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2.5” or 3.5” lift for 37s?

Shoebox303

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Hey guys - I’m sorry if this has been hashed over a thousand times, but I’m new to this and hoping for some wisdom from the more experienced.

I recently ordered the JKS J-Konnect 3.5” kit for my 2021 JLU Rubicon. I’m starting to wonder if I should have gone with the 2.5” version rather than the 3.5” version. I want a kit that’ll allow 37” tires, but I also want a lower center of gravity. According to the JKS site, both the 2.5” and 3.5” kits allow the same max tire size (37s on the Rubi).

The cost of the kits are identical. And I think the components of the kits are the same except for the springs.

My family and I do a lot of highway miles with a lot of primitive camping and fairly serious off-road stops along the way (think “Fins ‘N’ Things” in Moab, for example). We also travel pretty heavy.

So, I guess I’m looking for some opinions. Basically, what are the pros/cons of each? Does the 2.5” rub on articulation? Is it mostly about breakover ground clearance? Are there things I‘m not considering?

Thanks a lot for the help, guys. I really appreciate it.

Jeep Wrangler JL 2.5” or 3.5” lift for 37s? B0AF805B-94A1-4155-853A-ABCAF9F96053
Jeep Wrangler JL 2.5” or 3.5” lift for 37s? 34065BD5-D0A4-4C28-B7C2-4969AB8DE0A6
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Clayton Off Road

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Your Rubicon model should be able to accommodate 37" tires both with a 2.5" and 3.5" lift! With our lifts for example we say that our 2.5" kits fit 37's perfectly on a Rubicon model, while our 3.5" kit can actually accommodate up to 39" tires nicely. If you're looking to run 37's with the lowest amount of lift possible and keep your center of gravity down for better on-road manners, I would definitely say a 2.5" lift would be the way to go. If you're looking for more off-road performance and better ground clearance, the 3.5" kit would be your best bet! It's all about the look you're going for and what you plan on doing with the vehicle! Hope this helps :)
 

Roky

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This ^^^...... but if you’re 50/50 on road / off road . Then I would get the 3.5” it will let you do more things as far as carrying weight, ground clearance etc...and to be honest, there’s not that much difference in on-road manners between the two, imho. I’ve driven both heights extensively.
 

Terminex

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I would figure out how much weight you will be wheeling with.

i.e. will you dump everything at camp and then go wheeling light, or will you be taking everything with you when you wheel.

What are you doing for front & rear bumpers, skid plates, roof rack, etc...

Even if you dump everything at camp, it is real easy to add serious weight to the "base" rig.

Next I would check to see how much lift people ended up seeing with the kit a couple months after install, and how much weight they added.

cheers.
 

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FunWagon

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The higher the better :). 4" for sure.
 

Bocephus

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Go 3.5” if you do any offroad at all. Actually even if you don’t, go 3.5”.
My 2.5 Evo lift kept me in the bump stops constantly, cleared 37s with some rubbing. A year later I got the coils to go 3.5”, much happier.
 

TMJL2018

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Go 3.5” if you do any offroad at all. Actually even if you don’t, go 3.5”.
My 2.5 Evo lift kept me in the bump stops constantly, cleared 37s with some rubbing. A year later I got the coils to go 3.5”, much happier.
What changes did you have to do with the coils? I'm thinking of doing the same thing. I think I would need at least new driveshafts. I sheared my rear passenger axle and getting 1 tons put on and upgrading to 37s. I have a 2.5" lift and since she is "under the knife" right now thought about adding 1" coil spacers. I have to get new driveshafts anyway along with breakline extensions for the 1 tons. Thanks!
 

Bocephus

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What changes did you have to do with the coils? I'm thinking of doing the same thing. I think I would need at least new driveshafts. I sheared my rear passenger axle and getting 1 tons put on and upgrading to 37s. I have a 2.5" lift and since she is "under the knife" right now thought about adding 1" coil spacers. I have to get new driveshafts anyway along with breakline extensions for the 1 tons. Thanks!
Evo rear track bar bracket was added at same time as 3.5 coils, and Tom woods drive shafts shortly thereafter. Can’t think of anything else at the moment. Then again, it is Saturday bourbon hour.
 

TMJL2018

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Evo rear track bar bracket was added at same time as 3.5 coils, and Tom woods drive shafts shortly thereafter. Can’t think of anything else at the moment. Then again, it is Saturday bourbon hour.
That helps thanks! Cheers! It's Saturday whiskey night here.
 

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kalashnikovjl

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hey y'all! just wanted to throw some input in!
im doing a 2.5 metal cloak game changer kit, combined with the falcon 3.3 adjust shocks. im going to run the new BFG Ko2's 37s made for the new raptor.

my rig is built out as a daily driver with maybe 2-5 trail trips a year where I do like to get flex-y and try some big things.
My main goal is on road comfort and stability, combined with offroad ability. I think the quality and ability of the metal cloak lift and the 3.3 falcons will lead to the perfect mix, a comfortable and stable ride on road, and good flex off road!
 

iddpaul

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Live and learn....get a quality lift with adjustable upper/lower control arms, etc., etc. I went with EVO 2.5" enforcer overland stage 4 with spec kings, 37" Nitto's and steersmart.... very happy, handling is awesome, COG is low BUT after driving for a while and overlanding, now moving to 3.5" (new coils rear track bar bracket). Should have done this from day one..! Of course it depends on your use, but IMHO 3.5" will give you best of both worlds - DD and trail.
 

CarbonSteel

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looks great dude! what size tires are you running?
I just edited my post when I realized I left that part out:

BFG K02's in 37x12.50x17 in Load Range C.
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