I've seen a number of threads regarding the TeraFlex leveling kit (#1155200), but I still have a few questions which I thought best to ask all at once. My Jeep is a stock (suspension, tires/rims, etc.) '09 Unlimited Rubicon 6spd. Its my DD as well as weekend off-road fun.

1) Are the stock Rubicon shocks acceptable for use with this kit, or are longer ones/shock extensions recommended/needed? I'm hoping all I need is this and that's it...
2) Any other components needed on a otherwise stock setup? Stock brake line (length), shocks (rubi OEM) OK?
3) Require straightening the steering wheel after installation? Other alignment issues?
4) Will this noticeably offset the axles (due to the stock trackbars)?
5) Affect the suspension travel and articulation (stock rubi shocks)?
6) Cause in increase in wind noise due to the change in rake?
7) Cause a noticeable change in fuel economy (as its now a taller brick on wheels)?
8) Any noticeable change in handling, performance, or ride comfort?

I know some of this has been commented on before, but I'm hoping to have these questions answered specific for an otherwise stock JK. I'm planning to keep the stock BFG's until they are used, then upgrade to 33's, most likely on the stock rims (with spacers). Thanks in advance!

~Kevin

 

I just installed the kit this past weekend. I will answer below in red. I've only had it a few days so I won't have the best response to some of the questions. I'm sure others will chime in!!
1) Are the stock Rubicon shocks acceptable for use with this kit, or are longer ones/shock extensions recommended/needed? I'm hoping all I need is this and that's it...
Stock shocks are fine.
2) Any other components needed on a otherwise stock setup? Stock brake line (length), shocks (rubi OEM) OK?
All you will need that isn't included in the kit is a grease gun and some lube for the new sway bar links.
3) Require straightening the steering wheel after installation? Other alignment issues?
Mine is a little off from the offset axle...will fix soon.
4) Will this noticeably offset the axles (due to the stock trackbars)?
I can't tell a difference.
5) Affect the suspension travel and articulation (stock rubi shocks)?
I haven't wheeled with the kit so I will let someone else answer.
6) Cause in increase in wind noise due to the change in rake?
Perhaps a little.
7) Cause a noticeable change in fuel economy (as its now a taller brick on wheels)?
Might, but probably not as much as going to a larger tire.
8) Any noticeable change in handling, performance, or ride comfort?
None so far.

 

I will second this summary:

The steering wheel adjustment took about 15 minutes..One minute with a wrench to loosen the nut and a few turns on the drag link and then test drive, then another few turns and a test drive until I got it perfect.

 

Huh, thats wierd, I just installed this kit last weekend and I didn't need to adjust the steering wheel at all.

Maybe because I left the trackbar in place and used a ratchet strap as a spring compressor I didn't run into that issue.

 

Thanks for the responses guys!

I will be helping Falcon install these puppies and then dealing with him afterwards if there are any issues (he is very picky, which is why he asked 8 questions I guess...) so are there any more reviews of this system? We have both searched around and found a small amount of info, but these specifics would be nice.

 

Thanks for the comments... I just went ahead and ordered the kit. Hope to put it on next weekend.

 

Don't forget the pics or you'll force us to use this.........


DOH!

 

5) Affect the suspension travel and articulation (stock rubi shocks)?

I don't think this would affect travel much, but your bumpstops will raise a little with the lift, so you might gain a little bit of upward travel.

 

Got that covered for Falcon

Plan on getting good before after pics with the vehicle in the same location and same camera angles, seen too many before/afters from different angles and it didn't help much.

 

Got the kit installed! I took a few pictures before and after. Careful to park in the same spot and take pictures from the same points, but unfortunately the sun moved so the lighting changed... Before and after respectively from each viewpoint.













Haven't driven it too far yet, but doesn't seem to affect handling or anything. Definitely corrects the rake and lifts it a bit. Happy so far.

We did need to temporarily disconnect or move several things to allow the axles to droop enough for spring removal:

-Brake line bracket in wheel well.
-Parking brake bracket (rear only!)
-Wheel speed sensor wiring placement
-Breather tubes
-Sway bar links (on rear; front gets new ones)

While none of these were problematic, they weren't called out on the instructions, and so we almost snagged a few lines. After realizing to watch for this, install was not difficult at all.