I've read, I've asked questions, I've read some more and I'm still very torn on this decision. I can't decide between the new Rough Country 3.5 kit or the Teraflex 2.5 kit. I want to "comfortably" clear 35s. The jeep is already capable enough off road for what I use it for, the lift/tires are more a cosmetic addition for me. I appreciate the worth of the long arm super flex lifts, I simply don't have the need for them.

The Rough Country 3.5 kit comes with front/rear coils, fixed front lower control arms, front/rear track bar drop brackets, pitman arm, extended rear sway bar end links, front/rear bump stop spacers, front/rear brake line relocation brackets and the new N2.0 shocks. The final price including a steering stabilizer will be roughly $630 shipped to me.

The Teraflex 2.5 kit (I would opt for the 4 door kit to get a little more lift) comes with front/rear coils, rear track bar drop brackets, extended rear sway bar links, front/rear bump stop spacers, rear brake line relocation brackets, rear coil spring retainers and the 9550 shocks. The final price including a steering stabilizer will be roughly $700 shipped to me.

So, which would YOU buy? What would be the main factor in your decision? Believe it or not, the outcome of this poll will greatly influence the route I take. I appreciate the help.

Rough Country 3.5 -

Teraflex 2.5 -

 

With the Teraflex kit you can get away with stock drive shafts.With the RC kit i think you need to replace soon.

 

I personally would get the Rough Country kit.

 

In my extensive reading I would say that is correct. Anything in the 3.5+ range seems to require a new one soon. However, one of the Rough Country reps on here stated explicitly no, and that they had even ran their 4" kit for "years" without any problems or need for a new driveshaft. Granted not exactly an unbiased endorsement, but still, ballsy to make such such a steadfast statement on a forum where they are a sponsor and are aware they will be held responsible for their propaganda.

I've yet to read a negative review on Teraflex from anybody. However, my concern is simply the included parts/hardware and the overall height giving me the clearance I need for the 35s.

Last night, I was still reading/browsing and the Rock Krawler 3.5 kit has also caught my attention. I could do the entry level 3.5 kit with bilsteins and extended brake lines for roughly $1k. $1k is pretty much my ceiling on the price. I just can't see spending more than that on one that again is just for tire clearance and maintaining factory offroad ability.

Thanks for the opinions thus far fellas, I appreciate them. Any more feedback from others would be great.

 

Do you have a standard or automatic transmission? That will make a difference in the drive shaft conversation.

Also, is yours a 2-door?

 

Mine is a 2 door automatic. I asked the RC rep specifically that, knowing I think I'm in the worst boat in that regard and the above referenced remarks were his reply.

 

Ah... then that changes my recommendation.

From the FAQ it says anything above a 3" on a 2-door is pushing it (https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...272#post211272), and yours is also an automatic.

I'd play it safe and stick with the TF kit You will have enough room for your 35s with that kit.

 

A 2.5" lift is plenty to clear 35" tires. You will get much more in actual lift height (+3"). Stock front bumpers sometimes will rub on the ends but just make sure you have the correct backspacing for your wheels. A 3.5" lift will usually give more than 4" actual lift height and will require aftermarket drive shafts, especially if you have a two door automatic. With 3.5" lift, you'll need adjustable control arms in the front to dial in the caster. The RC front LCA are not adjustable which makes them almost useless. You don't need a drop pitman arm unless you are lifting more than 4". My vote goes to Teraflex. More well designed and trail proven kit.

 

Thanks for the opinions/info guys.

If the suggestion is simply the 2 door 2.5 coil kit, knowing my "needs", should I simply do the 2.5 BB? I do plan to run XRC bumpers front/rear and an XRC8 winch up front (No, Im not a smitty rep or under a threat from them, I just like the way they look). That was part of my concern with the 2.5 in the first place, knowing the heavier bumpers/winch would lead to some sag and cost me some of the advertised lift. I had also thought of adding a body lift simply to aid in clearance, but am not a big fan of the gaps produced there (even though they'd be less noticeable with the stubby bumpers).

As you can tell, I have been obsessing over this for a while now. Just finally getting close to go time.

 

What he said. Special emphasis on the adjustable lower control arms ... which are sorely missing from both of your configurations!