So I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2.5" lift. Nothing fancy like a Rock Krawler, but thinking a Rubicon Express, since they fit my budget. Anyway, I see so much about having to use aftermarket wheels with greater than 4.5" backspacing...this is what's confusing me. I'm not planning on buying new wheels at this point. So does this mean I can't use my factory wheels with a lift? Why does a lift change backspacing requirements? Also, will I need an exhaust spacer for my 2013 2 Door? It seems some kits require it and some don't. Any and all help is appreciated!

 

You only need wheel spacers if you are going to to go to wider tires. With just the lift, and stock tires, your factory wheels will be fine. If you want wider tires, and retain your stock wheels, then you need spacers.

Oh, you may need that exhaust spacers. It depends how much actual lift you get. And as I recall, the RE 2.5" gives closer to 3.5" on a 2dr. In which case, yes you would need the exhaust spacer.

 

If you keep your stock rear swaybar links, you won't have clearance issues with your stock rims.

The exhaust spacers will be necessary if you plan to wheel disconnected.

 

Thanks for the replies so far! If the RE lift gives close to 3.5", would I need a new front drive shaft? I want to keep this simple and relatively inexpensive, hence not going any higher than 2.5".

 

Read the stickies at the top that answer all your questions. Or do a search and read the thousand other threads asking the same thing.

 

SpicedCrusher, thank you for that! I'm on my mobile and didn't see the stickies. It really dispels the "more lift equals more trail ability" mentality. I might rethink the whole lift idea now! That probably just saved me a lot of money and I think I just heard a sign of relief from my wife - she's only 5'1"and even with Grabars, she struggles to get in! Thanks again!

 

i agree with the search, but you just condemned the search because everytime you search for something simple like this guy is asking, its a goat-rope because there are THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of posts and it picks up every word you search...just sayin'....

 

Elkdognc, he was right to direct me to the sticky because a lot of my questions were answered and even some questions I didn't have were answered. That being said, I HATE using search in forums for the exact reason you stated. Besides, I'm quite experienced with Jeep forums and it's a fact there there is no shortage of people that love to talk Jeep, no matter how many times they have to repeat it, lol. Thanks again!

 

Yep, we all know the search on this site sucks.


Use this in google, followed by whatever you want to find.

site:www.jk-forum.com

Question on backspacing?
site:www.jk-forum.com help with backspacing

Which brings up this:
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q...th+backspacing

Much much better than the forum search...

 

I do recommend the exhaust spacers. Even if you do a leveling kit id recommend. Its just some added security. Bad design on jeeps part IMO