Another newbie asking questions about his lift, but I figured I should get advice from all of the experienced JK'ers before I order anything. I have a 2011 JK Unlimited Rubicon (auto). I've decided on the Teraflex 2.5 coil kit and Bilstein 5100's to get me off the ground enough to put 35's under my daily driver. (aftermarket wheels with 4.5 BS) I've read conflicting suggestions on different forums, but wanted to hear from those of you who, either have the specific shocks with this coil kit, or have a fair amount of knowledge or expertise on the subject.

The Bilsteins I'm debating, up front, are the BE5-E578-HO (new part #24-168995) which are rated for a 3.5-5" lift; or the BE5-E670-HO (new part #24-146708) which are rated for a 1.5-3" lift. Rock Krawler suggests going with the longer shocks up front for their 2.5" kits and I'm curious if this is the same for the Teraflex kits.

I want my JK to have a level stance, once lifted. I can't stand the factory rake!! I don't plan on adding an aftermarket bumper/winch or weighing the rig down with a bunch of hefty mods in the near future. If I have to add a coil spacer to the front to eliminate the rake, will I be better off with the longer shocks? If I do go with the longer shock, is there anything else I need with these? When I asked a Teraflex tech this question, he said either shock would work, but if I went with the longer shock, I would also need 1/2" coil guides/retainers. (whatever those are)

I should mention, this JK will be more of a mall crawler than a rock crawler, and I don't need the longer shocks for more articulation on the rocks/trails.


Thanks in advance for your suggestions/opinions!

Dank

 

you'll drop your coils out with the Bilstiens at that length if disconnected. Get the shorter shocks. I have the longer ones, but this is because I want the extra flex and have planned for more lift. I say set it up for 2.5" more like 3.25" lift and add a spacer if needed.

 

You'll have to forgive my ignorance on the subject. That's why I'm asking. Like I said, I haven't heard a clear suggestion on which one to go with. Some say to go with the longer, some say the shorter. My JK will most likely never see more than a few logging roads, while looking for snow for the kids to play in. The most articulation it will see is the speed bumps in the school zones, a few pot holes or occasionally driving off of a curb. I thought the additional coil spacers, up front, might make a difference, since that would be adding another 3/4-1" of lift. (if someone knows if the TF 2.5 coils and Bilstein shocks will fix the rake, can you let me know that, as well?)

If it isn't going to matter either way, can someone just put my O.C.D. to rest and tell me. I know I probably sound like an idiot to most of you, but believe me, I wouldn't ask if I had the knowledge or answers.


Thanks again for any suggestions/info,

Dank

 

Just for reference, Quadratec has the 24-146708's listed as for a 2-3.5" lift, so I'd say that you'll be set with those.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/16070_216.htm

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. And especially to you "rustyshackleford" for the straight forward opinion. As far as the .75 puck, is there any certain one you would suggest or any I should avoid? I am mechanically retarded, so anything done to my JK will be done by someone else, who will be charging me by the hour. I want to make sure it's done with quality parts the first time.

Dank