suspension suggestions

[4xjunkie]

I've had my JK for a little over a month now and am ready to lift it! Any suggestions as to the lift I need. Not really into rock crawling but do go off road. Logging trails mud and logs. an easy 90% on road. Tend to ford water during hunting season so I'm wanting to be able to go up to maybe 35 - 37 inch tire. Want a snorkel too.

[terrahawk]

Poly Performance
Currie
TeraFlex
Rubicaon Express
:beer::beer::beer:

[4xjunkie]

Thanks for the info terra... but what so great about these guys products? Is this what you're running? give me some scoop.

[terrahawk]

I have a hybrid Poly Performance / TeraFlex set up with some Currie components mixed in there. All top quality products with good customer service.

I suggest you call each of them to discuss your needs, and see what you like best after getting the scoop straight from the guys that make the stuff.

[DRIVEN1]

Poly is good product like Terrahawk said. I personally like the Teraflex products. I did the 3" lift kit and I am very pleased. Like you, this is a daily driver and it is a very good ride. I have been out on several trails and it is even BETTER off road. I thought I wasn't into rock crawling, but let me tell you that its addicting when your forced into it and you have the right setup. Good luck with your search.

[scottyp]

Get ahold of PP RE RK TF and Currie vendor representatives on the site. Let them know what your looking for and they will probably throw a nice reduced price in there for yah. Good luck:beer: i just went through the selecting suspension process and although im almost set on Rock Krawler im still debating spending the extracash on Poly

[scottyp]

These should help some

http://jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10983

http://jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11073

http://jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10965

[Broncojohn]

BDS - You break it they buy it.
Clayton - You break it they buy it.
RockKrawler - "Outside the box" designs and You break it they buy it.

[Ironworks]

I just got a Currie lift for our unlimited. I went with the Currie for a few reasons. Quality parts, Parts in the kit ( Brake lines, etc ) and Price. There are other kits out there that have some trick features and some dumb features. The Currie kit was about 700 buck cheaper then most other kits on the market and I felt it actually came with more parts. I then ordered the Fox shocks to go on the project. I hope to get it all installed next week.

Currie Rock Jock lift
Fox shocks ( Adjustable )
37" BFG KM2's
17x9 XD series Hoss wheels

Then I'm on to bumpers and armor parts and going to build my own cage.

Rodger

[Jason @ Warrior]

edit by camo.


feel free to contact me for advertising rates

camo@pirate4x4.com


or at a minimum please get a vendor star before promoting your companies products on JKO
http://www.jkowners.com/forum/payments.php

[Ironworks]

Our WP 3" lift kit has performed and held up really well. I've been pleased with the on and off pavement characteristics, and it's had no problems getting through some tough stuff with the 35" KM2's

http://warriorproducts.com/images/catalog/jk3inchkit.jpg

http://warriorproducts.com/catalog/TBL_JKWrangler.html

Whatever lift you do, make sure you brace up those factory panhard mounts...flimsy!

How do you adjust anything with your kit Jason? Everything is fixed.

[par4pro]

4xJunkie, hold up before you buy that kit. I bought a JK (4-door) back in late 07, and drove straight to my nearest 4WD shot and had them install a Black Diamond 3" on it. I have three other Jeeps ('84 CJ7, '92 YJ and a 2000 TJ) and I have Superlift systems on all of them. Black Diamond is Superlift's Sister Company - so its the same stuff, just cheaper. I've had the kit on my rig now for almost 2 years and I have had absolutely ZERO complaints. I live in central LA (about 90 minutes from West Monroe - home to both Superlift and SKyjacker) and have owned a lifted 4WD of some sort as well as my jeeps for the last 25 years. Because of where I am from I have had both companies lifts on my rigs, well only one Skycrapper and will never do that again - and let me tell you, you can not beat a Superlift kit. The price sometimes might be higher than others, but the quali-ty is there man. Other comapnies knock off what they originate. DOn't bother with an imitator, get the good stuff.
checkout this article on their website - their BD systems kicked series hiney, and only got beat out for best of the best by a kit that cost 5X what the BD kit cost.
http://www.superlift.com/media/articles/renamed/4wor_1007_shootout.pdf
it is a big file, but worth the read if you are series about getting a kit for your JK, and wnat3 to do it righ thte first time. Nothing will taint you on lifting your rig if you get burnt the very first time.

[Jason @ Warrior]

How do you adjust anything with your kit Jason? Everything is fixed.

It is considered an entry level kit and typically, adjustability isn't included in an entry level kit. I can appreciate the need for some people to have adjustability.

That said, those going with a 3" lift kit don't usually have that need.

