Regeared to 4.88's a couple weeks ago, decided to add new covers when changing the diff fluid after 500 miles. Love the new gearing! Makes it fun to drive again as it is a manual with 35's.
That's a tough one. I have never gone through Winter with a soft top, or Summer with a hard top. The hard top is definitely better in the Winter, but you will lose the true top down feeling in the Summer.
If you get the Rough Country one, don't order the bracket that is for the backup sensors. You have two choices, and I chose that one and the tire was way too high on the tailgate and sat too far out. I didn't like the extra leverage on the gate so I ended up getting the Terraflex bracket...
Installed 3/4” Daystar spacer in front and the longer Mopar lower control arms. front Is still about 3/8” lower than the rear, but it looks pretty good.
Take a look at Synergy, they have 1 or 2 inch lift springs that run at a 10% higher rate for added load. You can buy a kit or individual components. It's what I'm looking at. https://www.synergymfg.com/synergy-jeep-jl-2-inch-lift-starter-system.html?category_id=4980
I've been on a similar...