - we don't want a massive lift as we don't need the clearance and would only ever run up to 35's on this.

None of that is set in stone however, I'm still in the research and learning part of this and obviously don't have any brand loyalty or fan boyism to anything just yet.

 

I just installed a Metal Cloak game changer 2.5 and it makes a world of difference in the way it drives over stock. It came with everything I needed. Not sure how much I gained with the lift cause I failed to measure the before and after. I do know it gained some cause at 5’9 it takes a bit more effort to get in.😄

 

With ~10yo factory springs and all that added weight, I could see not netting that much additional lift even though you have 2" spacers in there. At the very least I think it's within the realm of reason.

There's really no problem with you replacing the shocks now. On road you're never going hit those extended or collapsed limits so it's nbd. If you are planning to really go flex it out offroad just make sure you have appropriate bumpstops and limiting straps if necessary.

I personally don't think those shocks are going to be worth your money. I have run Fox 2.0 monotube shocks in the past and currently run 2.0 reservoir shocks that are not adjustable. I only run those now because my build is just not typical and the lengths were the best option for me. They are really no better than what I had before as far as performance or anything IMO, but they cost a lot more $$. Fox shocks run pretty stiff so you either like those or not. I think when it comes down to it though most people aren't adjusting things.....so they pay a lot for that feature and don't really use it. I'd probably stick with a nice monotube myself. Have you considered the adjustable Ranchos?

I think your logic on picking parts makes some sense. MC lifts are meant for fully built and armored rigs and often net more lift than stated for the springs. If you're just looking for 1.5" or so then their springs wouldn't be your cup of tea. I've run RK springs for 9 years now. They are what they are. I don't live in the rust belt so this doesn't bother me, but they have terrible powder coating IMO.

I'd suggest to you that SteerSmarts stuff is fine, but also overpriced IMO. MC has a great TR, TB, and DL IMO and they are priced reasonably.

 

Thanks again everyone for the replies and insights, it's all very helpful and appreciated!

Since I'm piecing together a lift and installing it in stages as I go, is there quick and dirty maths on how to calculate the bump stops and limiting straps I'd need so I don't ruin these new shocks? I don't want to have to mess with moving/extending the brake lines just yet, so I don't want things extending beyond that limit, and obviously don't want them bottoming out either.

I obviously know how much room is there with my current springs and will know the min and max length of the shocks - I'm guessing based on that there are suggestions for bump stops and limiting straps?