I got the Rough Country 2.5" Coil lift put on the 4-door JK today.

Also added were XD Hoss 17x9 and some Nitto Mud Grapplers in 35x12.50.

It rides a little stiff. Maybe stiffer than stock (Sahara) but probably darn close. The tires probably are what are making it feel stiff, as it's more of a "you feel every bump" than a big bump making you fly up and out of your seat. So I guess it is the tires. They may soften up, but who knows. I also need to double-check the pressure, which looks a little high (maybe 40psi) so I may back it down to 35 or even 30 for a softer ride.

The Nittos are kind of noisy. It is not too bad but the noise emitted makes it sound like I'm on a plane about to take off. It kicks in around 30mph, so under 30 you don't hear it. Even at 75 it is not loud, it is just a higher pitch. Music drowns it out and also so would an exhaust (will be a future mod). The Nittos balanced perfectly the first time. Maybe I got lucky????

The setup looks amazing though. It looks like a million bucks and only cost $2500 which included shipping (free for all of it), tax, the install, and mounting/balancing.

The ESP light flashed immediately and we adjusted it once and it was fine for a while but came on about 20 mins later, so I need to re-center the steering wheel again. I now know what you all are talking about. It looked dead center but 20 mins down the road and pulling into my garage I could see it was off again. I doubt it came loose, so probably it is just really hard to eyeball it like folks here have said. So I will re-center that -- for the 3rd time.

As for power with the 35s (they weight 65lbs each) and the stocker 3.73 gears, it is not really notcably different (oh I have an auto tranny). Perhaps going up steeper hills I will notice it, but I had no problem getting around town and on the highway. I might go bigger some day but I doubt I'll need to go 5.10s.. Maybe 4.88.

My only other gripe is the Nittos in 35x12.50R17 do NOT fit on the spare tire carrier. They fit agaisnt the tailgate, but when you close it they hit on the bumper and don't really let you get the tailgate closed. So I either need spacers or to relocate the lug mounts higher somehow or else maybe now is a good time to hit the wife up for that new bumper and tire carrier combo?

I also took some measurements for folks considering this setup:

Factory 2008 Sahara with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Dueler 255/70/18:

* Ground to Bottom of Front Fender: 31.25"
* Center of wheel center cap up to Bottom of Front Fender: 20.625"

After the RC 2.5" Lift and 35" Mud Grapplers:

* Ground to Bottom of Front Fender: 36.00"
* Center of wheel center cap up to Bottom of Front Fender: 25.25"

So 36.00 - 31.25 = 4.75" total lift, which makes sense because the RC is advertised as 2.5" but they say the front will go up about 3" to level the rake, and the tire's sidewall is now about 1.5" taller, so that is pretty close to the 4.75" give or take a few tenths of an inch and me eyeballing it.

The other measurement (lift only) seems to indicate it is further off, and more like 4.625" of front lift, which is way off, so I think I might have screwed that up, either the factory or the one I just measured. Sorry folks.

Overall, I'm quite happy. I could be happier about the tire noise, but I expected some and like I said, it is not that bad. I would probably still pick this tire again if/when I get new tires. Their tread and sidewall pattern is AMAZING and the rig just looks off the hook now. I'm very satisfied with my choices!


Some pics:







(excuse the mud, it was drizzling here and they were working on a road I drove through so I got all muddy - that is AFTER a quick hose off if you can believe it)

I'm so happy!!

Kevin

 

Looks Great!! I do think you will be happier at a lower air presure. I run My Nitto Terra 33s at about 28lbs for a decent ride.

 

Did you have to use cam bolts or adjustable lower control arms to get the alignment right or were you ok with just the lift and no extra's?

 

Looks great. I'll offer two suggestions...

1. Get the daystar tailgate thingys if you add a wheel spacer to fit the spare. It will help keep it secure and rattle-free.

2. Buy a can of high heat spray paint (for bbq grills) and paint that rear muffler. It's a subtle mod, but so worth it. Especially with a black JK. Once you do it, you will notice all who do not.


Enjoy

 

Great tips, I will definitely paint the muffler, I agree. I will put some cardboard up above it when I spray it, to keep it off the underbody I suppose..

As for the daystar bump stops, I will probably get those but what do y'all really think of adding lug spacers on the spare tire carrier?? Should I use some 1/2" metal spacers or get the full 1.5" spidertrax spacer?? Is that moving the weight too far back off the tailgate?? These wheels are already more offset than the stock ones, and with about 100lbs on there (wheel+tire), I'm worried that could strain the tailgate spare tire mounts.

As for the control arms/alignment, no, nothing, just the 4 springs and shocks. The alignment seems good but I will have to get the front-end aligned just to make sure. I heard it is really worthwhile for the 35s...

I just spent another 30 mins messing with the steering wheel. It is pretty well centered at this point but my computer keeps beeping at me and flashing the (.!.) light - is that the one for ESP or is that just a generic light?? I assume it is my steering wheel centering (still) but I suppose it could be something else (but what?)

 

Those are the best looking wheels on the market!!! Looking good man. ...and yes, drop that air pressure big time. I run at 28 front 27 rear. Once you feel the difference, it will feel like you were driving on Flintstone tires before!

 

its a jeep.. they are suppose to ride rough

 

Esp can be a PIA. Correcting the spedo with the hypertech programer really did the trick for me (in addition to centering the steering wheel). You've got bigger tires now and that can cause the computer to get confused.

Lowering your tire pressure will really help the ride. I found the same thing when I put my tires on.
I run my 35's at 30 psi.

My 35 inch tire rubbed the bumper too. I put on a body lift (for other reasons) and that made it all good. A lot cheaper than a new bumper too.

 

That light is for the TPMS system. You must not have swapped the Tire Pressure monitors into your new wheels.

 

Look at the AEV Procal to turn off the TPMS light and help adjust the speedometer for your tires. Call Dave at Northridge and he can hook you up and it's only $135 shipped.