I'm picking up a new 2011 Sahara Unlimited manual tranny this friday. I will be getting either a 2" or 4" mopar lift through the dealer at that time. I want to put 35" tires on the jeep.

If i go with a 4" lift for a sahara unlimited manual, i've read on this forums FAQ that i wont need to worry about a drive-shaft replacement. From what i understand, the one thing i should do to this jeep sooner rather than later is regear it for the 35" tires. I might go down trails but have no plans to climb rocks. 100% of the time it'll be my ride to work and that's all.

I've heard that the 2" mopar lift with Bilstein shocks will provide 2.5" or so lift. Is this correct? Should i go this route if my only goal is to fit those 35"s with breathing room?

Thanks for any advice you can offer. I have to figure this out by Friday.
John

 

Did you order it with the optional 4.10? I think that is available on the sahara.
If you are not going to run trails with it then get the 2.5 and you will be ok but if you even think that you might want to run some trails I would get the 4" lift and get the good shocks also. I am running 35s with 3.73 gears and it is fine, just don't use 6th gear very much anymore and it is no problem at all offroad in low range.

 

Why are you ordering the mopar lift? It's wayyy overpriced and it still voids your warranty regardless of what your dealer says. Save your money and order old man emu or terraflex.

4.10 gears are tolerable but if you live in hill county I'd plan on regearing. I found I had a hard time crawling in 4Lo with 4.10's and 35's. The jeep went too fast. But if you won't be crawling then you should be ok offroad. I'll be installing 4.88's this winter before I switch to 37's in the spring.

 

Only Rubicons

 

If you are concerned about keeping your warrantee intact, discuss it with your dealer and see what he will cover. I have what is probably the best dealer in the country. He has helped me to modify my JKU and will warrantee everything except the aftermarket parts he has installed.(513 gears, RCV & Superior shafts) He knows I use the superchip and doesn't mind. He is RARE. Some dealers won't cover after a 4" lift and most will honor a 3" lift. Just check before you jump into it.

 

My 2010 Sahara came with the 4:10 gearing

 

That isn't really correct. There are a lot of variables involved, but you just won't have to worry about it 'as soon'...

 

I picked up my new 2011 Rubicon Unlimited with a 2" Mopar lift installed about 10 days ago. The difference in lift from a stock Rubi is very noticeable, and it's as much lift as I want. I can't imagine having a 4 " lift for a daily driver.

I have 35's and Soft 8 steel wheels on order. I also ordered a Stage 2 Ripp supercharger. I'll have lower diff gears installed if needed.

I agree that the lift is pricey, but it works well, drives great everywhere, and it was included in the purchase price.