The kit is preset to adjust caster, trackbar angles, and axle positions for the springs we provide in the kit. Upgrading to adjustable control arms and track bars would move you out of the entry level status, and could be done at a later time.

All of our suspension components are sold individually as well, if you weren't wanting to double purchase control arms and such as well.

[DAVID @ CURRIE ENTERPRISES]

You can get our suspension systems in a couple of different packages, with some options available.

Suspension System with 35's

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd196/cerockjock/Picture340-1.jpg?t=1245972067

Suspension System with 37's

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd196/cerockjock/Picture169.jpg?t=1245972523

Part # CE-9807
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/product.aspx?id=2897
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/images/product//currie/ce9807.jpg

Part # CE-9807S
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/images/product//currie/ce-9807s.jpg
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/images/product//currie/ce-9807s.jpg

Some of the available options are, adjustable track bars, Antirock sway bars and shocks.

[par4pro]

Hey Currie, just wondering is your system a 4"? If so how do you clear 37's without any rear fender trimming? I know you guys make a great axle package, but haven't had any first hand experience with your kits, but they sort of look complicated and expensive.

[Rock Krawler Suspension]

All of these products are very good and from great manufacturers.

We at Rock Krawler offer the broadest lineup at of 3.5" and 5.5" Suspension Systems! All of our systems are completely upgradeable. You can start as low as a 3.5" Entry Level and then jump straight to a full long arm system with our Long Arm Upgrade.

If you have any questions please let us know! Good luck with your selection process.

[terrahawk]

Hey Currie, just wondering is your system a 4"? If so how do you clear 37's without any rear fender trimming? I know you guys make a great axle package, but haven't had any first hand experience with your kits, but they sort of look complicated and expensive.

I run a 3" Poly Performance / TF lift and 37's and had minimal if any rubbing in the rear. None now that I have tube fenders.

[SDMF]

Bump stops are what keep your tires from rubbing your fenders, not the amount of lift you have.

[par4pro]

terrahawk -you didn't have to trim your rear fenders at all to get 37s under it with only 3"? I can see where you might have room for them in the front with tubes, but how does that help your rear have more room? I know the Superlift 4" will clear 37" with out tube fenders and a little rear trimming. Their kit is pretty simple to, if I were able to do the physical part of the work (terrible back and knees) I think I could have installed my kit myself, and like I said it is the samebasic thing as the Superlift kit.

[terrahawk]

Like SDMF said and I should have mentioned...proper bump stops. The only rubbing issue I had was the tires rubbing the frame in the front, because I was still running spacers on the stock wheels. This gave me the push I needed to finaly get wheels with the proper off set.:beer:

[DAVID @ CURRIE ENTERPRISES]

Like some of the guys mentioned, is limited by the bump stop. On the rear you have to trim the body seam on the front of the wheel well with a 37 and the rock rail if a Rubicon.

On the front you must trim the inside of the bumper so the tires clear when turned and fully articulated.

It is best to check all clearances by removing the springs after the system is installed and adjusted then fully articulating the vehicle every direction and the wheels lock to lock. Or if you have access to a ramp or fork lift will also do the trick.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd196/cerockjock/2drjk.jpg?t=1246047882

[4xjunkie]

Wow, You guys really jumped in here for me. I appreciate all the top notch info. It looks like i have a little bit of homework to do before I make my decision. I did go and read the article that par4 mentioned at the superlift site. Pretty impressive. I will read some stuff on the company web site you all mentioned and will check back here later today. Thanks guys. A lot of great information!

[Ironworks]

I got my Currie lift on Thursday and it will be installed on Tuesday of this week. I have my 37" BFG tires and hopefully my Fox shocks will be here very soon. The Currie lift looks to be everything I had thought it would be from all the home work I have done. Very nice kit.

I will keep you posted, I want this Jeep to work well off road but I'm more concerned on the street manners since my wife will be driving it every day.

[PIG]

I just got a Currie lift for our unlimited. I went with the Currie for a few reasons..........Price.

It sure is tough to pass up a free suspension kit man... Hope it all worked out for you.

[PIG]

I have three other Jeeps ('84 CJ7, '92 YJ and a 2000 TJ) and I have Superlift systems on all of them. Black Diamond is Superlift's Sister Company - so its the same stuff, just cheaper. I've had the kit on my rig now for almost 2 years and I have had absolutely ZERO complaints. I live in central LA (about 90 minutes from West Monroe - home to both Superlift and SKyjacker) and have owned a lifted 4WD of some sort as well as my jeeps for the last 25 years.

