im thinking about lifting my 2012 4 door sport (auto). would it be better to go with the 4" or the 3"? would the 4" require me to have to buy a new drive shaft? i plan on doing moderate offroading but still need it to be bearable on the highway. any info is helpful

 

Yes the 4" and maybe the 3 " may need new drive shaft. I have a 08 jku with auto and 3.5" lift and i need a new drive shaft. Different lift companies run different heights.I went with teraflex and they do a great kit. Good luck

 

I think it really depends on your application. I installed a Zone Offroad 4" lift earlier in the spring and have not noticed any issues with the driveshaft. This is in a 2011 JKU Rubicon with 6 speed manual. I think with Auto it may be a problem. Give Zone Offroad a call or email, they'll let you know what works and doesn't.

 

I have the 3". I've had it since the summer of 2010. I love it. The ride is a whole lot better than stock with the nitro shocks. I have no idea if its related to this or not, but my transmission just went out on me with 70,000ish miles on my 07 2 door. When I got the lift, I was told that 3" is the max height you want to go before you have to start dropping things, etc.

 

ight thanks all this helps. i just dont wanna drop the cash on this then end up having to replace a bunch of other things like the driveshaft. also i know that after about 3.5" of lift the driveshaft usually needs to be swapped. why is that though?

 

I've had the 3" zone on my '12 jku for a few weeks now and it's been great. No issues with driveshaft or anything. The ride is just as good as stock! I would reccomend the 3" for sure

 

As you lift the jeep, the angle of the drive shaft changes as well. The stock drive shaft is much bulkier than aftermarket driveshafts and not as strong. With an auto trans, the rubber boot on the stock drive shaft will rub if you really start articulating the suspension. Eventually, the rubber boot will get torn and leave it open to the elements. It really depends on what you're doing with your jeep though. If it's merely a mall crawler, you'll most likely be fine without swapping out the driveshaft, but if you're going 3" or more, and actually plan on using your jeep, then you should spend the $4-500 and swap out the drive shaft. Some people will also recommend swapping out the rear because it can be more prone to taking damage from rocks.

 

@AFGuardianAngel basically i go thru more mud than trails and nothin too crazy. and if the boot on the driveshaft comes off is it like the end of the world, or as long as i make a conscience effort to keep it as clean as i can ill be good?