I have always had Jeeps but not 1 has been lifted. I finally think I have enough money for the lift now (not the tires yet). I am worried about the driveline angles and wear on the other components. I only want the regular 3" kit. Will I have to change or lengthen driveshafts or do anything else other than the kit?

 

Naw, you should be fine running a 3" lift especially if you're getting an Unlimited. If you're getting a 2-Door, drive line angles may be an issue but from what I've seen so far, I really doubt it. Probably the biggest issue to be concerned with is bigger tires. Depending on what gears and rear end axle you have, you may need to regear and maybe even upgrade your shafts to chromoly.

 

I've got a little over 2,000 miles on my 2 door X with 3" lift and no problems at all. Even wheeling with the sway bar disconnected everything is fine. Steerin wheel is about 2 degrees to the left but an esy fix, wanted the springs to settle before straigntening it.

I know how you feel though, I lifted my 98 XJ 4" and ran into a TON of issues.

Drivelines binding and popping, tires rubbing, brake lines stretching, e brake stuck, even my exhaust got damaged. What was supposed to be a fun build up turned into a nightmare that cost more than the rig was worth to fix.

 

Four door here with 4" of lift and 35's. I'm at 9000 Miles and have been off road at least 2 dozen times including 2 day rides and I have had no problems.

In fact when I bought the Jeep I had no knowledge of anything, including the fact that lifts can cause wear on factory parts.

Will I run into problems with my driveshafts over time? Maybe, but seeing as how the dealership installed the lift and its under warrenty they better hold up their side bargain if sometimes goes wrong.

 

OK. Here's the scoop from my perch.

A 3" lift is usually not exactly 3". For example, most lifts also take some or all of the "rake" out of the Jeep by lifting the front more than the back. My 3" lift on the Unlimited Rubi pulled up the front 4 1/2" and the back only 2".

With the front over 2", I'd be real watchful over your front drive shaft if you have the auto transmission. Reports of it hitting the skid or the transmission case (as it did in mine) are all over the 'net. I ripped the boot pretty good, and when I had it off there was signs of CV wear after only 4,000 miles. Needless to say, I replaced the front drive shaft. The rear is holding up well.

Good luck on whatever you decide!

 

16,000 miles and nearly a year on my 3" FT lift. No major problems, just the normal stuff associated with a lift (creaks and squeaks - quickly solved with some grease). Ride quality is better than stock...