I am building a DD and sometimes off road 2009 JKU. It is a toy for the most part but ride is important. I want to have a nice stance with functionality when I have a weekend to hit the trails.
I am looking at two different options that I have narrowed it down to. The Rock Krawler 2.5" Flex kit and going with Bilstien 5100 shocks or the JKS 2.5" kit that comes with the Fox shocks. Does anyone have opinion either way. I have heard great things about both systems.


Your thoughts??

 

JKS, for your needs it fits well.
Low maintenance kit, easy install, good components.

RK is quality also, not saying that, but they require some attention and check ups, m

I'm not running either one.

 

looks like the RK comes with lower control arms, and the JKS does not.
RK arms are solid bushing, so, NVH will be more prominent than a kit with rubber bushings.
I like that RK comes with arms, because even at 2.5" the steering will get flighty... maybe not enough to bother you but I hated it (2.5" and stock arms).
The JKS kit does not address caster.
Personally, I would go a different route, but, of the 2 you listed (and trying to keep $ low) I would go JKS as it comes with shocks, and I would buy lower control arm relocation brackets to install at the same time to address caster.

Good luck.

 

Just to add to what has already been said, I'd highlight a couple things. First, if you don't have a rubicon, the JKS kit is providing you with their quicker disconnects which would be nice whereas the RK kit is just providing extended end links. Also, the RK kit includes limiting straps, which you possibly might not even need if you just intend to do light wheeling....if you're planning to get a bit more hardcore you might want those. Also, at 2.5" lift, you can easily get by with your factory brake lines with a drop bracket, so you may or may not value the braided steel lines in the kit.....but all these little things add up.

There's not going to be much difference between the Fox and Blistein shocks. One thing you might want to research specifically is the difference in the track bar joints and decide which TB you like best. Also, as mentioned in the previous post, if you go with the JKS, definitely factor in some sort of cost for caster correction.

Generally, I'd prefer RK over JKS, but in this particular case, you might be better off with the JKS. The other thing to consider is looking at these kits, and piecing your own together. You could always buy some shocks, RK springs and TB separate, pair them with some control arm brackets, brake line drop brackets, and a raised rear TB bracket. You aren't necessarily limited to buying a "kit".

BTW, there's a set of JKS quicker disconnects floating around Craigslist in the Fort Worth area. I'd bet those fit in a $6.80 if it fits it ships box and would be sold/shipped for less than $100.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/pts/5962994609.html

 

For what it looks like you are shooting for, I'd take a look at AEV. I've been running their 3.5" SC lift for a couple of years now and it handles like a dream as a daily driver. I'm running 35s and could have easily gotten by with the 2.5" lift. The 2.5 comes with shocks, springs, brake line extensions, raised rear track bar bracket, front sway bar end links and bump stops. I'd add a set of front geometry correction brackets, too. I just removed mine and there is a noticeable difference in my steering. I replaced my factory arms with RK arms in preparation for a new Dynatrac PR44U axle housing.

Just a note on the geometry correction brackets. You'll lose a couple of inches of ground clearance and will bang up your factory arms pretty good if you play on the rocks. Not sure if that makes a difference or not, but I can attest to it. They do make a difference in the handling, though.

 

Between the two kits you mentioned I agree with what has been said above. The JKS products are very nice but for the price you're getting more for your money with the RK system. You WILL want front lower control arms or control arm relocation brackets to keep the Jeep from feeling flighty on the road, so add that to the cost of the JKS system.

To clarify some things that were said above, the Rock Krawler 2.5 Flex System DOES include front sway bar disconnects and does not include limiting straps. The image you see shows the tie up straps that RK includes with their disconnect kits so that the links and sway bar can be held up and out of the way while disconnected on the trail. The links that RK includes in their systems can be set up as a solid state sway bar link (Rubicons) or bolted in as a quick disconnect. The hardware to set them up either way is included.

We offer a package deal on Rock Krawler systems that includes Bilstein 5100s in the price you see and you can upgrade to Fox shocks if you'd prefer. The Fox shocks are a great upgrade in ride quality and overall strength with larger shock shafts and aluminum bodies (Performance Series) vs the 5100s. The Fox Adventure Series use a powder coated steel body.

PACKAGE: Rock Krawler 2.5 Flex System with Shocks (Options Available)

If you have any questions or want direct assistance feel free to PM or call me. Welcome to the forum!

Marcus

 

Thanks for the clarification Marcus. Sorry, was glancing at an online pick quickly.

 

Rock Krawler all the way.

I have that kit with fox 2.0 shocks. Love the ride.

 

No worries at all brother! Just wanted to help.

 

Looks to me like the RK may be the way to go. Thanks for the input guys.

Marcus,
A couple of quick questions.

Bump stops, It appears that I need to add those to the package which is fine. Do I need the steering stabilizer? I have heard the only reason you replace is if it is bent or leaking. If so, which one do you recommend?

Any other pieces to this that are of consideration?