I'm looking to upgrade my 2010 JKU with a Rock Krawler 2.5" lift. I like the ability to upgrade my system as my skills improve. I'm comparing their entry level 2.5" stock mod system vs their 2.5 inch flex system. The primary difference appears to be that the flex system has the lower control arms and brake lines. But the price difference is $370. Seems like a lot for a set of control arms. I'm concerned that I'll want them though to get my alignment straightened out. Any thoughts on how critical they are?

 

I can tell you that you want brake lines for sure. No question about it. Now for control arms, can you get by without them? Yes. Should you get them so that you can adjust your castor and dial in your ride? Yes.

I don't know off hand how much the Crown brake lines run, but I know that the RK control arms are about $280 for a set. You can buy the arms separately from somewhere that's a sponsor on here (Northridge4x4 / 4wd.com) as well as the kit. So 600 + 280 = 880 plus brake lines.

 

When you're holding one of those CAs in your hands, you'll know what you payed for.

 

Yep, no doubt about that!

 

That's good to hear. Glad to get a reality check from everyone. The next thing I need to worry about is shocks. I'm currently running Rubi hand me downs. With the list I assume they will not fit (not long enough)? I"m motivated to get new shocks too, just need to budget for those as well.

 

good quality will be bilstein or fox shocks. there are better and worse out there depending on the budget.

 

Bilstein 5100s @ $75 a pop seem to work great. I was going to spend more but I like the 5100s.

 

If your planning on stepping up in time, and your budget isn't tight, i would just go with the Max Travel kit. Thats what i went with. I love it. Plus i got the bilstein 5100 shocks. The combo in my opinion rides great. I haven't had a chance to take it offroad yet but can't wait to.

 

I'm confused why RK suggests swapping out the lines. When I put them side-by-side with the stock lines they were the same exact length. You can remove the bracket from the stock lines and zip tie them to the shock just like you would with the stainless and achieve the same purpose of length. Granted stainless lines are an upgrade in general but I wouldn't say that you "NEED" to get them.

 

I'd love to go straight to the max travel, but I have to stick to my budget. Current have $680 saved up, but need to account for the cost of the shocks as well. So another couple of months of saving and I should be there to get the flex system and 5100s. I put away $100 a month into my "Jeep fund". Tends to keep me a little under control