Hey All - So I have been reading through many threads and have learned a lot, and am even more confused!

I have a daily driver 09 JK X with 32" Duratrack's (Love these tires!) with no desire to go bigger. Am installing steel front bumper and winch. I have the Garvin Adventure Rack with gear on top almost constantly so I need to compensate for added weight.

I have been doing research on lift kits for months (This is my first lift) and have been told that going over 3" increase's liklihood of breaking stuff underneath unless additional gear is also purchased. So I don't plan to go over 2.5-3"

These two lifts keep coming up (can't spend more than $1200 including shocks at this time) - Rock Krawler Stock Mod 2.5" and
AEV 2.5" DualSport XT

I'm in Portland Oregon so sand (high desert), snow and mud are common but I only engage in moderate 4X'ing so I don't need a major kit at this time.

Please point me in the right direction!

 

TeraFlex 2.5" Budget Boost is all you need. Add some rs9000 Rancho shocks and you are good to go.

 

TeraFlex also has a 2.5 coil lift that you can get with their shocks in your price range.

 

Have you had any issues with tereflex?

 

"additional gear is also purchased"

whats gearing have to do with a lift? nothing. If you were increasing your tire size, then you could consider it.

 

I have the 2.5" TF coil lift. I love it. no problems with my 35s

 

So a BB will give the extra clearance with like factory response/control and added articulation? (please escuse my ignorance)

 

That aev lift would be fine for your needs, I am just not a fan of running brackets everywhere. So between those two, I would choose RK.

Check out the their 2.5" max travel kit. Consider starting with the less expensive one you chose (plus shocks) and then add parts, as you get around to it, to end up with the max travel.


A BB (spacer lift) will not handle all of the extra weight as well as new coils, and will not give the same articulation as longer coils.

 

You don't need any higher lift to run those tires but it seems like you might need coils to handle the additional weight you are carrying. I'd suggest Synergy 2" coils or OME HD 2.5" coils for starters. This will give you additional load capacity and a small amount of lift. You may need adjustable track bars, front LCAs, and other components at some point. The lifts you are looking at are both good.

 

That is where my thinking is - to go with RK and as the addiction grows, so can height!

With TF, I see there are those who have had awesome performance, and those who have had parts break. there are so many options. But their pricing is good.

And I just need more clearance - those rocks hurt when they hit and deep snow is limited.