Build My own Lift?
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville, Georgia
Build My own Lift?
Ok, so I want to build my own lift kit, but I am not sure of everything I will need. I want a 3.5 inch lift, but I'm not sure of the companies or specifics I want yet. What is everything that I am going to need: springs, shocks, control arms, etc.?
JK Junkie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 4
From: Cheyenne, WY
Also need longer sway bar end links, extended brake lines, adjustable track bar... What's the issue with buying a complete kit? All the parts are there and more importantly, it's all engineered to work together.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville, Georgia
I wanted a more specific kit, but after looking into it all Im thinking, Ill probably go that way. Possibly AEV 3.5?
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
I agree with afpilot82 here there is a lot of engineering going into a suspension lift. Buying a kit means it was all designed to work and work well together and make your jeep better. It's the same way with engines and mods for engines, a kit that was designed to work together always works better than a hodge podge of parts from various places. Just my .02. I've seen guys build their own and I understand the pride in doing so but I think buying a kit is a better idea considering how many we'll build kits are out there and if you break a control arm or bushings go bad it's easier and faster to replace. Good luck though if you still decide to go your route!
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 0
From: Quinlan, TX
Some things you can build your own. Such as brake line extensions and bump stops. For control arms, shocks, spacers, and coils, just shop around. Some higher end companies have shock/ coil combos where the shocks are valved to correspond with the coil compression and flex.
Personally, I am made my own brake line extensions and bump stops. I then bought Rough Country 4" springs and shocks, waiting on a few things before I install.
You don't have to go all from one company. There's many guys that run AEV coils, Bilstein shocks, JKS Adjustable track bar, and EVO drag link flip (to use an example).
I would suggest however, keep all 4 coils the same brand, and keep all 4 shocks the same brand. Don't run AEV coils in front and Tea Flex coils in rear. They are both great companies, but you have more chance for a rougher ride by not keeping all 4 corners equal.
Personally, I am made my own brake line extensions and bump stops. I then bought Rough Country 4" springs and shocks, waiting on a few things before I install.
You don't have to go all from one company. There's many guys that run AEV coils, Bilstein shocks, JKS Adjustable track bar, and EVO drag link flip (to use an example).
I would suggest however, keep all 4 coils the same brand, and keep all 4 shocks the same brand. Don't run AEV coils in front and Tea Flex coils in rear. They are both great companies, but you have more chance for a rougher ride by not keeping all 4 corners equal.
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 914
Likes: 6
From: Las Vegas, NV