I'm planning on buying a 2013 JKU Sport when the new Dune color is available. I have been doing a ton of research and I will most likely go with an AEV 2.5 dual sport or the RK 2.5 flex. My only concern has been possible squeaky LCA's and the need for a front drive shaft or exhaust spacers on the RK kit, which will end up making the lift more expensive than the AEV kit. From what I have read, the AEV kit doesn't require any modification for the 2012+ exhaust/driveshaft issue anymore. It sounded like they changed their shocks to allow less droop?

I plan to install 315/70/17 Duratracs, new wheels, and a Procal too. I will be using the jeep as a daily driver 95% of the time, but with some very mild trail use on camping trips and kayak trips, and also tow an 18ft aluminum bass boat. I have about $3.5-4k to invest in tires, wheels, lift, and anything else needed. I would like 315 or 35"s and an excellent and well mannered ride on the road. I am less concerned with flex, because this will be my daily driver and that is where I need it to perform it's best. However, before you tell me to stay stock. I've never stayed stock with any car I've owned and there are to many jeeps around here on 35's and I don't want jeep envy..lol

Any thoughts, am I overlooking anything? Suggestions?

 

I have all the same questions so I'll be keeping an eye on this thread. I bought my 2013 JK Sport last week and am really anxious to lift it and put some wheels on it. Good luck with your purchase.

 

:yup :

 

Of those two kits and what you have planned I would say that you would be happy with the AEV lift. Don't forget about shocks though. I don't think either kit comes with shocks.

 

The Dual Sport AEV 2.5 kit I was looking at, at Northridge4x4, comes with bilsteins and I would plan on getting the control arm relocation brackets too, total price on the AEV is $1060. The RK 2.5 flex kit with bilsteins and bump stops costs $1330. Not a big difference in price, but from what I am hearing, it sounds like on the 2012+ JK's that the driveshaft/exhaust issue is more of a problem with the RK kit. To me it wouldn't make sense to buy the AFE y-pipe, when a new driveshaft could be had for another $150. However, that increases the cost another $450 (driveshaft) for the RK kit, leaving me spending possibly $720 more for the RK kit. I would be okay with running the Teraflex exhaust spacers on either kit, but from what I have read, it sounds like the RK kit still has issues and the best option is a new front driveshaft.

I think I may have just answered my delima between the two kits, but the RK kit is still tempting from all the great reviews. I just don't see myself rock krawling. I have a lifted FJ Cruiser with Demello and Toytec stuff now and it's only seen moderate trail use. It does ride great with the Toytec coilover lift, UCA's, and Bilsteins. One of the reasons I want to make sure I do the right lift on the new JKU when she arrives.

 

Can I increase the newbie questions to this thread as I have Jeep envy of 35 in wheels. Please, no flogging. I really have spent many hours trying to learn as much as I can. Miles to go though.

I don't understand the difference between a 2.5 inch lift with springs and shocks vs one with all these flex arms and trackbars.

Is it safe to assume that the extra bling is for more trail flexibility? I am in the market for a lift and wheels for a DD with hopes of some occasional trail use. See attached pic for my example of my question.

 

You can't go wrong with either lift. The RK can always be adapted for a bigger lift if you ever want it. I have an AEV lift with RK arms. They don't squeak; had them since 2010. On the tire side; have you seen the new Toyo AT 2's? They have a 50k to 60k warranty on mileage.i had horrible balancing issues with Goodyear MTR's ; granted they weren't the Duratracs. Good luck on your decision!

 

All those extra parts are necessary to restore the correct location of the axles, pinion angle, castor, etc. Over a couple inches of lift you need more parts. Over 3 or 4 inches of lift, you need more parts than you did for the smaller lift.

when you lift the vehicle the axles move on the radius of the control arms (front to back or back to front) and the track bars (side to side). without correction your vehicle will have problems. small lift, not so much. over 3 inches, much.

Read through the FAQ for some more or keep reading through this forum.

 

I don't know all the techs and details but for just a 2.5" lift unless you are doing a lot of of road activities I don't see a need for all the extras. Unless you you have the money and want the best there is. I have the 2.5" TF lift with stock control arms and am extremely happy with on/off road capability and handling.

However I'm moving up to a 3.5" lift and will have to get all the extra goodies such as all 8 control arms, new front track bar, new drive shaft, new shocks. Higher you go the more money you need.

 

Thanks matprovo and bbrown626