I'm looking at lifting my 09 JK and want a 4" suspension lift.
There's such a wide range of lifts and manufacturers available. I'd like to solicit input on what NOT to get.
Don't want to break the bank - was looking at staying under $1k.
My inclination, at the moment, is towards the Pro Comp Stage 1 w/ MX6 shocks.
Seems to be a good value for the $.

Anyone have any advice?

Tom

 

Browse the FAQ's

Start by figuring out what size tire you want to run:

Browse these sections:
Q: What are all the components that I will need with a 3" lift?
Q: What are all the components that I will need with a 4" lift?
(pay attention to the need for new driveshafts - since that company does not mention it...)
A 3" will easily fit 35's.
A 4" lift will fit 37's, and you will probably want to add components to that kit to do it right.

And then this section:
Q: What is Caster? How much do I need?

At 4 inches, you will want to address the low caster you will have, so ask yourself how that "good value for the $" lift accomplishes it. Kits like the stage 1 are inexpensive for a reason. - because they are incomplete!
Options for setting your caster are:
-Cam bolts - do a search on these for a lot of negative feedback
-New fixed control arms - at 4 inches, you'll want both uppers and lowers (You may also notice that the Stage 2 lifts come with these)
-New Adjustable control arms - one set of adjustables up front is all you would need. (if you trash the rear driveshaft and end up with a new one, you'll need rear upper adj arms as well)

You will also notice that there is no option to re-center the front axle. With a 4" lift, it will be very noticeably shifted off to one side. In addition to just looking odd, it may set off your esp more, cause one tire to rub internal components or rub a fender when flexed.
Do some searching on the rear extension bracket that comes with the kit also. A lot of the axle mounted brackets put extra stress on the already weak welds of the stock bracket, and you end up ripping the bracket off the frame. (adjustable trackbars front and rear would be better than brackets)

Anyway, if you are looking at staying under $1000, a 4" lift probably is not the way to go if you plan on doing it right.
Or at least go into it with the intention of starting with a base kit and adding components.
Or - if you just want the height and don't actually care that your rig drives like crap, that's your call...



This is just one persons opinion, of course. A lot of people are probably happy with this lift and have no issues at all. (I'd guess most people had it installed and drove back to the shop the next day and forked out more money to get the handling back to stock, but again, an opinion) Get it, drive it, see how it rides for you, then decide what, if anything, you need to add.


Also, if you do go with a 4" kit, and end up with 37's (because that is the size recommended for them), you'll want to read the drivetrain FAQ to see about gearing options. And start browsing all the threads on axle upgrades so you don't blow it up your first time out...

 

Wow - never thought of any of that.
thanks for the response - i'll definitely look deeper into it.
You know, i've looked at lots of kits through 4WD and Quadratec, etc...no one ever really talks about that stuff.
Anyway, thanks again - i'll put my brain to work now and get it figured out.
Cheap may not be the way to go.

 

To help your budget, a 3" lift will usually net 4.25" of actual lift with no additional weight. It will settle to about 3.5" with bumpers and winches and time...

You can get a good kit for about $1400 from Northridge4x4. It's the OME Long Travel kit...

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...ong+travel+kit

 

Excelent answer!

Just to reinforce, you get what you pay for. There is no such thing as a good cheap kit, they are cheap for a reason!

Instead of looking at hieght of lift, why dont you decide first what you want to do with your JK and tire size you want to run.

For example: If you want to run 35" tires and dont really do any off roading, just for looks basicly, then you dont need a 4" lift. A 2" Budget boost and a set of wheel spacer will do just fine.

If you wheel yours hard and want flex and a set of 37"s for getting over those rocks then you need to look into a complete short or long arm kit with driveshafts, new wheels (with proper Backspace), Trackbars (adjustable type), extended brake lines, and possibly axle reinforcement.

No one is saying you cant get a great kit for under 1k, but most people tend to think they need more than they really do and dont plan out the second and third order effects of those big kits.

Hear is a example of a good setup for not to much money.

TeraFlex 2.5" coil lift with shock extensions $450ish
Rubicon Take off shocks $50ish
2 x pair of Spidertrax 1.5" spacers $200
Crown extended brake lines $125
JKS or similar quick discos $100


Total about $925 (give or take)

Tires would be on you but you can easily flex a set of 35"s with no rubbing on a setup like that.

Also consider that as you go up with tire size you will want to regear and that may be another $1200-1500.

Take your time and plan out your build, you will get there.