Entry Level Lift Advice

[RDRII]

I have a '21 JLU Willys (4th Jeep, first one I'm modifying). I'm looking for an entry level 2.5" lift. I believe I'd like to keep my stock Rubicon shocks and eventually upgrade those down the road, so I'm looking for a solid lift to build off of that does not break the bank.

This will be for a camping rig, so a RTT will be added. There will also be a winch added so I will eventually be looking for light weight bumper/winch suggestions. I want to expand our camping/trail options so my goal is a 2.5" lift + 35" pizza cutter tires (Kenda Klever 35x10.5) in order to improve clearance.

I'm assuming that I will need shock extensions in order to run either of these options so I am including them in the lists below. But, I'm not actually certain if I need them (please chime in).

A couple options I've pieced together:

Rubicon Express:
Rubicon Express 2.5 Inch Standard Coil Suspension Lift Kit - $350
Rubicon Express HD Adjustable Track Bar - $205
Mopar 2" Lift Lower Control Arms - $62
Pro Comp Front/Rear Shock Extensions - $77
Total: $694

Rock Krawler:
Rock Krawler 2.5IN Stock Mod System Lift Kit - $905
Mopar 2" Lift Lower Control Arms - $62
Pro Comp Front/Rear Shock Extensions - $77
Total: $1044

I know there are a multitude of options out there and it's a bit overwhelming for someone new to this. I'm looking for thoughts on the current options I've pieced together and also looking for suggestions on other kits that fall in this price range (lower is even better as long as it is not junk!).

Am I missing anything integral from the two options I've put together? Is the Rock Krawler option $300+ better?

Any advice/comments/suggestions are welcome. This is a learning experience for me.

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[longfiredragon]

I see no one has chimed in on this. that's weird. Anyway I wanted to do the same thing. I have a 2021 JLUW Sport with the Rubicon wheels and M/T tires, and a limited budget. But what I am finding out is every single lift kit made, and most of the spacer kits also require diff. back spacing. The 2 ways you listed, to my so far limited knowledge both will require either wheel spacers, or new wheels. Every lift I have looked at, and every MFG/distributer I have spoken to said the same thing, yep you need wheel spacers or new wheels.

So, wheel spacers (If you are ok with using them) or wheels you are adding a significant amount to the cost of the lift. I originally was just looking at putting on the Teraflex 2.5 performance spacer lift with shock extensions etc. and then add to it as I could, but nope, requires wheel spacers or new wheels. So far I have only found 2 lifts you can use your stock wheels and tires with. And both these lifts are lacking in one way or another.

Rancho - 2.5-3 inch lift with RS9000XL adjustable Shocks and coil springs, bump stops etc. (No LCA's You can get a kit with the LCA's but I was looking at their lower priced kit $805 I think it was)
Mopar - 2.0 inch lift. (No adjustment to center up the axles, expensive to, but you get a cool box. LOL.)

I am new to Jeeping myself and still trying to educate myself. So forgive me if I got this wrong, but just stating what I am finding out thus far. Good luck, post back what you end up doing.

 

[slowcrawlerZJ]

To stay with in a good budget also take a look at Rough Country lift kits. They have a lot of options for upgrading parts. I've used their lifts for years on many models of jeeps and put them through some hell with no issues. You can order direct from them, free shipping, and if you have an issue about a part etc. you can call them straight up and talk with someone and they resolve the issue quickly. So their customer service has always been great.

 

[Gaffer]

I see no one has chimed in on this. that's weird. Anyway I wanted to do the same thing. I have a 2021 JLUW Sport with the Rubicon wheels and M/T tires, and a limited budget. But what I am finding out is every single lift kit made, and most of the spacer kits also require diff. back spacing. The 2 ways you listed, to my so far limited knowledge both will require either wheel spacers, or new wheels. Every lift I have looked at, and every MFG/distributer I have spoken to said the same thing, yep you need wheel spacers or new wheels.

So, wheel spacers (If you are ok with using them) or wheels you are adding a significant amount to the cost of the lift. I originally was just looking at putting on the Teraflex 2.5 performance spacer lift with shock extensions etc. and then add to it as I could, but nope, requires wheel spacers or new wheels. So far I have only found 2 lifts you can use your stock wheels and tires with. And both these lifts are lacking in one way or another.

