Second thoughts after ordering Zone 3" lift kit

[Chuggy]

Hey y'all! I have a 6spd manual '18 JL Sahara, stock with 285/65/18 mt's (roughly 32.5" by calculation, but real life with a tape measure seems to give me 31") It's my daily but also a weekend warrior, and I do wheel more than the gravel trails (love Windrock and heading back out to TN in April, and Uwharrie is only 90 minutes away from me). I want a bit more clearance without having to worry about rubbing, so tires plus a lift is on the menu. I will never go higher than a 35" tire, and might call the sweet spot at 34 for me, just for economical reasons. A reputable shop recommended a Zone 3" lift kit (Fox shocks) as it fits my budget and is made by BDS.

I just ordered $1250 worth of suspension parts for 3" lift. I'm worried it will give me alot more height than wanted/needed and that a 34" tire will look silly. My other option was a 2.5" kit I pieced together, that would end up runnign me $1750-$1800. Regear planned sometime after April since I already barely ever use 6th gear.

Long story short, I'm getting cold feet about the 3" lift rather than the 2.5". Would love feedback. Here's the details on the 2 different packages:

Budget Option: $1300 (ordered, paid, and shipped yesterday)
Zone 3" lift (springs, rear TB bracket, front/rear sway bar links, bump stops, Fox 2.0 Shocks)
Core 4x4 front LCAs
JKS front trackbar

Second thoughts option: $1750 plus tax
Bilstein 5100 shocks, Clayton Springs, for 2.5" lift
Clayton front LCAs
JKS front trackbar
Super Lift rear trackbar relocation bracket
RSO bump stops
Front adjustable swaybar links (would be either Clayton or Synergy)
Rear adjustable swaybar links (Clayton or Synergy)

Looking for feedback from anyone who has done the Zone 3" lift, and/or feedback on if I'm missing anything. Also my desired lift/tire combo, not really wanting to do a 35x12.5 since my wheels are 17x7.5" width gladi spares. It's not all about looks for me, more function, but I don't want chicken legs either. This is my first jeep and have loved learning here so far!

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[lowmpg]

I’ve used Zone for multiple lifts, everything from 2-6” on my trucks. Great lift, great product. Not sure why you thought a 2.5” would have cost a lot more, AEV kits go for about $1600 and are amazing for those that are more overland than rock crawl.

https://www.aev-conversions.com/product/jl-2-5-dualsport-rt-suspension/

IMHO, don’t get wrapped up in buying a bunch of extra stuff cause you saw people preach it on the internet. The only thing I added to my AEV kit was a Yeti track bar. Didn’t bother with any additional items and I’ve put about 30-40k miles on the lift.

You are correct, a 3” lift even with 35’s would make the 35 look small. 37’s fit on a 2.5” lift.

 

[autotragic]

I think OP would have been a lot happier with something like a Clayton 1.5 inch ride ride kit.

 

[Chuggy]

"Not sure why you thought a 2.5” would have cost a lot more"

I mean, I paid $1300 all in for the 3" Zone kit (has all same stuff as AEV) + trackbar + front LCAs.

The 2.5" AEV kit you linked above is $1600, not including the Yeti track bar so I'm pretty on point with cost I think. My pieced-together kit came to about $1750, and truly the only difference (other than brands) between what I pieced together and what you have is that the AEV kit has relocation brackets for the front LCAs, and my frankenkit replaces the front LCAs altogether. In the end my frankenkit and your AEV+trackbar kit comes really close in price, and at about $500 more than what I paid for the 3".

I really hate to lose sleep over $500, for parts that I intend to get some longevity out of, but still, I'm on a budget and still have to buy tires.

I won't be replacing any other components unless it is due to wear/repair/necessity.

I do see you have a Rubicon, did you ever run 35s on it before lifting?

 

[lowmpg]

"Not sure why you thought a 2.5” would have cost a lot more"

I mean, I paid $1300 all in for the 3" Zone kit (has all same stuff as AEV) + trackbar + front LCAs.

The 2.5" AEV kit you linked above is $1600, not including the Yeti track bar so I'm pretty on point with cost I think. My pieced-together kit came to about $1750, and truly the only difference (other than brands) between what I pieced together and what you have is that the AEV kit has relocation brackets for the front LCAs, and my frankenkit replaces the front LCAs altogether. In the end my frankenkit and your AEV+trackbar kit comes really close in price, and at about $500 more than what I paid for the 3".

I really hate to lose sleep over $500, for parts that I intend to get some longevity out of, but still, I'm on a budget and still have to buy tires.

I won't be replacing any other components unless it is due to wear/repair/necessity.

I do see you have a Rubicon, did you ever run 35s on it before lifting?

Suppose our concept of ‘a lot’ when it comes to cost is different

Nope, I lifted it pretty soon after I got it. 35’s went on with the lift.

I would offer if you are worried about a couple hundred dollars, get out of the Jeep game Next thing you’re going to want are different wheels, different tires and gear…and that list will keep going.

