Let me begin by stating I've searched and read the forums but couldn't find an exact answer for my problem, I would appreciate any help figuring this out.

I've ordered a 2010 Rubicon (2-dr, auto), this will be my daily driver, I plan to try out some light offroading so assume this will be 95% street/highway, 5% light off-road for at least the 1st year. The upgrades I want immediately are new wheels and tires; I'm looking at 17X9 wheels with 4.25 or 4.5 backspacing and 35X12.5 tires, for now also assume I stick with the stock bumpers... the complexity comes with the lift. I want to stay under $1,000 for the kit, under $750 would be ideal.

I started researching the teraflex 3" and 4" kits, some discussion on drive shaft replacement, debate on LA's (need for wheelbase and smooth ride concerned me more than off-road), & other upgrades rapidly moved the cost way out of my range (at least for a 1st year upgrade).

Then I read some posts on the various teraflex 2.5" kits, I think I understand the pro's/con's of each of the different 2.5" kits, I favor the 2.5" coil kit with shocks - would I have to worry about any drive shaft or other issues with this kit? I've read some threads that said even with the 2.5" lift on a 2-dr auto its only a matter of time before you have to swap the front drive shaft, it wasn't clear to me if that comment was true for street use or just for offroad. Is there also an issue with the trans skid plate? If so, how expensive is that to fix?

If I have to upgrade the front drive shaft anyway would I be better off going with the 3" suspension now in case I want to move up to moderate off-roading later and upgrade front and rear bumpers, possibly a winch (all would be at least a year away, maybe 2 yrs)? Could I add the flexarm or LA kits to either the 2.5" or 3" kit in the future?

Thanks

 

Tough call... For 35's, the 3" might be a better choice, but you're increasing your chances of needing new drive shafts.

The problem with the auto-transmission and lifts is the front drive shaft's boot will rub on the transmission's skid plate... And I guess that when the boot goes, it's time for a new shaft.


I think for what you're describing, the 2.5" will be more than enough. You'll be looking at smaller 35's (or larger 33's, or 34's) for tires, which many find to be MORE than adequate for off-roading anyways.

the 2.5" kit will put you right in the price range you're looking for. I think it's the best money spent... especially on a BRAND new jeep...

 

I would go with the 2.5" Tera with shock extensions or OME since those seem to be the two better riding suspensions. With this set up if you remove your tranny skid you will be just fine with the stock shafts.

 

go with the TF 2.5" kit, it will fit 35"s, but get a coil spacer for the front... If you dont wheel extreme, you wont tear your boot (I have the same setup, and i did tear my boot this last weekend finally, but it was at alot of flex).... Maybe witht he money you saved on the 2.5" kit, get some Flat fenders and you will be golden

 

This is just my 2 cents.....
I have an '08 Rubi 2 dr. auto... I ended up going with the BDS 3" ( coils, and shocks ) without the control arms for my phase 1 project...
I have done some fairly rough wheeling and just LOVE the way my jeep works off road, and it really does good on road as well, I'm sure at least as good as any other lift will perform!!!
I have less than 1000.00 in the lift, but the tires are what will cost you more $$$ !!! If you only get 4 tires and not the spare, you may be able to stay around another grand!!!! the wheels will put you back even more!!
I have not had any problems with my drive shafts YET! not to say that I won't sometime down the road, but for now, I'm good!!!
The one thing I did do is to add an adjustable track bar to the mix! I found that my front end was shifted over about a half inch after the lift install, and the only way to recenter that is to go with an adjustable track bar...
I know Taraflex makes real good stuff!! ( I just had to be different and the BDS shocks are made by Edlebrock ) and alot of guys are running their 2.5 inch budget lift to clear 35" tires, but if you are on the fence and are like me, not really wanting to use spring pucks and shock mount extensions.. I would really look at a full 3" lift...
For me, I just had concerns from a strength stand point and wanted no questions as to IF my 35's would clear and have full articulation on the trails....
JUST MY OPINION.....

 

I have the 2" OME HD lift with 35" tires. It gave me about 3.25" of actual lift and I have plently of clearance with no rubbing issues. I have a 6 speed with the stock driveshafts and have had no issues at all after one year.