Rancho - 2.5-3 inch lift with RS9000XL adjustable Shocks and coil springs, bump stops etc. (No LCA's You can get a kit with the LCA's but I was looking at their lower priced kit $805 I think it was)
Mopar - 2.0 inch lift. (No adjustment to center up the axles, expensive to, but you get a cool box. LOL.)

I am new to Jeeping myself and still trying to educate myself. So forgive me if I got this wrong, but just stating what I am finding out thus far. Good luck, post back what you end up doing.

Why does a 2 to 2.5 inch lift with new LCA's require wheel spacers or different backspacing?

 

[longfiredragon]

The rancho kit does not, and the Mopar kit does not. But I called Teraflex to confirm that their kit does (because it states that on the instructions) and they said yes, it does.

 

[Jtclayton612]

Why does a 2 to 2.5 inch lift with new LCA's require wheel spacers or different backspacing?

Clearance because of new shock mounts or maybe rear sway bar links eating into a tire with any kind of flex.

metalcloak has two different lifts based on less than 4.5” backspacing or more than. Generally with more than you can have a bad time with some hitting/rubbing issues

 

[dchemphill1]

Take a look at AEV spacer lift. Has all the items needed to keep Factory ride. I am considering this when time for new rubber...going to 35's and adding the spacer lift.

 

[BDinTX]

With any of these kits, if you’re putting on a new front trackbar you might want to put on a rear one too so you can have both axles centered.

 

[conFUcius]

Buy once, cry once. This doesn’t mean you have to go and buy a long arm kit but definitely make sure it’s a complete lift kit with the appropriate arms to correct geometry and shocks that couple with the springs. The last thing you want to do is buy a second lift because you tried to skimp your way the first time around. You do get what you pay for (to a certain extent). Personally, I would stick with RK, Metal Cloak, or maybe Teraflex.

 

[Storm Cloud]

The Clayton Off-road Ride Right is a solid entry level kit that will give you everything you need to start and you can add in more components over time to complete it if you like.

 

[Rodeoflyer]

The clayton is great.. i want to love them but metalcloak is what i would choose if I could choose a 5th time.

You won't buy/cry once.. its human nature to try different things..

 

[longfiredragon]

Personal, I am still researching. What I was trying to do, maybe is keep my stock Rubicon wheels and M/T tires for now. With almost every full lift I have looked at, RK, MC, Teraflex etc. They all require back spacing.

If your budget is not that much, now your looking at wheel spacers which I won't run, or new wheels. So you get new wheels, and maybe go with bigger tires your talking a huge extra cost on top of the lift kit it's self. Plus you also have to adjust for speedo correction and make sure the transmission shifts correct, so you need more cost for that. Meanwhile your cost has went from $1500 to $2000 for a decent lift to $4000 to $5000 for tires, wheels etc. I am a believer in the once and done correctly, that would be great, but I just don't have that much right now. So it's wait or do a spacer lift, with maybe shocks and get the LCAs and track bar and stuff later.

 

[JeffCj7Jl]

Very happy with my AEV 2” spacer lift. Took it off road today and it performed great! I’m running the kit with 35’s and AEV Pintler wheels. Flexed like it did when stock, no rubbing at full articulation.

 

[El Zilcho]

Very happy with my AEV 2” spacer lift. Took it off road today and it performed great! I’m running the kit with 35’s and AEV Pintler wheels. Flexed like it did when stock, no rubbing at full articulation.

Do you have JL or JK pintler wheels? Even with JK Pintlers and 315 BFG KO2's I hit fender liners front and rear pretty hard without a lift. I'm actually looking at AEV spacer lift right now.

 

[JeffCj7Jl]

Do you have JL or JK pintler wheels? Even with JK Pintlers and 315 BFG KO2's I hit fender liners front and rear pretty hard without a lift. I'm actually looking at AEV spacer lift right now.

They are the JL Pintlers with 315 Nitto Trail Grapplers.

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