I've got to throw a vote in here for spacers. I run a 2" AEV spacer lift in my 2 dr 2015 JK Rubicon. My Jeep is my daily driver too so I did a mild build. Articulation and ride remains same as stock so if you're happy with the ride from the factory you'll be happy with the spacer lift. Fits the budget, maintains the factory ride, and doesn't require all kinds of changes to the suspension and drivetrain.

 

As someone that initially ran a 1.5" teraflex coil lift, and now on a 2.5" teraflex BB; I recommend the RK 1.5 triple rate coils.

My budget boost has been great for on road and off-road, but my coils regularly get over compressed (unless you want to use the supplied bump stops and lose travel) and make a loud popping noise when flexing out. I now have a pretty decent "JK gangsta lean" (which makes connecting on flat ground a pain) when I have 1/2 tank of gas or more, and brake dive is pretty bad. Looking back now, I would have just purchased the RK 1.5" tri rates and been done with it.

 

I have never understood the logic of putting on 33's and building now for 35's later. If its a money thing stay on the factory 32's and build it for 35's or get the 35's and build it with either flat fenders or a 2"-2.5" lift. When I started the modding of my JK I too went with 33's and it was a mistake. I should have gone the 35 route to start with. There is just not much to gain going from 33" to 33" in terms of extra performance off road. Flex is a nice thing but so is ground clearance and you will get more with the 35's and flats fenders then 33's and a lift. As far as coils vs spacer lift and ride and flex is is going to be important to factor weight and getting new shocks to match the height and compression of the new set up along with the bump stops. Unless you do this you are not going to "Give the tires more room to flex" and I see most people throw what is in a lift kit on and have less travel then the stock suspension.

Good luck with the mods.

 

You can run 35's on stock suspension with flat fenders and bump stop extensions 2 guys in my local club run that setup

 

Just to clarify. I already have a garage full of 33 MTZs. I didnt want to immediately have to tear into the axles and swap gears to turn the 35s. I have 3.73s. I am leaning towards either spacers or the RK 1.5 kit. Maybe the Rancho as a happy medium.

 

You can even run 37s on the stock setup with some trimming. I ran that way for a week or two before I had the time to install my lift. Gave me a good idea of what needed to be trimmed and how much bump stop i would have to use prior to the suspension install.

 

Teraflex 2.5" coil lift with shock extensions. About 450 shipped on Amazon.

 

We seemed to have digressed a little. Any 2.5" coil kit suggestion means 3" front lift on a heavy build which means driveshafts and control arms. Im def not going bone stock on suspension either. I'm really trying to assess spacers vs coils, and if coils, RK vs TF vs Rancho.

I was all ready to do the spacer leveling kit now, then flares for 35s, but thought the RK coils (2" front 1" rear...maybe a fuzz more) but thought for a couple hundred more I could get nice coils. Then I got concerned they may too stiff for DD on a light build.

Here is a pic I saw that swayed me on the LCOG idea....its on the forum here somewhere.

 

I have the TerraFlex leveling spacer kit on my Jeep. I got it thinking my max tire size would be 33s. Now that I am leaning towards 34s or 35s I am saving for a 2.5" TerraFlex coil lift. I should have just done that in the first place. If you take into account the cost of a leveling kit and flat fenders vs the cost of a coil lift with front lower control arms or lower control arm brackets they aren't to far apart. I guess it just depends on the look you are going for. My previous JK had stock suspension with Bushwhacker flat flares and 35s and it drove good. It rubbed a little. I personally think JKs look cleaner with stock flares. I guess it just depends on the look you are going for.

 

Bump for more feedback. I am as confused as I was before.