Another Lift Kit Question

[Clydesdale]

I have a 2021 JL Rubicon (2 door) that has the factory 33 inch tires. It also has steel bumpers front and back, and a winch. I need more clearance on the trails while keeping it at a good height for my wife to get in without a step stool. We have decided that 3.5 inches overall would work good. I intend to get 35 inch tires and a 2.5 inch lift kit. I am looking at the Teraflex 2.50-Inch Base Suspension Lift Kit. Also looking to try the Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks.

My question is will this give me an actual 3.5 inches in lift. I have read many posts and articles that say you will not always get 2.5 inches of lift from a 2.5 inch kit because of the heavier bumpers, winch, and gear carried. I have all these things on my Jeep now. I am just after an addition 2.5 inches in lift from where it is now. Is this realistic to expect it? Or does anyone have any other advice? Thanks!

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[TeraFlex]

Great question. We use a Rubicon as our base for our lifts and springs, so adding our 2.5 base lift kit (or any of our kits with 2.5/3.5/4.5 springs) will net you within 1/2 inch of that lift amount on a Rubicon. If you don't have a heavy front bumper or winch you would likely see around '3 of lift in the front. Since the Rubicon's sit '1 inch higher than non Rubicon models, like the Sport, Sahara, etc our 2.5 springs would net around 3.5 inches on those models.

 

[MTKMAN]

Think of lifts as more of an art than a science. Whenever you add weight, it's going to reduce the "height" of the lift. Depending on the added pats (winch, steel bumpers, skid plates, ect.) each lift will vary slightly based on the configuration. You could always add load leveler spacers if you're not satisfied. I think 1/2 is what most use to compensate for added weight.

 

[aldo98229]

Where do you need those additional 3.5 inches? Under the pumpkin or somewhere else?

Lifts do not provide added clearance per se; taller tires do. The point of lifting is so that we can fit taller tires.

On a Rubicon you can go from 33 to 35 inches without a lift. But that will only get you 1 additional inch of clearance under the differential. If you indeed need 3.5 inches of added clearance under there, you will need to go from 33 to 40 inch tires (7/2= 3.5 inches). Which I wouldn’t recommend for a variety of reasons.

BTW, unlike other trucks, 2.5 inches of lift is quite a bit on a Wrangler. Especially on a Rubicon.

 

[GATORB8]

Different shocks. From AnnDee4444's sticky:

With 2.5" lift and 2" bump extensions. Front shock travel measurements:

RS9000XL 0" will not work, overextended at ride height.
RS9000XL 3.5" will give an installed stroke of 7", 4.25 up and 2.75" down.
RS9000XL 4.5" will bottom out the shock before hitting the bump stop.

Since @TeraFlex has been nice enough to help you, I'll use their Falcons for comparison

Falcon 1.1 will give an installed stroke of 9.25", 4.25 up and 5" down
Falcon 2.1 2-3" will give an installed stroke of 9.35", 4.25 up and 5.1" Down
Falcon 3.1 or 3.3 2-3" will give an installed stroke of 10.55", 4.25 up and 6.3" Down.

 

[Clydesdale]

Where do you need those additional 3.5 inches? Under the pumpkin or somewhere else?

Lifts do not provide added clearance per se; taller tires do. The point of lifting is so that we can fit taller tires.

On a Rubicon you can go from 33 to 35 inches without a lift. But that will only get you 1 additional inch of clearance under the differential. If you indeed need 3.5 inches of added clearance under there, you will need to go from 33 to 40 inch tires (7/2= 3.5 inches). Which I wouldn’t recommend for a variety of reasons.

BTW, unlike other trucks, 2.5 inches of lift is quite a bit on a Wrangler. Especially on a Rubicon.

I need most of my lift under the chassis and rock sliders. I can put my wheel over obstacles but spending too much time sliding over them in the middle. We were recently by Sand Mountain and Moab on some 5 rated trails. Even with a good departure angle I am on the sliders and on the receiver hitch. I am primarily adding height for better clearance in the middle and rear bumper.

 

[Clydesdale]

Great question. We use a Rubicon as our base for our lifts and springs, so adding our 2.5 base lift kit (or any of our kits with 2.5/3.5/4.5 springs) will net you within 1/2 inch of that lift amount on a Rubicon. If you don't have a heavy front bumper or winch you would likely see around '3 of lift in the front. Since the Rubicon's sit '1 inch higher than non Rubicon models, like the Sport, Sahara, etc our 2.5 springs would net around 3.5 inches on those models.

Thanks for the advise. In reading thru the replies and a little more research I am thinking the Teraflex 2.5" Sport S/T2 Suspension System is the best application for me.

 

[dpike]

I recently did a 2.5" lift and gained a little over 3" with steel bumpers, roam sliders, winch, Gobi roof rack, roof top tent, boot box and fridge.

I think 2.5" lifts on 35s makes the best full spectrum option.

 

[aldo98229]

I need most of my lift under the chassis and rock sliders. I can put my wheel over obstacles but spending too much time sliding over them in the middle. We were recently by Sand Mountain and Moab on some 5 rated trails. Even with a good departure angle I am on the sliders and on the receiver hitch. I am primarily adding height for better clearance in the middle and rear bumper.

You will find everything on the trail a LOT easier on 35s.

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