Factory height differences

[rizion]

These are pretty sweet. They replace the stock fenders.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/baja-hd-fender-flares-wrangler-jl-12510-5230

I like these! thanks for the recommendation.

Sponsored

 

[Spartan-463]

If you install the 2" MOPAR lift on a Sport and a Rubicon (assuming otherwise identical vehicles, plastic bumpers, same wheels/tires/etc), two things will be true:

1. The Sport will gain closer to 3"+ of height, while the Rubicon will only get ~2"
2. The Sport and Rubicon will both be the same height

The *change* in height will be different, since they have different starting heights. But the *final height* should be identical.

I know most of use will understand but it probably should be noted for those first being introduced to lifted vehicles that this only applies to vehicles that have full spring replacement lift kit, vs a spacer lift kit.

 

[6.2Blazer]

Here is a picture showing a Sport versus Rubicon fender flares.
Left = Sport model with Rubicon take-off suspension, tires and wheels
Right = stock Rubicon model
So true height should be the same as they have the "same" suspension and tires on them, with the only exception being the fender flares.
Look at the top of the fender flares compared to the hood line. On the Sport model (left) the top of the flare is around 2" below the hood line. On the Rubicon the top of the flare is even with the hood line.
Other areas include the hood latches as the Rubicon versions have indents in the flares to allow room for the latch, and also look at the black trim looking piece on the body on the back side of the flares. On the Sport the top of that trim piece is about equal to the top of the flare. On the Rubicon model the top of the flare again sits about 2" higher. Of course there is also the obvious difference in tire clearance between them (top of tire to flare).

 

[6th Floor Mule]

I also just learned the Rubicon fender flares are like 2” taller than Sports which would make the Rubi seem taller even if not. I need some of those….

Yes, the Rubi flare “optical” lift is real. Same suspension and tires in both pics below. Finding the right color however, not so easy!

 

[m3reno]

What about the metal bumpers vs the plastic? Wouldn't you lose some height with that alone?

 

[6.2Blazer]

What about the metal bumpers vs the plastic? Wouldn't you lose some height with that alone?

From what I've seen in the 'net the factory steel bumper weighs about 40 lbs. more versus the plastic bumper. So yes, it would squat the front....but I doubt you would notice the difference unless you put a tape measure on it. If the factory front springs were 120 lb/in. on each side, that means it would take 240 lb. to compress them 1". You are adding 40 lbs. so by simple math that states it should compress the springs a whopping 1/6".

 

[LiVinIt]

Yes, the Rubi flare “optical” lift is real. Same suspension and tires in both pics below. Finding the right color however, not so easy!

That looks great!
This is exactly what I’m wanting to do with my Sport. Same size tires, same wheel offset and Rubi fenders.
What are you running for lift?

 

[6th Floor Mule]

That looks great!
This is exactly what I’m wanting to do with my Sport. Same size tires, same wheel offset and Rubi fenders.
What are you running for lift?

Unfortunately, nothing special. Just a 1.5” Teraflex spacer kit, which is 2” front and 1.5” rear. For under $200, made sense for me.

 

[Headbarcode]

What about the metal bumpers vs the plastic? Wouldn't you lose some height with that alone?

All depends on how each specific Jeep was built. Those with a hard top, tow package, and steel bumper group are outfitted with higher spring rates than those without some or all of those 3 options.

 

[Wbino]

To add to the optical confusion when a Jeep has tires larger than 37 IMHO the Jeep itself looks smaller.

 

[gutowscr471]

Still learning a lot about the Wrangler world I jumped into and have been looking for take off parts to save some cash modding my used 2020JLUS. I was considering a Rubicon takeoff suspension but maybe that’s not what I’m looking for after reading this. I have a 8 year 100k mile warranty on this vehicle and don’t want to screw that up. If I understand the Rubcon takeoff will lift my JLUS about 1.5” but the Mopar lift will give 3-4”? Just had 33s added and some initial articulation testing shows I may rub a bit.

 

[Steph1]

I didn’t read all of the replies, so sorry if this is repeated info.

For Mopar, it is the Rubicon that is considered the ‘’standard’’ suspension.

So being standard, Rubi suspension is Zero. Saharas are -0.75’’ and Sports -1.50’’

Therefore a 2 inch mopar suspension will lift a Rubicon 2 inches, a Sahara 2.75 inches and a Sport 3.5 inches.

High top fenders of the Rubicon are higher and wider that the standard fenders.

 

[Headbarcode]

To add to the optical confusion when a Jeep has tires larger than 37 IMHO the Jeep itself looks smaller.

Comparing the rear window size to that of the rear tire really shows the change in the scale. 33's vs 40's...

 

[Headbarcode]

Still learning a lot about the Wrangler world I jumped into and have been looking for take off parts to save some cash modding my used 2020JLUS. I was considering a Rubicon takeoff suspension but maybe that’s not what I’m looking for after reading this. I have a 8 year 100k mile warranty on this vehicle and don’t want to screw that up. If I understand the Rubcon takeoff will lift my JLUS about 1.5” but the Mopar lift will give 3-4”? Just had 33s added and some initial articulation testing shows I may rub a bit.

Rubicon takeoffs from one that was originally built with a hardtop, steel bumpers, and the tow package would be perfect for your 33's. Their higher spring rates will support any possible weight you may add, such as bumpers, sliders, winch, etc. Add a pair of the front lower control arms from the mopar lift, to help keep caster up, and you'll be good to go.

Just make sure to loosen all 8 control arms when installing the taller springs and shocks, and retorque them after the Jeep is sitting at its new height with all 4 tires on the ground. This puts their rubber bushings in a neutral position at normal ride, which promotes longevity vs them always being slightly twisted.

Any higher of a lift will have you thinking of 35's every time you look at it.

 

[gutowscr471]

Rubicon takeoffs from one that was originally built with a hardtop, steel bumpers, and the tow package would be perfect for your 33's. Their higher spring rates will support any possible weight you may add, such as bumpers, sliders, winch, etc. Add a pair of the front lower control arms from the mopar lift, to help keep caster up, and you'll be good to go.

Just make sure to loosen all 8 control arms when installing the taller springs and shocks, and retorque them after the Jeep is sitting at its new height with all 4 tires on the ground. This puts their rubber bushings in a neutral position at normal ride, which promotes longevity vs them always being slightly twisted.

Any higher of a lift will have you thinking of 35's every time you look at it.

@Headbarcode Do you happen to know the spring part numbers for the Rubi with all those options. All the take offs seem all the same.

Sponsored