Sponsored

Bilstein 1.5" Lift Kit?

CopperMtnGuy

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ross
Joined
Jun 18, 2022
Threads
25
Messages
203
Reaction score
237
Location
Wisconsin
Vehicle(s)
2018 JL Wrangler, 2005 KJ
Anyone running this kit yet? Couldn't find a ton of info about it online. Thinking it could be a good solution, looking to do a true 1.5" kit on my Sahara, and not sure if what I would actually net from rubicon springs/shocks. I do have the OEM steel bumper and a winch.
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...-fUtbTYCJLfJVP4HPJ8svLHc13qomMsMaAj2oEALw_wcB

Or would I be better off doing rubicon springs (like off of a 4xE or Diesel) and doing something else for shocks (like rancho rs7mt)?
Sponsored

 

OminousSkitter

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2019
Threads
6
Messages
1,484
Reaction score
2,191
Location
The Ether
Vehicle(s)
Trek Bicycle
I do not have experience with that kit, but it looks like it's 1.5 for a Rubicon and not a Sahara. Expect more than 1.5".

If you're looking for a smaller lift, Old Man Emu has a 2" Sport/1" Rubicon lift kit with a couple options on springs if your base is already heavy (steel bumpers/winch/roof top tent/&c.). And different kits for 2-door or 4-door.

Edit: Rubicon takeoffs are of course an option. Shocks and springs normally go for a fraction of the price of any other lift kit. If you go this route, you might want to pick up some mopar LCAs (also pretty inexpensive, ~$70 IIRC).
 
OP
OP
CopperMtnGuy

CopperMtnGuy

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ross
Joined
Jun 18, 2022
Threads
25
Messages
203
Reaction score
237
Location
Wisconsin
Vehicle(s)
2018 JL Wrangler, 2005 KJ
I do not have experience with that kit, but it looks like it's 1.5 for a Rubicon and not a Sahara. Expect more than 1.5".

If you're looking for a smaller lift, Old Man Emu has a 2" Sport/1" Rubicon lift kit with a couple options on springs if your base is already heavy (steel bumpers/winch/roof top tent/&c.). And different kits for 2-door or 4-door.

Edit: Rubicon takeoffs are of course an option. Shocks and springs normally go for a fraction of the price of any other lift kit. If you go this route, you might want to pick up some mopar LCAs (also pretty inexpensive, ~$70 IIRC).
That's where I'm really torn - I do want 1.5"-2"...I don't want/need to go up over that. Like I know the Mopar lift runs big, so I'm not looking for 3" or more. I know the rubicon shocks and springs could give me an 1" or 1.5", but it's hard to know exactly what I'd get since they're all a little different based on equipment. My main priority is just getting a better ride and not sagging out. I love the OME suspension on my KJ, but I haven't seen a lot of people here run it.
 

OminousSkitter

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2019
Threads
6
Messages
1,484
Reaction score
2,191
Location
The Ether
Vehicle(s)
Trek Bicycle
I think every lift aside from spacers/pucks will be variable on what you end up with. A few people do, and the people that have the 2"sport/1"rubicon lift and have commented on it love it.

I currently have rubicon takeoffs, and my rear has a bad squat in it under certain conditions (like a hitch basket with anything in it). OME is what I'm going to upgrade to next (after I finish with my axle work). I don't need any more lift than that, and I like that I can change to a stiffer spring pretty cheaply if I end up carrying a heavier base load.

Edit: I would seriously consider the clayton overland plus, except they have 1 kit for 2 and 4 doors, and the people who have installed it on a 2 door got a lot more than 1.5".
 

