4x4inthe6
Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Hey guys,
First time Jeep owner and first post here on the Forum. I run a mountain bike forum and value just how helpful a community like this can be. So, thanks in advance for your knowledge and guidance with my build. I’m a newb, but hope to learn and help others as some of you will help me here today.
My first Jeep is a 2021 Wrangle Unlimited Rubicon. I’m obviously super stoked. The vehicle will be used primarily for overlanding, going on mountain bike adventures and getting into some more remote spots(lost).
I currently have an iKamper Skycamp 2.0 RTT, which I will be transferring over from my Forester. I’ll be using the Rhino Rack crossbars, as they seem to have the best dynamic load rating. I’d love to go with Gobi but lead times and customer service seem unreliable. Maybe down the road. I’ll also be adding a Warn winch. My build will come with the steel bumper group. These will be the main items included in my daily, static weight. Bikes, hitch and camping gear will be added depending on the adventure. I may add a fridge and other goodies down the road but this is the stuff that will for sure be carried regularly, for now.
Now for the fun stuff!
I’m confident the stock Rubicon would suit me just fine. However, I know that as I go on these adventures, I will inevitable want to explore further and push the limits. With the items mentioned above, I think she’ll sit much lower than on the showroom floor. I don’t expect I will do much rock-crawling or mudding but I don’t want to shy away from a challenging trail. Rather, seek them out. I do plan to get off-road a bunch but will ease into it. Reliability is my number one concern as my goal will be remoteness.
I am considering either the Mopar 2.5” factory lift or the Teraflex ST3 3.5” lift with 3.3 Falcon shocks.
I’ve read mixed reviews on the Mopar lift – spring bowing, harsh ride etc. There aren’t much if any, real-world, off-road reviews. I’d love to hear some of your feedback on this lift. Most issues seem to be due to the fact that the lift is incomplete and requires additional components to get it dialed. So going this route, I would also need:
Have others invested in the Mopar lift and pushed it off-road? Once the camber and pinion is correct, is it a solid option? Are you happy with the performance?
The Teraflex lift in comparison, is complete and well thought out. I like that both of these solutions are not very intrusive, with no welding or serious modifications required. The Teraflex installation does require some drilling for the track bar relocation I believe. It’s not clear to me what is getting drilled though; the frame or a bracket. I’m ok with a bracket, which can be replaced, but I don’t want the frame drilled into if possible. Can someone help me understand this better please?
I would also like some help understanding if this lift might be better using adjustable track bars and control arms vs brackets and stock arms. Something like a Steer Smart adjustable track bar would allow me to relocate the track bar without drilling and be stronger than stock. Aftermarket control arms would have better made joints and allow more articulation. I’m not a fan of bushings. I think I would still use the control arm mounting brackets from the lift as I imagine the lift is engineered around this arm placement. I suppose the control arms would not need to be adjustable, just better made with better engineered, serviceable joints.
I’ve read up a bit on the pros and cons of short vs long-arm lifts. The part that I’m still confused about is whether using the factory arms, with a relocation bracket, makes it a long-arm lift? I’ve also been looking at the ST3 lift with full Alpine Control Arms, but this is described as a short-arm lift. I believe I would be best suited with a long-arm lift? I’d appreciate some help with this. Seems as though the arms are the same length (stock length) for both kits and that the only difference is that the kits with Alpine arms bolt directly to the original locations. So in essence would ride similar to the Mopar lift, minus shocks and height? I’m sure I’m missing something very basic here but have to ask.
I am considering the Teraflex Nomad rims as well if go the Teraflex route. They look great but would appreciate some other suggestions. I will be sticking with 35’s at first but I like that the ST3 kit would allow me to upgrade to 37’s down the road, when I am ready to look at gearing, bigger brakes etc. If I’m honest, and I’m sure most of you will cringe, I don’t like the look of the aggressive backspacing. I don’t mind a bit, but prefer a nearly flush wheel. This, along with not having to buy new rims, is one of the reasons I am still considering the Mopar lift. Cold it be made to feel as good as the Teraflex lift?
Thanks is advance for all the help. It’s much appreciated.
Happy holidays, stay safe and happy wheeling!
