I'm about to step up to my first lift (Tera!) and was asked today if I want to maintain rake.

Is there any aerodynamic/performance/mechanical advantage to the rake? Thoughts anyone?

 

I think that the Rake on the JK is a conspiracy between Chrysler and the Urethane and Coil spring industry. Designed for the sole purpose of separating the consumer from their hard earned cash.

 

I do not know for certain, but there almost certainly has to be some reason the JK engineers raked the front. My guess would be to improve fuel economy.

When I installed my lift (Rough Country) it leveled my Jeep. And I haven't looked back since.

I say level it.

 

I'm sure this is not the reason for the amount of rake the stock JK has, but it certainly is a consequence of eliminating the rake ... hood flap! Do away with the factory rake and you loose downforce on the hood, and then the hood flaps like a big bird at 80+ mph. There are other ways to eliminate hood flap than increasing rake though. There are a few companies make stonger hood latch straps that don't have as much stretch in them.

 

1. Aerodynamics. Quieter air flow over the Jeep. Lower pressure under the Jeep.

2. So it is closer to level when loaded.

 

The rake is there for the sleek high performance aerodynamics that have been a mainstay of the jeep wrangler over the years. The 0-60mph 60second barrier prolly wouldn't have ever been broken without it.

 

People laugh when aerodynamics is brought up. But, that's exactly why the windshield has a curve to it now. It quiets the air flow over the windshield.

 

level it

 

Ding ding ding!

As usual Ron gets a cookie!

 

Chocolate chip, with a glass of cold milk, please.