JKS 2.5" JSpec Suspension kit - Any real world reviews/experience out there? Now w/first impressions

[Kbach]

Purchased/installed - See post 20 for install info and driving first impressions.

Like the title says...I'm looking for any real world info and opinions on the JKS 2.5" lift for a JLU. It seems like there just aren't any reviews floating around the web. How come?!?!

I'm seriously considering it for my JLU-Sport but would love to hear some first hand opinions. The Jeep is my wife's daily driver but also a weekend toy that will ultimately end up seeing a lot of use on the trails of Colorado, Central/Northern California (Rubicon, Ershim), etc. so I need something that's going to offer a good ride on the street but still work good on fairly extreme trails. I'm new to the JL world but grew up in and still own a '78 CJ7 with 350k+ miles that has been on nearly every offroad trail this side of the Rockies.

Any input would be appreciated.

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[SSBattalion]

The FOX JL runs the kit. Says a little something.

 

[Redneck_Jedi]

JKS makes a high quality lift. If I had one criticism of this particular lift, it's that it should have come with new control arms rather than using cam locks. I believe the control arms are now available as an extra cost option though.

I'd consider the JKS lift for my jeep, but unfortunately they don't currently have a 2 door version. I may call to see if the 4 door version is compatible.

 

[OffRoadWarehouse]

The FOX JL runs the kit. Says a little something.

For complete transparency:

The company that owns FOX owns Sport Truck USA, which owns JKS.

That being said, The JKS Kit rides a little soft compared to Mopar, spacer, and Teraflex. It would be great on lightly modded vehicles, but adding weight makes it lose height and feel spongier.

 

[Kbach]

For complete transparency:

The company that owns FOX owns Sport Truck USA, which owns JKS.

That being said, The JKS Kit rides a little soft compared to Mopar, spacer, and Teraflex. It would be great on lightly modded vehicles, but adding weight makes it lose height and feel spongier.

Good info, thanks.
I was planning on going with the HD spring since I'll have steel bumpers, winch, tire carrier, etc. Is it still going to have a soft feel? I plan on going to Fox shocks down the road so I might be able to tune out some of the soft feel with valving but would rather not have to right away.

 

[OffRoadWarehouse]

Good info, thanks.
I was planning on going with the HD spring since I'll have steel bumpers, winch, tire carrier, etc. Is it still going to have a soft feel? I plan on going to Fox shocks down the road so I might be able to tune out some of the soft feel with valving but would rather not have to right away.

Doing the HD will definitely help! If you run the HD without bumpers it’s a bit stiff but feels just right with some weight.

 

[Thatdudeoverthere]

Good info, thanks.
I was planning on going with the HD spring since I'll have steel bumpers, winch, tire carrier, etc. Is it still going to have a soft feel? I plan on going to Fox shocks down the road so I might be able to tune out some of the soft feel with valving but would rather not have to right away.

The springs have a decent ride. I need to take a measurement, as I'm not sure if they have sagged, but the secondary rate is pretty much dead. I have no bumpers, winch, racks etc yet, so I would definitely go with HD if you are adding any weight.
I wasn't happy with the JSPEC shocks. WAY too stiff. I've had Falcon 2.1 and the JSPEC, but I'm back on shock extensions now with stock Rubi shocks, hoping Radflo will get to work on some bypass shocks for this thing.

 

[Kbach]

The springs have a decent ride. I need to take a measurement, as I'm not sure if they have sagged, but the secondary rate is pretty much dead. I have no bumpers, winch, racks etc yet, so I would definitely go with HD if you are adding any weight.
I wasn't happy with the JSPEC shocks. WAY too stiff. I've had Falcon 2.1 and the JSPEC, but I'm back on shock extensions now with stock Rubi shocks, hoping Radflo will get to work on some bypass shocks for this thing.

@Thatdudeoverthere - Any chance you have a pic of your JL with the kit installed? And thanks for the info on the JSPEC shocks....good to know.

 

[Shots]

Hmmm, that's two responses now that I've seen saying the Jspec shocks are stiff. One said said "a little rough" now a similar response from The Dude.
Kbach, if you go with the HD springs, they also offer an upgrade to Fox shocks (not available with stander springs). I'm not sure what the price increase is though.

 

[Boothorp]

I have the HD springs. I love my ride. It can be a little stiff. I have a winch and added a steel bumper so I added a .5” boost up front. I think for the money you can’t find a better lift. I did however add adjustable control arms from Rock Krawler.

 

[Arrowhead]

Maybe not the review your looking for, but here's a couple videos on it.

 

[Shots]

Thanks for the videos. That install doesn't seem too bad.

 

[Boothorp]

Thanks for the videos. That install doesn't seem too bad.

Took me and another guy about two hours.

 

[Thatdudeoverthere]

@Thatdudeoverthere - Any chance you have a pic of your JL with the kit installed? And thanks for the info on the JSPEC shocks....good to know.

The second photo is a little deceiving, as it actually has about a 1" nose down rake.

 

[Shots]

Looks nice. Bigger tires than I'm going with (keeping stock), but it looks good. How's the ride compare to stock? Firmer, softer, jumpy, smooth, etc?

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