Flip

Well-Known Member
First Name
Johnny
Joined
Mar 25, 2023
Threads
137
Messages
6,379
Reaction score
12,797
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Retired Power Plant Engineer
That's where I'm really torn - I do want 1.5"-2"...I don't want/need to go up over that. Like I know the Mopar lift runs big, so I'm not looking for 3" or more. I know the rubicon shocks and springs could give me an 1" or 1.5", but it's hard to know exactly what I'd get since they're all a little different based on equipment. My main priority is just getting a better ride and not sagging out. I love the OME suspension on my KJ, but I haven't seen a lot of people here run it.
I was basically right where you're at. I only wanted 1.5" of lift, I most certainly didn't want 3" of lift to run a 33" tire and a pizza cutter no less. I really and truly wanted a complete, full fledge, lift kit but there wasn't one on the market that could guarantee me 1.5" of lift. I also confirmed this with several 4x4 shops in my area. I decided to go with Rubicon take off springs, shocks, LCA's. It is a firmer ride than my spongy, bouncy, sport suspension and I think it's fair to say it took me a little while to get used to it but no regrets! I know it's not for everyone, but it worked out very well for me, both on & off-road performance and money had nothing to do with it.

Best of luck in your decision friend.

BTW what's a KJ wrangler? Did Jeep come out with another model already? I can't keep up with it.
 

Sponsored

AcesandEights

Well-Known Member
First Name
Aces
Joined
Aug 19, 2021
Threads
35
Messages
3,869
Reaction score
7,601
Location
So. Oregon
Vehicle(s)
2024 Toyota 4Runner
Occupation
I'm often occupied, by many things, often at the same time
A KJ isn't a Wangler.
XJ, WJ, ZJ, etc. Hope that helps indeedy.
 

Flip

Well-Known Member
First Name
Johnny
Joined
Mar 25, 2023
Threads
137
Messages
6,379
Reaction score
12,797
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Retired Power Plant Engineer
A KJ isn't a Wangler.
XJ, WJ, ZJ, etc. Hope that helps indeedy.
Well, it was a new on me if it was, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised. Thanks for clarifying. ?
 

Jeepisgood79

Member
First Name
Todd
Joined
Jun 20, 2023
Threads
0
Messages
5
Reaction score
13
Location
Seymour, TN
Vehicle(s)
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited
@CopperMtnGuy I installed this kit in July 2023. I must say, after roughly 3K it is amazing so far both on and off road. 2021 Rubicon 2.0 turbo. Running 315/70R17 Falken Wildpeaks on AEV Borah wheels. Rides better than stock in my opinion.
Jeep Wrangler JL Bilstein 1.5" Lift Kit? IMG_4401
Jeep Wrangler JL Bilstein 1.5" Lift Kit? IMG_4385
Jeep Wrangler JL Bilstein 1.5" Lift Kit? IMG_4713
 
OP
OP
CopperMtnGuy

CopperMtnGuy

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ross
Joined
Jun 18, 2022
Threads
25
Messages
203
Reaction score
237
Location
Wisconsin
Vehicle(s)
2018 JL Wrangler, 2005 KJ
@CopperMtnGuy I installed this kit in July 2023. I must say, after roughly 3K it is amazing so far both on and off road. 2021 Rubicon 2.0 turbo. Running 315/70R17 Falken Wildpeaks on AEV Borah wheels. Rides better than stock in my opinion.
IMG_4401.jpeg
IMG_4385.jpeg
IMG_4713.jpeg
Looks great! Did you add any other parts, like longer LCAs up front, different track bars?
 

Sponsored

Jeepisgood79

Member
First Name
Todd
Joined
Jun 20, 2023
Threads
0
Messages
5
Reaction score
13
Location
Seymour, TN
Vehicle(s)
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited
Looks great! Did you add any other parts, like longer LCAs up front, different track bars?
I may add some other parts down the road. At highway speeds there is slightly more wander. But Jeeps all seem to have that. Not sure what would help with that. Thought about LCA’s, or maybe that synergy sector shaft brace.
 

cycler

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2023
Threads
6
Messages
96
Reaction score
44
Location
Long Island
Vehicle(s)
2022 VW Golf GTI Autobahn, 2022 Jeep GC 4Xe
How much different is that Bilstein kit with the 5100 shocks compared to the Mopar 2 inch lift kit that comes with the Bilstein B8 5160 shocks? I saw the 5160 shocks are more expensive. It looks like the Mopar kit some with a few extra pieces. Like control arms. Although a number of people posted the control arms that come with the mopar kit are short and a better option would be to get adjustable ones. https://www.mopargenuineparts.com/sku/77072395ab-fs.html
Sponsored

 
 







Top