The 35’s are going to look small on a 3” lift and if you’re already asking that question…the bug has already bit. You are right, trying to use that 7.5” rim with factory backspacing isn’t going to get much more than a very narrow 35 (don’t worry about 90 people will tell you that a 35x12.5 will fit cause they’ve done it) and you most likely would rub with a lift — heck you still may rub with the factory rim and a larger tire.

 

[Chuggy]

I appreciate the feedback

I actually never said $500 was "alot more", I did say I was worried 3" lift would give me "alot more height" than wanted. It was just the dilemma of having ordered yesterday, and wondering if I should go through the hassle today of calling ,cancelling, and changing things, and if the $500 extra is worth having .5" less of lift for the sake of a 34" tire not looking silly.

I was also trying to consider whether the hassle would be worth it in regards to different brands of parts, example, getting Bilstein shocks instead of Fox 2.0 which many have had issues with. And the Zone(a.k.a BDS) springs&swaybar links/Core4x4 front LCAs(in the cheap kit) versus Clayton springs/swaybar links/front LCAs in the frankenkit. Wondering if changing my order is worthwhile in reference to that. The more I chat on this thread the closer I am to calling extreme terrain before my stuff actually ships...

I won't be leaving the jeep game anytime soon One can be smart about things and still have plenty of fun. I have 2 sets of wheels and am more than happy with both, and really am not into foofoo mods. I knew coming in that I would be doing these things. Only important thing I'm missing now is a decent winch and a used bumper to put it on. But in lieu of a winch, I keep a buddy, a shovel, traction boards, and a tow strap on hand for now The final "luxury" I need is a quality air compressor that I can install permanently. So much nicer than having to go find air! But again, these things can be done in quality and on somewhat of a budget.

Hakuna Matata?

 

[tomk62]

I think OP would have been a lot happier with something like a Clayton 1.5 inch ride ride kit.

^ this 1000%! 3" is way too much for your use and tire size ... and why piece together different parts/manufacturers? Just keep it simple and go with 1 kit.

If you know you will be getting 35s, then go to 2.5" Clayton.

 

[Chuggy]

^ this 1000%! 3" is way too much for your use and tire size ... and why piece together different parts/manufacturers? Just keep it simple and go with 1 kit.

If you know you will be getting 35s, then go to 2.5" Clayton.

I didn't want less than 2" due to wanting more clearance for wheeling. I just grabbed the 3" kit because it was a decent brand, basically complete kit for under $800. I added adj. Front LCAs and a trackbar. So most bang for my buck I felt.

I really wished I could've got the same kit in a 2.5 and I would've been perfectly happy.

 

[tomk62]

The Clayton 1.5" kit will actually give you at least 2". The 1.5" lift with 33s will look great. If you want to go 35s then the 2.5" lift is appropriate, but honestly IMHO 2.5" is too much for 33s.

For reference, my Sahara is 2.5" Clayton Overland+ with 35s.

 

[Chuggy]

Okay y'all I think I'm gonna return everything I bought, buy the CLayton 2.5" ride right kit and pair it with Bilstein shocks, and get some bump stops. I hadn't planned on replacing the rear trackbar but it comes with it...
Jeep JL 4Dr Clayton 25in Ride Right Entry Level Lift Kit - Jeep Unlimited Rubicon 2018-2024 | 2909004|Northridge4x4

Only other option I may do instead is the Rock Krawler 2.5" package, which has sway bar link disconnects added, and a rear tb relocation bracket instead of a whole new rear tb
Jeep JL 4dr Rock Krawler 25in Flex System Lift Kit - Jeep Unlimited Rubicon 2018-2024 | JL25FS-4|Northridge4x4

Spend a little more, get something I'll be happier with. And I like that I'll have brand-consistent parts. Thanks everyone! I think between the 2 I linked above, theres no wrong answer.

 

[autotragic]

Okay y'all I think I'm gonna return everything I bought, buy the CLayton 2.5" ride right kit and pair it with Bilstein shocks, and get some bump stops. I hadn't planned on replacing the rear trackbar but it comes with it...
Jeep JL 4Dr Clayton 25in Ride Right Entry Level Lift Kit - Jeep Unlimited Rubicon 2018-2024 | 2909004|Northridge4x4

Only other option I may do instead is the Rock Krawler 2.5" package, which has sway bar link disconnects added, and a rear tb relocation bracket instead of a whole new rear tb
Jeep JL 4dr Rock Krawler 25in Flex System Lift Kit - Jeep Unlimited Rubicon 2018-2024 | JL25FS-4|Northridge4x4

Spend a little more, get something I'll be happier with. And I like that I'll have brand-consistent parts. Thanks everyone! I think between the 2 I linked above, theres no wrong answer.

Well I'm glad we were able to get you steered the right direction that's for sure. I think you'll be a lot happier whichever way you go with those choices!

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