First time Jeep owner and first post here on the Forum. I run a mountain bike forum and value just how helpful a community like this can be. So, thanks in advance for your knowledge and guidance with my build. I’m a newb, but hope to learn and help others as some of you will help me here today.
My first Jeep is a 2021 Wrangle Unlimited Rubicon. I’m obviously super stoked. The vehicle will be used primarily for overlanding, going on mountain bike adventures and getting into some more remote spots(lost).
I currently have an iKamper Skycamp 2.0 RTT, which I will be transferring over from my Forester. I’ll be using the Rhino Rack crossbars, as they seem to have the best dynamic load rating. I’d love to go with Gobi but lead times and customer service seem unreliable. Maybe down the road. I’ll also be adding a Warn winch. My build will come with the steel bumper group. These will be the main items included in my daily, static weight. Bikes, hitch and camping gear will be added depending on the adventure. I may add a fridge and other goodies down the road but this is the stuff that will for sure be carried regularly, for now.
Now for the fun stuff!
I’m confident the stock Rubicon would suit me just fine. However, I know that as I go on these adventures, I will inevitable want to explore further and push the limits. With the items mentioned above, I think she’ll sit much lower than on the showroom floor. I don’t expect I will do much rock-crawling or mudding but I don’t want to shy away from a challenging trail. Rather, seek them out. I do plan to get off-road a bunch but will ease into it. Reliability is my number one concern as my goal will be remoteness.
I am considering either the Mopar 2.5” factory lift or the Teraflex ST3 3.5” lift with 3.3 Falcon shocks.
I’ve read mixed reviews on the Mopar lift – spring bowing, harsh ride etc. There aren’t much if any, real-world, off-road reviews. I’d love to hear some of your feedback on this lift. Most issues seem to be due to the fact that the lift is incomplete and requires additional components to get it dialed. So going this route, I would also need:
- Adjustable track bar – front and rear
- Spring correction perches (though new perches seem ok)
- ¾ inch spring spacers
- Control arm relocation brackets
Have others invested in the Mopar lift and pushed it off-road? Once the camber and pinion is correct, is it a solid option? Are you happy with the performance?
The Teraflex lift in comparison, is complete and well thought out. I like that both of these solutions are not very intrusive, with no welding or serious modifications required. The Teraflex installation does require some drilling for the track bar relocation I believe. It’s not clear to me what is getting drilled though; the frame or a bracket. I’m ok with a bracket, which can be replaced, but I don’t want the frame drilled into if possible. Can someone help me understand this better please?
I would also like some help understanding if this lift might be better using adjustable track bars and control arms vs brackets and stock arms. Something like a Steer Smart adjustable track bar would allow me to relocate the track bar without drilling and be stronger than stock. Aftermarket control arms would have better made joints and allow more articulation. I’m not a fan of bushings. I think I would still use the control arm mounting brackets from the lift as I imagine the lift is engineered around this arm placement. I suppose the control arms would not need to be adjustable, just better made with better engineered, serviceable joints.
I’ve read up a bit on the pros and cons of short vs long-arm lifts. The part that I’m still confused about is whether using the factory arms, with a relocation bracket, makes it a long-arm lift? I’ve also been looking at the ST3 lift with full Alpine Control Arms, but this is described as a short-arm lift. I believe I would be best suited with a long-arm lift? I’d appreciate some help with this. Seems as though the arms are the same length (stock length) for both kits and that the only difference is that the kits with Alpine arms bolt directly to the original locations. So in essence would ride similar to the Mopar lift, minus shocks and height? I’m sure I’m missing something very basic here but have to ask.
I am considering the Teraflex Nomad rims as well if go the Teraflex route. They look great but would appreciate some other suggestions. I will be sticking with 35’s at first but I like that the ST3 kit would allow me to upgrade to 37’s down the road, when I am ready to look at gearing, bigger brakes etc. If I’m honest, and I’m sure most of you will cringe, I don’t like the look of the aggressive backspacing. I don’t mind a bit, but prefer a nearly flush wheel. This, along with not having to buy new rims, is one of the reasons I am still considering the Mopar lift. Cold it be made to feel as good as the Teraflex lift?
Thanks is advance for all the help. It’s much appreciated.
Happy holidays, stay safe and happy wheeling!
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