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Need some advice on lifts

2.7K views 24 replies 22 participants last post by  NorCalRubicon  
#1 ·
As title states… I've been around cars (building, racing you name it) since I can't remember. But a time has come that I have a newer beast that I am a little clueless about.

I just purchased a 08 2dr last week and am wanting to lift it a bit and run 33 or 35 tires.

I do drive this pretty much daily on the highway (about 20 miles) during the winter and am wanting to still be able to take 400 mile road trips as well as take to the trails…

For this I need advice… What is a good ride (highway) and good for trails as well…

I has read that you can clear 33s with no problems but would like the lift for a little added flew on the trails. After taking with a few local guys, I keep hearing the name "Rubicon Express". Any info on these guys???

all advice is appreciated

dave
 
#24 · (Edited)
^^^Good advice there. My take is that the amount of work you really should put into running a 35 isn't worth it for me. You really oughtta beef up more than just suspension, since you put enough stress on the Jeep running tires that large to make a regear sensible, then you get into the whole gusset and sleeve thing.

I went with 33" duratracs and the 2.5" stock mod since I can add the control arms later on down the line if I feel like it. RK's a pretty versitile lift that way.

As for extra clearance on the trail, the only thing that helps there is a larger tire, since your differentials are still sitting just as low with they were on the stock suspension as they are with lift until you bump the tire size up.
 
#4 ·
I would stay away from the Rubicon express stuff for awhile they are in transition right now after being bought out by 4WParts!

You cant go wrong with the RK or poly kits do a spring lift and some good shocks for a good on and off road ride if you have an auto trans stick with the 33's unless you want to re gear for 35's and if you have a Rubicon with a 6 spd you can run the 35's without re gearing!
 
#5 ·
YES STAY AWAY FROM RUBICON EXPRESS!!
I have the RE 4.5 long arm and have played hell with these bushings and then control arm failure resulting from the bushings. Then they closed, reorganized, whatever. Even spoke to them today and this was the 3rd DIFFERENT answer they have given me to replace under warranty. I strongly agree with jammin here and stay away from RE

from what I'm coming across, is that RK appears to be a good buy
 
#10 ·
I'll throw another vote in the box for Rock Krawlers 2.5 kits.

However, if you're really only going to run 33s and you are interested in keeping as many of your stock components as possible, you might want to look at a leveling kit or small budget boost. This will enable you to find your limits with the Jeep and really assess your ultimate needs.

When and if you decided you needed more ground clearance your budget boost is still valuable and you'll know exactly where to put your money.

I run the 2.5" max travel on my two door and have installed it in stages. If you have specific questions don't hesitate to ask!

Marcus
 
#20 ·
Anybody heard anything or know anything about the Rough Country 3.5" series II lift? I am not able to afford to much more unfortunately. I have a stock 08' Sahara Unlimited. Would like to run Fierce Attitude 35's. Yay or Nay?
I helped out a friend with his rough country and I didn't like it at all. I've been installing mostly RK and a few teraflex and have to say either one is a good choice.


Sent with Smoke Signals
 
#17 ·
Another vote for Rock Krawler.

With RK you can start with a basic lift like the stock mod, then add parts when more funds become available. I feel that all RK products are reasonably priced and are top notch in quality.

If you cant afford it now, wait longer and save! You will thank me in the end!
 
#18 ·
I have AEV 4.5 and would not put anything else under my JK. It has a great ride on road and off. I drive my wife and son around. Who will you be driving around? Good luck.