So from what I'm reading, it seems like a 2.5 to 3.25" lift with 35's, is a fairly popular, and stable, setup (personally I'm one of those that wanted 4" and 37's)....

Obviously, I want the best kit available, but I also don't want to have to mortgage the house or sell my soul in order to pay for it. Lastly, how hard are these to install yourself?

I'm not a mechanic, but I am mechanically inclined and not afraid to tear into the tool chest and start taking shit apart. ~Arc

 

Congrats on the purchase. I would say go with what you truly want otherwise you will never truly be happy. I think 3.5 with 35's is probably one of the most popular setups. It is not terrible hard to install one of these kits but i would say it would be pretty time consuming without a lift and the proper tools.

 

2.5 with 35's or 3.5 with 37's OR just hack your fenders up and slap on some 35's with offset wheels they will are the job done.
I own a 2 door rubi and went with the 2.5 lift on 35's. I think it looks the most balanced and is pretty much enough to get you through just about anything.

 

The higher you go the more is cost. A good 4" set up with 37's realistically runs in the $8-10k range once you get everything. A 2" on 35's can be done right for $2k.
There also is no "best" kit out there. So it is best to figure out what you want out of the ride and what your budget is. There are just too many variables and choices to answer your vague question.
I would stay away from any 3"-4" lift that cost under $600 as they are missing most of what you need and will end up cost 3-4x that to get the suspension back to where it needs to be for good on road manors.

 

second all what TheDirtman just said.

 

I'm also researching 2-2.5" kits, and have read your sticky. To "do it right" at this height, what would you recommend for the list of components?

 

I would go with a 2.5" lift and 315's or 35's, but 37's will fit with 2.5" kit and flat fenders.
If you do decide to go with the 37's, you really need to beef up the front end, and you will want to regear to at least 4.88's, and with the 3.8, 5.13 would probably be ideal.

 

for the suspension componets alone i did my 2.5 for about 1500. aev 2.5 1000$ , monster front trackbar 250$ ish , rear extended brake lines 125$ , rear extended swaybar links 100$ o yeah 130$ for the drop brackets almost forgot them.

 

coils. new sway bar links for the rear, move the rear sway bar links to the front (or buy quick disconnects). Front adjustable track bar. 2" raised rear track bar bracket on the rear axle. Longer brake lines. 2" bump stops. 10" travel shocks (check your comprised and extended lengths as they very by manufacturer. Don't buy based on lift size.) Limit straps. If you don't like the lighter feel in the steering you are going to get then look into control arm drop brackets or adjustable control arms.

 

I will echo what Dirtman has said and even recommend looking for his sticky on lifts. Second thing to remember is "Ride is 100% subjective". No one is going to say their $2000 lift sucks. Like it or not that is reality. Thirdly and probably most important is to find some Jeepers in your area with various lifts and take a ride. That is the only true way to find what you will like. Lastly I like American made parts which are usually a little higher on the price but they support many American families. Companies like Rock Krawler, Currie and EVO are made in the US and RK and EVO are Forum Sponsors. Something to look into.

You can purchase any of these from Northridge4x4. Additionally if you look for the Season of Giving you will see Rock Krawler
Is giving away a choice between their 2.5
Inch Flex or Overland lifts.

My current lift is a hybrid of EVO 3" plush ride Coils with Rock Krawler front lower control arms and Rancho RS7000 MT's and I like the ride. My next lift is going to be either the EVO Double D Pro or the Rock Krawler Trail Runner. Just not sure yet.

Hope this helps.

R/
Will