Best Lift System under $1500 - Daily Driver & Light Off-Road

[entropy]

how is the driving/performance of the Rubi take off as compared to going with an RK Adventure Series 1? The Rubi take-off would not do anything to my trackbars or control arms. How do the Rubi Shocks compare to Fox IPF or even the Rocksports from MC. I do agree its the cheapest option by far and leaves plenty of money left over for aftermarket fenders and other possible components.

If I go with a Spacer lift what are the "critical" components you would recommend being swapped? Shocks, LCA's, trackbar (or relocation brackets), SB links?

Rubi suspension would be much better than going spacers. You will not only get a mild lift but increased articulation.

The rubicon has all same components as the sport. So you dont need to change anything else, since the lift if very moderate you should be fine. Using longer mopar LCAs which cost only about $70 in parts will improve your caster.

The rubicon shocks are better than the sport. But inferior than most aftermarket options.

All other lifts proposed here are better than the rubicon, you will get better articulation and shocks at the expense of a higher center of gravity and going further than stock feel due to the increased height.

It all depends what you need/want. If I was ever gonna add the extra weight of 35s considering all the downsides of oversized tires, I would regear, go with a proper lift, bigger brakes and even consider axle swaps on a sport. But to each their own. Do your research on the pros and cons of running 35s.

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[DARAMOS]

also thank you ALL for your excellent advice! I truly appreciate you taking the time to help me better understand my options and make the best choice to suit my needs.

 

[limeade]

how is the driving/performance of the Rubi take off as compared to going with an RK Adventure Series 1? The Rubi take-off would not do anything to my trackbars or control arms. How do the Rubi Shocks compare to Fox IPF or even the Rocksports from MC. I do agree its the cheapest option by far and leaves plenty of money left over for aftermarket fenders and other possible components.

If I go with a Spacer lift what are the "critical" components you would recommend being swapped? Shocks, LCA's, trackbar (or relocation brackets), SB links?

My 2018 JLUR is on a 2.5" RK lift with Fox 2.0 IFP shocks. I think it rides better than the stock Rubicon suspension. It is firmer, but not as harsh/jarring if that makes sense.

 

[DARAMOS]

So just to close the loop on this thread. I ended up going with the MC 2.5" True Dual kit. Looking to get it installed sometime next week.

Thanks to all for the feedback and responses.

 

[Headbarcode]

So just to close the loop on this thread. I ended up going with the MC 2.5" True Dual kit. Looking to get it installed sometime next week.

Thanks to all for the feedback and responses.

Great choice! Looking forward to seeing some pics.

 

[Woodynj]

Some long posts here so may be repeating but I went spacer with a spacer lift. I am running BFG KOS2 315/70/17s on 4.75 in backspace wheels and Teraflex 2””front 1.5”rear with the included bump stops up front. Looks awesome, easy, cheap, rides better than stock (with the new tires)Plenty of clearance

 

[entropy]

Some long posts here so may be repeating but I went spacer with a spacer lift. I am running BFG KOS2 315/70/17s on 4.75 in backspace wheels and Teraflex 2””front 1.5”rear with the included bump stops up front. Looks awesome, easy, cheap, rides better than stock (with the new tires)Plenty of clearance

How can it ride better? higher center of gravity, same shocks and springs, and bigger tires. How is that possible?.

It definitely looks better!

 

[JJSix]

So just to close the loop on this thread. I ended up going with the MC 2.5" True Dual kit. Looking to get it installed sometime next week.

Thanks to all for the feedback and responses.

Great to hear, looking forward to hearing how you like it

 

[Woodynj]

How can it ride better? higher center of gravity, same shocks and springs, and bigger tires. How is that possible?.

It definitely looks better!

Rides better do to tires themselves. Smoother less bumpy in my opinion.

 

[ppfingsten]

Are all these 2.5 lifts based on an additional 2.5 for a Rubicon? So a sport would net approx 4 inches of lift from the 2.5 kits? Hard to really find any definitive answer.

 

[entropy]

Are all these 2.5 lifts based on an additional 2.5 for a Rubicon? So a sport would net approx 4 inches of lift from the 2.5 kits? Hard to really find any definitive answer.

Yeah. If the lift kit doesnt specify rubicon or sport, expect to get at least that if not more!. These lift kits tend to be designed for a fully loaded Jeep (bumpers, winch, skid plates) so they will really lift a stock sport with plastic bumpers.

 

[Pdiehm]

Below are the "total cost" of the lift mentioned above. The two RK's are the most economical but less complete than Clayton and MC.

I would be interested to know the components you choose when making the DIY build kit.

Which control arm, track bar, sway bar, shocks, spacer kit did you choose?

For caster and both on/off-road performance is a LC or UC arm preferred in the front. Same kinda question with the rear track bar, is a relocation bracket ok, or do I lose out a lot on performance (on or off-road)?

	Control Arm	Track Bar	Sway BarLinks	Shocks	Springs	Cost	TOTAL
CLAYTON	UC Arms	F & R Adj	F & R Adj	555*	Yes	$1,300	$1,855​
RK STOCK MOD	LC Arms +275	F Adj & R Relo	F Only	555*	Yes	$820	$1,650​
RK ADV SER 1	LC Arms	F Adj & R Relo	F Only	555*	Yes	$1,087	$1,642​
MC TRUE DUAL	UC Arms	F & R Adj	F & R Adj	Yes	Yes	$1,800	$1,800​

Looking for lifts as well, came across this, but the MC price leaves out the new drive shaft they recommend. All of a sudden that lift kit is about $2700

 

[sourdough]

So just to close the loop on this thread. I ended up going with the MC 2.5" True Dual kit. Looking to get it installed sometime next week.
Thanks to all for the feedback and responses.

yep, looks like you went over $1500. Please update a total $ accounting for those looking at lifts. Folks often miss that a lot of lifts are incomplete.

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