Hey guys, I want to upgrade my suspension, I say it like it's some easy decision, but it makes my brain hurt trying to figure out what I want. I'm on a budget to start off with, I have a TeraFlex leveling kit with 295/70R17 Trail Grapplers I want to maintain the height it's at right now, I don't like the look of a high top heavy JK, I'd rather have a low aggressive look. It's my DD but explore every once in awhile, and plane on hitting the badlands a couple times this summer. So what I'm looking at right now is:

Keeping the leveling kit and stock coils
Front and rear Bilstein 5100 shocks
Bilstein steering stabilizer
JKS adjustable track bar

And later down the road I'll probably go with some 2 in. TeraFlex coils I just don't have the extra $500 for them at the moment.

Would this setup work? With no problems?

Here's a picture of my JK now, so you can see the stance and height is like to keep it at ...

 

I'd say yes to the Bilstein shocks (0-2" lift) for an improved ride. Why the Bilstein SS and JKS ATB? Your leveling kit shouldn't need it. I'd save the cash until you purchase a complete lift kit, your Jeep looks great btw.

 

Could I run the 5100's (2-3.5in. Lift)? That way when I purchase a 2-2.5 in lift down the road I won't have issues? The leveling kit raised it 2in. In the front and 1 in. In the rear.

Thanks haha it's an on going project, I did alot of engine stuff no I want to upgrade the ride and flex.

 

Definitely skip the steering stabilizer for now. The stock one is perfectly fine until you smash it. And then you will want to relocate it but that is later on down the road.

Adding Bilsteings will make it ride better than stock shocks. Unless your axle is off center, no need for an adjustable track bar right now so save there too.

What you should be saving up for is a good set of sliders. Protect the sides of your jeep. Looks naked without something there and I'd never go off-road without them.

 

I wouldn't run the longer shock now due to the possibility of blowing out the seals. You'll be limiting the up travel by already compressing the shock on installation, then forcing it to its limit on operation. Plus due to longer down travel you'll need to extend your brake lines and bump stops. This in effect would give you a worse ride, maybe some Rubi red take-offs are in your future, they're much firmer and an inch longer to gain some flex. I was impressed when I put them on mine, got them for free too!

 

^X2

You'd need to extend the lines and add 2" bumpstops, so the 2-3.5 size should wait til you're lifted.

 

I went with the one I have based on my research and past vehicle lifting experience. The lift I went with will meet everything I need for now and for a good amount of time based on my planned use.
I wanted to be able to put 35's on it and I have been very successful.
I have been running this lift for 3 years now and for my uses, it has been fine.
No other changing with this one based on my use and I only did a little trimming on the front air dam to clear inside tire lip clearance.
Buying a simple lift and changing later is okay but I would drive it a bit to get a feel for what your plans are and get the lift you will use for most of the use.
Still - it is your jeep and build it your way.
I am sure some of the lifts are better than others but for the most part, until you get into the bigger lifts, the differences are not that big.
Just some info.
Stay safe
mandor6863