First off hello to everyone. I'm new to this forum but not new to jeeps but I am new to the jk's I am working on a 08 jk 4 door that is my daily driver I'm looking to do a 4" lift with a minimum of 35" tires. I need a little help deciding on the lift. What works best for the jk? Long arm, short arm, or just a set of springs? What are the pros and cons of each lift with the jk?I've got about a 1500-2000 budget to get a lift with I'm not saying I want to spend that much either but that is my budget I'm not looking for the cheapest lift out there just one that works well and has good quality parts and workman ship. if you have a cheaper lift suggestion great more money for other things. I'm building this one for show but I still want it to be as capably and functional off road as possible Mostly mild trails and things. I'm Basically looking for the biggest bang for my buck. Thanks for any advice y'all have

 

For the size lift that you are looking for and for a long arm kit, your budget may be a little low. Off the top of my head the only company that has a 4" lift around your budget is Rough Country....that being said, I can say, and I'm sure many others can too, that for a DD Rough Country's ride is not that great. Their lifts will fall well within your budget but not your specs for Daily Driving comfortness. Check out Northridge4x4.com and they have a bunch of lift options. Again, you may want to save a bit more if you are looking for a 4+" long arm kit?! Hope I gave you some help....if not, just ignore my ignorance!

Enjoy the JK, I have an '08 JKU as well and will be putting a Rock Krawler 2.5" and 35s on soon!

-Billy

Edit: Welcome to JK-Forum....noticed it was your first post! Also check out this, lots of great info! https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...272#post211272

 

For 35's, you have ton's of options that will fit your budget. Most 2.5" systems will work well with 35's. Most 3.5" systems will work well with 35's and allow you to jump to 37's with some flat fenders...

That is just food for thought! You really won't need to go long arm for 4" or under on a 4 Door! There are alot of good Mid Arm Systems out there! Let usknow if you have any questions and good luck with your build.

Rock Krawler

 

with that budget i'd go with a 2.5 or 3" system with front adjustable lower control arms and an adjustable front trac bar, i think most 3" systems will give you 4" of lift anyhow. I plan to do a 4" long arm when I move to 37's but i'm expecting 4k just for lift and shocks and expecting I will need drive lines and other components soon after.

 

Anything above 3" you will have suspension geometry issues without upper and lower control arms. That can start getting pricey. I just put on a Teraflex 2.5" coil lift with Bilstein 5100s and the ride is fantastic. I can fit 35s if I want to and for me I think it is the best bang for the buck. I still get better performance than stock and I can add things like lower control arms later if I want to tweak my drive line geometry, but for now I feel it sits nice.

4" lifts really start to get into changing the entire suspension system out. To do it right you need new front trackbar and mount, upper and lower control arms, rear trackbar and mount, driveshafts and the springs and shocks. 4-6" lifts are a big $$,$$$ commitment as it will inevitably lead to more and more tweaks to get where you want a DD.

My 2 cents...

 

Thanks for the replies looks like I may have to rethinks my lift plans Looks like if I want 4" I'm going to be forced into a long arm kit from lack of manufacturers. I my have to save some more money or sell a toy lol. What are the benefits of a long arm kit? I've never ran one With all that said what do you all recommend ? Size, brand,? Any brand to stay away from? One requirement is: I don't want any rub age at full flex with 35"s not that I'm going to be beating on it in the rocks but we have alot of dirt washes around my area thanks again