I just got my Unlimited X last week. I read all over the forums and Project-LK for the past week and now I have questions. My JK doesn't seem to suffer from the dropped front end. The front and rear fenders are level. Is mine an abnormality? My X came with the 17" wheels, tow, 6-spd, power package, soft-top.

I was leaning towards getting the RE BB 2" or Teraflex BB 2.5" for my Unlimited X because I like the idea of using my OEM springs. But after I started digging into this, I don't really like the idea of shifting the axles. And it looks like the RE would not help me because my truck is level and the RE kit tries to level out the JK by using 2.5" front and 1.75" rears, to equal a 2" lift.

The "shifting axles" thing really bothers me. Even just a half an inch would drive me crazy. These BB kits really should include a new track bar relocation mount to re-center the axles or make it an option.

Anyway, I saw that Fabtech has a new 3" kit that uses the OEM springs. I like that idea even more. Has anyone installed this kit yet? Fabtech JK 3" Lift It looks very nice, but the parts list is vague. Does it come with new brake brackets?

Of all the 3" lifts, which one retains the great JK Unlimited ride characteristics? I'll be doing 95% street driving. (Yes, my JK = poser)

I'll be going with a set of 35 x 12.5. Since I have 4.10 gears and a 6-speed, will I need to change the gears for street driving?

Thanks,

- Bill

 

this is just my 2 cents but I personally would never pay that much money for a fabtech kit that seems to offer so little. I am putting a 3 inch lift on my 4dr JK, and was going to go with the 3"Full Traction economy kit, but have changed my mind to the Rock Krawler 3.5" kit. The RK kit is more money but comes with more as well.

Contact Brandon at hippshobbies.com

he sells the RK kit, nice guy, and has a great reputation over at ROF(Rubicon owners forum)

I also have an 03 Rubicon that I am putting a long arm RK kit on..

 

+1.
No coils. No adjustable track bars. A drop pitman arm.. For a three inch lift???

That cash will go a lot further (and better imo) somewhere else.

 

That Fabtech kit looks like a big waste of money to me. The only thing I can think of worse than paying $689.99 for a spacer lift would be paying the $1295.99 they are asking for their spacer lift with the "special" shocks. Someone would have to PROVE to me that the Fabtech spacer kits perform better than all the other economy kits (which include new springs) before I would buy one. Someone would have to actually pay ME before I bought the $1300 Fabtech kit. Good luck with your decision.

 

The FT kit has been getting good reviews.. but There was an issue with the trac bar binding etc. Some recommend changing the rear trac bar out for a teraflex one..

WOL is running a FT kit.. ask him..

 

While we're on the subject; what about new control arms? Is that really necessary for a 3.5" to 4" lift? I like RE's stuff and it looks like a very inclusive kit but it kinda hurts the wallet. So a FT or TeraFlex kit is pretty appealing considering you can save money. I think with the boxed arms on the JK's we should be fine.

 

WOL is running a FT kit.. ask him..

 

My dealer tech recommended a drop pitman arm. He had a new Jk on the lot with one. I drove theirs and mine (similar set up minus the arm) and at 3" I must admit it handled really well and felt different than mine. He said it helps put the gometry back in the front end.

 

Someone educate me:
I thought the reason to “drop” the pitman was to more closely match the angle of the front track bar/drag link. With adjustable length TB, it seems you would not have this problem.


edited to say: I made this question its own thread.

 

In all honesty, I have no idea what "issue with the trac bar binding etc" you are refering to. Are you speaking from experience here? I have personally installed 2 Full Traction Ultimate Lifts (Rubimon and mine) and can tell you from experience that I have absolutely NO binding issues or otherwise with my front track bar and so far as I know, neither does Rubimon. In fact, I have been running the Full Traction adjustable front track bar on my TJ for years now which is virtually identical in design and can tell you that it has NO binding or other issues to speak of either. Now, I'm not saying that there aren't others out there who might be having issues with their track bar, but since I didn't install them myself, I can't say with any certainty why that might be. Certainly, my experience has been completely issue free but, you don't need to take my word for it. Just ask the scores of people who have seen my JK on the trail. If any of them have seen or heard any issues with their own eyes and ears, I'm sure they would be the first to tell you.