I agree, for the price the SuperLift product is a pretty good value. However, I would be a little weary due to the fact that they just declared bankruptcy....

http://www.trollerbk.com/portal/?module=intro&c=89BB1B45-AFDB-D34A-400E67E88BC6AAC7&showcase=1

[PIG]

Hey Currie, just wondering is your system a 4"? If so how do you clear 37's without any rear fender trimming? I know you guys make a great axle package, but haven't had any first hand experience with your kits, but they sort of look complicated and expensive.

I run a 3" Poly Performance / TF lift and 37's and had minimal if any rubbing in the rear. None now that I have tube fenders.

Bump stops are what keep your tires from rubbing your fenders, not the amount of lift you have.

Basically what SMDF said..... The whole tire/fender clearance thing really just has to do with the bump stop extensions that are used with each kit. Here is a good general rule of thumb.

2" bump stop extensions will clear 33's
3" bump stop extensions will clear 35's
4" bump stop extensions will clear 37's

[Ironworks]

It sure is tough to pass up a free suspension kit man... Hope it all worked out for you.

That is not quite how it worked out. I had planned to buy the kit and wound up through some of my connections getting it at a really good deal. Either way that does not affect the quailty of the kit or my choice. There are alot of great kits on the market and making the decision as to which one to pick is a difficult one. Like you said choosing a company that will stand the test of time is good point and picking one that is made with quality parts is another point. As a fabricator and pretty smart car guy, I narrowed my choice down to the Currie Rock Jock. The Quaity of the parts and the price was the best deal on the market before I got a good deal and after.

Thanks

Rodger

[lbh]

That is not quite how it worked out. I had planned to buy the kit and wound up through some of my connections getting it at a really good deal. Either way that does not affect the quailty of the kit or my choice. There are alot of great kits on the market and making the decision as to which one to pick is a difficult one. Like you said choosing a company that will stand the test of time is good point and picking one that is made with quality parts is another point. As a fabricator and pretty smart car guy, I narrowed my choice down to the Currie Rock Jock. The Quaity of the parts and the price was the best deal on the market before I got a good deal and after.

Thanks

Rodger


Now you just need to get past the "fear of scratching it" you mentioned at the "meet and greet" and wheel it. With the recent mods, you are ready to roll, so use it and abuse it and stay away from the mall! See you soon.

[MaloCS]

If you're still in the market check out the Nth Degree lift from AEV.

Realistically speaking, if you go with any of the kits mentioned in this thread you should be a happy camper. Good luck. :)

[par4pro]

PIG I had heard the same thing about Superlift too. IT IS NOT TRUE. SUPERLIFT IS NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS OR CHANGING OWNERS. Like I posted earlier I have used their products for over 25 years and only live a little more than an hour from the Superlift HQ in West Monroe, LA. So, I decided to drive to their headquarters in West Monroe and see for myself if the rumor I heard was true. Not only is Superlift not going out of business – those guys were so busy it looked like they were gearing up for war. They were super cool about me showing up too. Heck they took me and my 3-year old on what they call the nickel tour – they take any one that comes by for the tour – even if you are not a Superlift fan, it’s a cool tour. I got to see their Sales, shipping and receiving, marketing, their R&D departments. I even got to see their “stable”. Dude… they had the Hooters Truck there, the Park Patrol Power Wagon and Park Patrol 4DR JK, and a few other rigs they are working on specifically for Mattel – yes that’s right. Hot Wheels is releasing a whole line of Superlift rigs, and Superlift is/was building the 1:1 versions for use at the SEMA show in November. Anyway I also got to briefly meet Bret Lovett – the owner of both Superlift and the Superlift ORV Park in AR. I asked him about the bankruptcy and he was totally cool about it. He said that basically they had to file for bankruptcy protection (C11) and not bankruptcy. It is the same thing that Chrysler and GM are doing right now. He said that they had put a lot of money over the years in making their kits better, and to do so they had to expand. They have a huge campus – it’s like half a block. They build their own stuff, unlike a lot of other companies that have others build it for them. The only thing they don’t make are foundry stuff (springs and stuff), poly parts and shocks. Anyway he said that when the economy came to an abrupt stop, that it took everyone from behind. He said it hit them really bad because they were having a hard time getting product in that they couldn’t control – like raw materials (steel) or shocks or springs because other companies had cut back their production. Anyway he said that they would be back at full strength in about 6-9 months, but needed the C11 to hold off a local bank from squeezing him so tight. He was very honest and impressive. Anyway he told me to visit 4WOR or ORA webs sites and to read the PR they had posted. I did: http://blogs.4wheeloffroad.com/6507541/off-road-news/superlift-files-reorganization/index.html.
Anyway long story, a little shorter, I am even more of a Superlift loyal guy than I was before – and no worries – Superlift is here to stay.

