Hey guys,

I just picked up a 13 JK a few weeks back, currently has 250 miles or so. This is a third vehicle, so it wont see daily use. It has a manual trans, and I must say I really love the new 3.6 motor so far. I previously owned a 04 Rubi w/ a 4" skyjacker lift and Bilstein shocks. I plan on pulling the trigger on one of these kits within a week or so.

So I have settled on a RK lift, probably the 2.5, as I dont see myself needing to go higher. I guess what I am looking for is opinions on the

RK 2.5 Stock Mod lift ($550) vs. the RK 2.5 Flex ($950)

From what I gather the Flex will help with any driveability issues with its adjustable lower control arms, yet others seem entirely happy with the stock mod set up.

Also if going with either of these kits on a '13, are exhaust spacers a must?
If I go w/ the stock mod lift are brake line drop brakets a must?
Anything Else???

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Change in geometry requires adjustments. Better get the CAs.

 

If your jeep is a 2door, you will get about 5" of lift from the rk 2.5 coils, if u have a 4door it will net about 3" of lift.
On a 4 door you won't need control arms, cuz I have the rk 2.5 and I'm still using all the stock control arms

 

Just because you HAVE NOT made necessary adjustments, doesn't make it okay to tell others they won't need something.

 

I have a TeraFlex 2.5" Lift, along with at least another 10000 Jeeps, and we haven't changed our control arms. My brothers's $2000 Mopar lift uses his stock control arms. Some kits don't require these items, your Jeep will amazingly still work! It might not be stock geometry, but it's not going to end the world.

 

Just because you HAVE ZERO FRIENDS AND MODS, you shouldn't be telling me what to do. I have been driving my new 4dr rubi with a 2.5" lift and 37's for 20k miles now and I would that adjustable control arms are 100% necessary. With only 2.5" of lift on a 4dr, the pinion angles for the drive shafts are good with no vibrations. Although since he has a 13' he should get an aftermarket front drive shaft and if he has a 2dr will need both aftermarket drive shafts. The pics I posted are with a 2.5" lift, tf monster track bar, bilstein shocks for a 4" lift, spring retainers, j.e. reel 1310 front drive shaft, evo rockstars, 11" front sway bar links, 9" rear links, synergy tie rod cuz I bent the stock one, on 37" BFG km2's on the stock wheels, with 1.5" spidertrax wheel spacers and ALL 8 STOCK CONTROL ARMS. I drive my jeep up to 100mph sometimes without any problems of death wobble or anything.
Eventually I will get aftermarket control arms, but as of now I haven't NEEDED them to make my jeep handle any better than it already does.
I was also trying to help the guy save some $ for now so he can lift his jeep and put on larger tires.
So go piss up a rope!

 

I'd go with the Flex kit that includes the adjustable front lower control arms. Eventually, you're going to want front LCAs to adjust the caster angle which will improve your handling. The handling may be a little flighty without them. Forget the exhaust spacers, the better option is a new aftermarket front drive shaft. The stock one will fail sooner or later and will contact the exhaust crossover when flexing. Extended brake lines are necessary with the 2012s and newer, especially in the front. Crown makes some nice ones. What shocks and length are you getting with your lift? What size tires are you planning on running?

 

I'm still running my stock brakelines on my 12, I just removed the metal bracket that attaches the line to the front axle and I'm running shocks for a 4" lift up front

 

Thanks for all of the replies so far guys.

I was planning on bilstein 5100s, and for now will be running the stocker 17s and the rubber that come on them. I would like to move to 17x9 w/ a 35x12.5 by the end of summer.

Bob-0 - I appreciate you trying to help me save a buck. That is what I am hoping to do, but not to cut any corners that arent necessary. With you having first hand experience with your set up that helps.

Funny thing is around my area there are several jeep dealers and I have stopped and looked at the modified lifted jeeps they are selling as dealer installed packages. Not a single on has exhaust spacers utilized and only two of them are using drop brackets for their brakelines, none use new lower CAs. Now Im aware they are more selling the look and keeping their costs low for more profit, but you would think they wouldnt put something out there that isnt safe or that wouldnt hold up. They all are putting out 2.5 coil lift or 2" bb. The 2.5 coils being used are RE and BDS.

Keep the info and opinions coming guys.
Thanks!

 

Stock arms, stock driveshafts, 40k miles when I sold her... Don't spend money you don't have to and you can always add stuff later.





You have no idea how slick this red clay gets. This vid was shot right after a big thunderstorm where guys with all terrains couldn't move. In the dry, I could crawl the harder line on the left like I try to do in the beginning.

http://youtu.be/H_pw_v-86kc?t=23s