A little background - I am moving to Panama this summer and will be bringing my Jeep with us. I have a second drivetrain (motor, trans, computer, harness, exhaust, radiator, all accessories, etc) from a Hemi swap. I picked it all up from a buddy who ripped it all out with 40 miles on the odometer! Parts availability is limited down there, so the approach is to keep this thing as stock as possible, but fortified to be capable on trails and expeditions.

I plan on adding all the goodies (bumpers, skids, rock rails, flat fenders, winch, tire carrier with mounts for Jerry cans, hi-lift, shovel, expedition racks, etc.), so there will be some additional weight. I plan to keep the D30 but will sleeve and gusset. I will be adding 5:13 gears (auto trans), ARB lockers with larger pump and aux tank. I will be running Cepek DC2's in 17x9 with 4.5" backspace and Toyo 35x12.5 M/T's. I will buy the best serviceable reservoir shocks available.

So, considering that I am open to body mods, what is the best lift to allow the use of most stock components and limited wear and tear (excessive angles) with longevity and serviceability being a key factor. I want something that will last and don't mind spending money. I am not looking for a "budget" lift, unless this just happens to meet my needs.

Your suggestions and opinions on my lift options are appreciated....

 

I have run a few lifts on my 2011 JKUR and if I could start all over i would just go with the AEV 4.5" lift and be done. Handles on and off road better than stock, designed by an ex Jeep engineer, and when you say you want a lift that complements stock components then its the best option.

 

What needs to be changed with this lift? Does it introduce driveline angle that will shorten component life? Do I need to change driveshafts, mod exhaust, etc.

I also figured I would not need a 4.5" lift if going with 35's and flat fenders. I don't want it to look like I "should have gone with 37's"....

Thanks for your input.

 

Nothing needs to be changed besides what is in the kit if you are manual tranny, if you are automatic then you may need a front driveshaft. For 35's you may be better off with their smaller lift, 3.5" I think.

 

I ordered the AEV 3.5 SC kit and it gets installed tomorrow, I will be posting pics/reviews for before and after the lift so check it out if you want. As far as tires, I am going with 37's so...and I have flat flares as well. Even with 3.5" and flats, I think 35's will look a little small so I opted for 37's.