[camo]

It is common knowledge that they filled for bankruptcy. that much is fact.

also well know is that their sales are down 40% for the year. so take all the warm fuzzies you like and add them up. If they are not successful in restructuring their business then they will cease to exists in the near future.

I wish them all the luck and hope they beat the odds and pull off a miracle.

[par4pro]

CAMO - Just out of curriosity, how would you know what their sales are and just how much down that would be? Do you work for them? I didn't think to ask Bret that the day I was there, but it doesn't seem like information he would want to share, at least with just anyone, anyway. I assume you are know someone there, or in the industry, that told you this? You can speculate all you want, but from what I could see they were shipping what seemed to be a mountain of stuff the day I was there... if you are making an assumption that becasue of the economy sales for all comapnies are down, then you are just making generalities - not very good. Do you mind if I call the guy who gave me the tour (if I can find his business card) and tell him to log on here and make a reply to your post? I don't know what the rules are and don't want to seem like a rat or not. I just figure if there is someone on here basically slandering them, then they might want to rebute your comments.

[cdc12372]

CAMO - Just out of curriosity, how would you know what their sales are and just how much down that would be? Do you work for them? I didn't think to ask Bret that the day I was there, but it doesn't seem like information he would want to share, at least with just anyone, anyway. I assume you are know someone there, or in the industry, that told you this? You can speculate all you want, but from what I could see they were shipping what seemed to be a mountain of stuff the day I was there... if you are making an assumption that becasue of the economy sales for all comapnies are down, then you are just making generalities - not very good. Do you mind if I call the guy who gave me the tour (if I can find his business card) and tell him to log on here and make a reply to your post? I don't know what the rules are and don't want to seem like a rat or not. I just figure if there is someone on here basically slandering them, then they might want to rebute your comments.

FYI, when a company files BK 7 or 11, it is required that the information be made public to everyone via newspaper add and others. What PIG posted is fact. Just because they filed BK does not mean the company will no longer be around. Is not that uncommon for a company to be 40% down in these times.:thefinger:

[Aggie]

CAMO - Just out of curriosity, how would you know what their sales are and just how much down that would be? Do you work for them? I didn't think to ask Bret that the day I was there, but it doesn't seem like information he would want to share, at least with just anyone, anyway. I assume you are know someone there, or in the industry, that told you this? You can speculate all you want, but from what I could see they were shipping what seemed to be a mountain of stuff the day I was there... if you are making an assumption that becasue of the economy sales for all comapnies are down, then you are just making generalities - not very good. Do you mind if I call the guy who gave me the tour (if I can find his business card) and tell him to log on here and make a reply to your post? I don't know what the rules are and don't want to seem like a rat or not. I just figure if there is someone on here basically slandering them, then they might want to rebute your comments.

He and Lance run Pirate4x4.com (the biggest offroad forum out there) and JKOwners.com, I think it is in their best interest to know exactly what is going on with Vendors and Potential Vendors that will affect their tens of thousands of customers that log on everyday. I trust what he says.

And then of course when companies file bankruptcy it becomes common knowledge like stated above. :grinpimp::thefinger:

[par4pro]

Hmm, didn’t know that the guys at pirate 4x4 were those kinds of guys - the kind that would basically kick a company when they were down. I called the guy at Superlift who gave me the tour, and he said the opposite of what CAMO said, he said that yes it is public knowledge that Superlift filed Chapter 11, which is bankruptcy protection through reorganization. He said that Superlift had to file because Superlift, like all other suspension manufacturers (at least the big 6) were having a problem with supply of the parts they didn't make (poly, forged, shocks and springs). He also said that cash flow had gotten tight when out of the blue, though Superlift had never missed a payment, was never late and that the building had over 80% equity due to aggressive debt reduction, the hometown bank they dealt with called the $1.5 Million dollar note on their building (built in 2001). He said any company that has $1.5 million in the bank these days is rare, much less a solely owned, non corporate backed company like Superlift. He was surprisingly and refreshingly open about the whole deal. I told he that the guys were posting some pretty bad claims about them online and he said that when the owner (Bret) got back in town he would post an approved thread explaining all of this officially. He said that anyone that wants to know only need to call him, or any manager at Superlift and they would be happy to answer questions. He did say not to worry though, that their sales did drop by almost 30% back in the middle of the $4.50 a gallon gas days last year - which caused trucks sales to drop like a rock, which lead to lift kit sales for the same also drop. He said they had rebounded and business this year compared to this time in 2007 (prior to the bottom falling out) were only off by about 20%, but felt like no one else was doing any better. His name is Joey and is the Director of Marketing for the company. He said I could post the companies 800-551-4955 number, and that if anyone here wanted to call and ask about anything - to please do. OH - he said their lifetime warranty is still valid and that they are not going out of business and expects the company to make a full recovery.

