As the title says, this is my first Wrangler...or 4x4 for that matter. I just picked up a 2011 JKU Sport S about 3 months ago. I haven't done much to it but after going wheeling a couple times, I'm looking forward to building it up. As of right now, it is completely stock except for the Spyderweb Shade and the dent in the front bumper from a tree So I have some plans for it and was looking for some input. I have already ordered wheels and tires that should be here in 2 weeks.
Wheels: blackrockwheels.com/products16-14/BlackRockTypeDSeries909B"]Black Rock Type D Aluminum Wheels[/URL] 15x8 4"BS
Tires: 33x12.50 15 Goodyear Duratracs

My current plans are:
-Rock Krawler 2.5" Stock Mod
-Bilstein 5100 Shocks
-PSC Rocker Knockers
-Stock Stubby Bumper
-Skid Plates
Further down the road I will add steel bumpers and a winch, but right now these are my priorities. The main questions I have are regarding the suspension and what all components I need that wouldn't be included in the kit, such as bump stops, brake lines, sway bar links, etc. Also, where is the best place to purchase all this?

Thanks in advance

 

This one?



Look at their 'next step up' 2.5" system for possible upgrades:



And then this note in the info for your kit:

Rather than piece it all together, get the max travel kit if you can afford it.

 

I'll try to take pics as I go and keep this thread updated.

Right now I don't think I can justify spending another $700 on the max travel kit but in order to figure out exactly how much the stock mod is going to cost I need to figure out what else I'm going to have to buy besides the kit and shocks.

Another quick question: Will I be able to run the 33s at stock height until I get the lift? This is a DD.

 

You can run 33 tires on a DD (no lift) with no issues, provided you go with the proper BS. With flat fenders, no lift, and a pinch seam trim, you can even run 35s.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...274#post211274

 

So I got my wheels and tires on about a month ago and i love them. I did get into the fenders a lot when i was wheeling with the sway bar disconnected. I also chopped the front bumper and folded and welded the plastic around the ends. Pics:




Today i came home from work and found some more goodies...RK Stock Mod 2.5" lift and Bilstein 5100s. Thanks to Northridge4x4 and RK for getting these to me even with all the problems they had with flooding and what not. This will be going on this weekend, although it's going to be hard to wait that long.


Any advice for installing this lift myself? I don't think i should have any problems.

 

It's pretty straight-forward. When you get a chance, open any of the install writeups for steps and pics - doesn't matter which mfg, or if it's a bb or coil, they will all use the same steps. (there is an index at the top of the write-ups area). And you can even post any questions or problems during the install.

 

I got the lift installed, took about 4 hours by myself. Only question i have is how to tighten the front upper shock mount. The factory shocks have a nut on the shock to hold it while you tighten the nut on the stud. The bilsteins do not. So if i tighten the nylock nut on the stud it just spins the piston. any suggestions?

 

Get a pair of vice grips and some rags. Put the rags in the vice grips and tighten the vice grips down just tight enough to hold the piston. Double check to make sure you arent cutting through the rags, or bye bye shock seal.