Want to make a lift kit recommendation?
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Laurentians, Quebec, Canada
Most people seems to forget that the most important things to choose correctly first are the right tires as per the intended usage and budget.
Then you build the rig according to the tires chosen.
Larger tires over 35'' requires a lot more investment and mods.
You should go with the minimum lift needed for the tires to keep a low COG.
As exemple:
33 = 1.5''
35 = 2.5''
37* = 3.5''
40* = 4.5''
* with flat fenders, body trimming and proper wheels BS
Planman and Dirtman have good threads on lift for more infos.
Then you build the rig according to the tires chosen.
Larger tires over 35'' requires a lot more investment and mods.
You should go with the minimum lift needed for the tires to keep a low COG.
As exemple:
33 = 1.5''
35 = 2.5''
37* = 3.5''
40* = 4.5''
* with flat fenders, body trimming and proper wheels BS
Planman and Dirtman have good threads on lift for more infos.
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Johnston, RI
Just recently installed a 2.5" metal cloak lift on my 2013 JKU sport and 35" duratracs(more like 34"s). Came with coils, OME shocks, front adjustable track bar, adjustable front upper control arms, rear track bar bracket, front brake lines, rear brake line drop brackets, front sway bar quick disconnects, rear sway bar links and I paid extra for the exhaust spacer. It is an excellent kit in my opinion. I gained about 4" in the front and 3" in the back. I don't have any heavy add ons yet just a front bumper. It feels better than stock on road now that my tire pressure is dialed in and flexes better than I expected. I don't expect much sagging from anything I do put on as the coils seem like they will handle a good bit of weight. I had the benefit of having a shop on base with most of the tools i needed and having air tools was a huge plus. Not sure I would want to have tackled this with Jack stands and basic hand tools in the driveway. Total time about 8 hours cause i didn't know the shop very well. They have decent directions and plenty of videos on their site and YouTube. Afterwards I took the Jeep to get an alignment and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out.
Sponsoring Manufacturer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 9
Yep! Great deal. 
I think my total was around $250 with the rebate
Robot Check
Adjustable shocks are the way to go and I'm happy with the height
Robot Check
Adjustable shocks are the way to go and I'm happy with the height
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
much more clearance ^
Last edited by Tripletsi; Sep 24, 2014 at 09:52 AM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
2013 2dr, installed a rock krawler 1.5 stock mod coils with 5100 billstein shocks. Rides and handles great. Also added 35" duratracs with xd hoss rims. The lift gave me almost 3" of lift. I am adding a xrc bimper with winch.
Happy with the way it looks and rides on the highway,
Happy with the way it looks and rides on the highway,
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Stay away from these AEV or Rancho control arm drop brackets if you ever intend to go off road. They'll cause you to catch on everything. Spend the money on a set of front heavy duty LCA's.
Attachment 577079
much more clearance ^
Attachment 577079
much more clearance ^
Do those LCA's you have pretty much plug right into the AEV 2.5" kit? So, instead of getting the front control arm brackets from AEV, I could just use those LCAs?
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 2
From: Parker, Colorado
Sponsoring Manufacturer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 9
With a good spotter and common sense these work amazing both off and on-road.
This guy went all over Area BFE with them and no issues...
They are a great compromise for those who want to save a little money, enjoy a nice all around ride and looking for an easy install.
This guy went all over Area BFE with them and no issues...
They are a great compromise for those who want to save a little money, enjoy a nice all around ride and looking for an easy install.
Stay away from these AEV or Rancho control arm drop brackets if you ever intend to go off road. They'll cause you to catch on everything. Spend the money on a set of front heavy duty LCA's.
Attachment 577078
Attachment 577079
much more clearance ^
Attachment 577078
Attachment 577079
much more clearance ^
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
P.S. Putting an angle finder on the front axle for reference it went from 88* to 90* once I was finished. If you wanted less castor (4.8*-5.2*) go for 23" but it all depends on weight and your Jeep's specifics yada yada yada.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Having a spotter isn't always an option. My LCA's would catch on everything from tree roots to basketball sized boulders. Yes I use common sense. Great that they work at Area BFE, front high clearance LCA's are a smarter option for only an additional $150 in my opinion.