It sounds like to me that the guys at Pirate 4x4 should give him a call, and get their information updated.

[par4pro]

4xJunkie - sorry about all of this bickering about Superlift's lively hood, ir sort of overtook your orignal post. If you haven't bought a kit yet, I say buy a Superlift, the cost like $200, you can install it yourslef in the drive way, it will let you run 35's no problem and 37's with a little trimming and it seems the comapny is solid enough to trus their warranty will be good for a long time to come. I know I sound like a groupie, but I have never used anything but Superlift or Black Diamond by Superlift products and they work, and when i have had an issue - they fixed it ASAP and without question. What else could you want?

[jbuck]

I did the RE 4.5" LA and am happy with it. Really soft in the road, but with the swaybar connected it can still corner OK. And off road it is really plush.

[Bret Lovett]

Hey Pig,

Bret Lovett, owner of Superlift / Black Diamond here. I don't get much forum time, but I felt compelled to chime in. Superlift did file Chapter 11 reorganization on April 9, 2009. Ours is a text book reorganization, not a prelude to going out of business. It is a long and complicated story, but it boils down to us , like so many others, having a poor 2008 then our banks reigning-in credit at a time when we needed more. I had several million dollars in excess equity in buildings and equipment, but in today's frozen credit market this was irrelevant.

Currently, the reorg plan is on schedule and the business climate has steadily improved. In fact, I just securred a new financing arrangement that will allow us to quickly work through a considerble order backlog. We still manufacture most product in-house, we are shipping daily, designing new stuff, and the Limited Lifetime Warranty we’ve honored for 34 years is still in place. You are still in good hands.

Our Bilstein-equipped 3" and 4" JK systems rate exceptionally well.

Have a good one.

[Xtremjeepn]

Welcome Bret.


As long as we are on the topic of Superlift. I just want to toss something in here. They have been a vital part of the 4 wheeling community for a long time.

Here is a little example.

We started a project here in Colorado a couple of years ago to "recycle" a worn out old Chevy truck to use specifically as a "Trail clean up" truck. Partly to use to do trail clean up and maint. But also to create a positive image of 4 wheelers, to show that we were not all out there tearing up the trails, but actually taking care of them.


The truck was backed by a few companies that care about our trails and keeping them open.

Bret and Superlift donated a complete suspension, brake lines and diff protection to the truck.

Just something to think about when you think about who you are buying this stuff from. I have run their stuff on many rigs. Good quality stuff and I would buy it again.

Business if tough in this economy. But don't let a few bad rumors spoil it for a good company.



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3345550514_6353c1b096_b.jpg

[slow2run]

How good is the Mopar long arm kit, that they offer ?

[Bret Lovett]

Thanks for the kudos, Xtremjeepn. We do what we can for good causes.

Slow2run, Superlift manufactures several items for Mopar, but not their 4.5" Long Arm. I have not personally driven one.

We do provide Mopar a 2" replacement coil spring kit that is not available in the Superlift line. Black Diamond (by Superlift) has a 3", and Superlift has a 4. The Mopar 2" provides as much extension travel as any "short arm" 4" system; the limiter is rear driveshaft angle. The system also includes replacement adjustable front track bar, rear track bar bracket with bolt-on brace and a high-clearance HD steering stabilizer. The system is pricey, but not when you consider what it includes and the R&D involved.

Superlift, Bilstein and Mopar really spent loads of time on tweaking coil rates and shock tuning; we handled most of the off-road hammering / testing while Jeep and Bilstein concentrated on the on-road tuning. The end result is amazing. If you're looking for something to adequately clear 35s, the Mopar 2" kit is as good as it gets (in my humble opinion). The taller Superlift offerings share the same tuning attributes.

Bret

[4xjunkie]

Wow I can't thank you all enough for really jumping in on this. I looked at as many of the products you all mentioned and did some homework. I looked at the Currie kit pretty hard. Just too expensive $2254 , poly performance.... all I could find was piece mill purchasing and well I really don't know what I do and do not need and everywhere I looked online for the warrior products kit I could not find the price. So I looked at Superlift and that led me to Black Diamond. I placed my order on line $643. Called Superlift and spoke with Mike Morris and he suggested good tires and wheels. I have enough left over to get them this weekend.... the other extras will come after I get everything installed and go wheelin with the wife.

Again, I appreciate everything and all the great info. Will upload some images when I can.