Hi all,

Seeking advice or errors in my thinking from the collective brain trust.

I have a 2011 Sahara with 3.73 gears, automatic, tow package, with hardtop. Currently have Falken Wildpeak A/T 285/70/17 tires. I have 1.5 inch spacers. Over the past couple months I have been playing around with different ideas in my head. I know for sure I want to get a little bigger with the goal of running the rubicon this summer. This is my daily driver and I drive a lot. Not a rock crawler more expedition styling. I'd like it do be capable but without screaming out rock crawler. I guess sneaky capable.

I would like to do all the work myself ( minus the alignment ) and buy all the parts on the used market place ( minus tires ).

When complete I will post details and full before and after pictures with costs.

I've collected a couple different things on the used market the last couple months and am trying to wrap my head around the next step.

I have in my possession a 4 inch lift kit with all 8 arms including shocks. I also have a 2.5" lift kit with shocks and springs. I am leaving manufacturers out at this point to avoid brand discussions.

If I go with the 2.5 kit:

Current tires will be fine ( for the record I like them )
Need Quick Sway Bar Disconnects
Don't need drive shaft
Don't need front axle mods ( gussets act )
Can use arms from 4" kit to insure ride quality and proper geometry


If I go with the 4" kit:

Need 35" tires
Need Quick sway bar disconnects
Need front drive shaft
Need front axle mods
Have all arms for ride quality
Need drag link flip kit
Need front and rear track bar relocation kits
Need Gears

Either way I go I will be getting:

Front and Rear bumper with tire carrier
Winch
Rock Rails
Additional underbelly protection
rescue gear ect....

Please post any comments or recommendation with pros and cons. If you do or don't agree please be specific.

Here is the start.



Thanks so much.

Chris

 

Regardless I'd recommend getting c gussets, CHEAP piece of insurance

 

Newb question. What are c gussets and what do they do. After all the threads I have read it seems like it is a must have but I'm not sure what I must have. Thanks.

 

You can mix/match the two lift kits you have.

Use the adjustable arms from the 4 inch kit (I'm assuming they are adjustable) with the springs and shocks from the 2.5 inch lift kit. Drive around see if you like it and contemplate the other upgrades needed to swap out the springs to the 4 inch kit.

If you are happy with the 2.5 so be it. But if you wanted to go higher later, just slap on the springs and shocks from the 4 inch kit, and readjust your control arms. And add the other necessary upgrades.

That's what I would do.

I don't have experience with the Rubicon trail, but the experts tell me unless you are a seasoned offroader...don't try it without 35s.

 

laderajk, If money is not an object go with the 4", you won't be disappointed. My guess is another $3500 just in parts with what you listed. With that said the 2.5 will be fine with the type of adventure you said you do. There will be a few tough/tricky areas on the Rub though. Also, you can run 35's on the 2.5.

In my opinion the Jeep doesn't scream rock crawler until it is 4" or better, has flat fenders (or none), and runs 37's or better.

X2 on what Atch stated about the gussets.

Colorblindspy, Catchy name. The C gussets add strength between the C's and the axle. This is an area that is prone to bending with larger tires or heavy off road use. Inexpensive part, a little welding, and piece of mind.

 

If you goal is 35" tires then the 2.5" springs should be enough. Use the upper arms from the 4" kit so that you can adjust pinion angle as needed. Get the c-gussets, even stock tires break the c's when on the trail.

 

Best answer is to go search an install thread to see photos. But the inner c is that part of the front axle that connects the stearing portion of the assembly together. The c has been found to be a weak point on both the 35 and 44 axles (both use the same part). This is a recomended upgrade for everyone, it is under 100 buck but welding is required so add labor if you can't weld.

 

Project-JK.com - Jeep JK Wrangler Resource » Off Road Evolution Jeep JK Wrangler C2 Front Axle Reinforcement Gussets

 

Good thinking Duradak.

If i proceed as you have laid out do you think I will need other mods besides the gussets?

 

Let us know if you need any info on our kits or just want to pick our brains about JK's and lifts! We love to talk jeep.

RK