JLU Lift Guidance

[ShaneJos]

Hello all!

I am looking to add a lift to my 2020 JLU Freedom (basically Sport model with different wheels/cosmetics) and could use some advice.

The Rock Krawler 2.5” lift with longer front lower arms Is what I’d like to use. 35” tires are the clear and direct recommendation from the manufacturer on this lift. A helpful tech I spoke with at RK said tires smaller than 35” will look like my Jeep “skipped leg day”. I get his point, but big legs on humans are functional. Big legs on automobiles can have the opposite effect. I’m a bit concerned about losing the zippy response I enjoy when off-roading and adding load to the drivetrain that will break something.

The Jeep currently has Spider Trax 1.75” wheel spacers on the stock wheels, which I intend to keep. My local tire shop said they will mount BF Goodrich KO2 35x12.50s on my 7.5” wide rim without issue, but the wheel size is out of spec for the tire.

Question 1: Can anyone vouch that 35”x12.50 tires will (or will not) work on my 17”x7.5” wheel with spacers?

Question 2: How silly woukd the Jeep look with a RK 2.5” lift and 285/70 R 17 tires? I’d love to see pictures of this setup.

I'm new to this and very much appreciate any input on how to get a good-looking, functional setup.

Thanks!

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[TheBirdie72]

My opinion (as I have a 2 door 21 Freedom edition):
1) People have mounted 35” ko2’s on stock rims without issue, but… Ditch the spacers and get rims that are appropriate size and offset for what you want to run tire-wise.
2) Don’t skip leg day. The 2.5” lift will usually net you more than that (unless you are hockey pucking it), and the tires will look small.

 

[The Fixer]

Question 2: How silly woukd the Jeep look with a RK 2.5” lift and 285/70 R 17 tires? I’d love to see pictures of this setup.

I'm new to this and very much appreciate any input on how to get a good-looking, functional setup.

Thanks!

Welcome to the site! I'm sure there's some pics in the Suspension area of the Forum, but 33's (285/70s) will look small for sure. That RK 2.5" lift is based on starting with a Rubicon. It's close to 4" of lift on a Sport. If you really intend to just stay with 33's get a smaller lift or go with Rubicon take-off springs and shocks. IMO of course.

 

[Zandcwhite]

If 33s are the goal to keep the zippy feel etc keeping the Jeep lower will help in that direction as well. Rubicon or even XR take offs will look more appropriate for that tire size in my opinion. You could even do a 1" spacer lift and have a nice balanced look on 33s.

 

[JLAFAKASI]

I went with 1.5 lift with my 33

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