Yet Another Lift Kit Question

[GATORB8]

@hoag4147 I'm torn, tbh.

1. Warranty - I understand that aftermarket lift kits are warranteed, and in some cases better than factory, but it introduces another entity to deal with. With my factory suspension/warranty, if something goes wrong, I drop it off at a dealer, pick up my loaner, and let them figure it out. If I have a warranty through RK or MetalCloak, then I have to contact them, find a shop, etc.

2. Spacer Lift + Add Ons vs Full Kit - thus far, every thread I've seen on any lift solution, regardless of spacers, budget, full kit, etc, has also included discussion of "other" things that need to be added to correct various things. Is there a ~2inch <$1.5K lift kit that is "one-and-done" that would maintain my factory drive on 35s?

That was kinda the point of this thread - the local shop (very reputable with local clubs, offroad-only shop that specializes in Jeeps) recommended the AEV+extras based around the context of "weekend offroading" and an emphasis on on-road (esp Highway) manners. Am I going to get that for sure with a full kit, or am I going to have to add another ~$500 in misc "this fixes that" things ona a $1.5K lift kit?

I'd recommend watching Trail Recon's Lift Kit Comparison on Youtube (2 parts). He installs and tests 6 setups on identical Jeeps and compares on road and off road and cost.

Realistically with the same components otherwise, shocks tend to be the big cost difference. New coils are only gonna run you a couple hundred bucks more than the spacers.

The Mopar kit really isn't that different in cost from the aftermarket stuff when you add in the fact that the included Fox shocks are probably half of the cost of the lift, or more. It'd be painful to pay a dealer to install it, but you can get the kit within your budget. You could even use one of the normal 15% off coupons at your local dealer and get it close to the online prices.

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[word302]

@hoag4147 I'm torn, tbh.

1. Warranty - I understand that aftermarket lift kits are warranteed, and in some cases better than factory, but it introduces another entity to deal with. With my factory suspension/warranty, if something goes wrong, I drop it off at a dealer, pick up my loaner, and let them figure it out. If I have a warranty through RK or MetalCloak, then I have to contact them, find a shop, etc.

2. Spacer Lift + Add Ons vs Full Kit - thus far, every thread I've seen on any lift solution, regardless of spacers, budget, full kit, etc, has also included discussion of "other" things that need to be added to correct various things. Is there a ~2inch <$1.5K lift kit that is "one-and-done" that would maintain my factory drive on 35s?

That was kinda the point of this thread - the local shop (very reputable with local clubs, offroad-only shop that specializes in Jeeps) recommended the AEV+extras based around the context of "weekend offroading" and an emphasis on on-road (esp Highway) manners. Am I going to get that for sure with a full kit, or am I going to have to add another ~$500 in misc "this fixes that" things ona a $1.5K lift kit?

Rock Krawler and Metalcloak include everything you need. What do you think is going to break on your suspension requiring warranty work? If you go Rock Krawler you won’t believe how beefy their parts are. You won’t be breaking anything, which is why they can offer a lifetime warranty.

 

[hoag4147]

Yup.

The stock Sahara's have monotubes, don't they? Other than the potential difference in stroke, the twin tube shocks on the RK TT would be a downgrade.

Could be however they are spec’d/tuned to work well with their springs. Believe me, I’m not against spacer lifts for the moderate off-road, but ultimately you end up adding/replacing OEM parts to firm things up for larger tires like LCAs/GEO brackets, TBs, TB brackets, etc. IMO this kit is a good alternative. Included most parts you would look to replace for moderate offroad capabilities.

 

[hoag4147]

@hoag4147 I'm torn, tbh.

1. Warranty - I understand that aftermarket lift kits are warranteed, and in some cases better than factory, but it introduces another entity to deal with. With my factory suspension/warranty, if something goes wrong, I drop it off at a dealer, pick up my loaner, and let them figure it out. If I have a warranty through RK or MetalCloak, then I have to contact them, find a shop, etc.

2. Spacer Lift + Add Ons vs Full Kit - thus far, every thread I've seen on any lift solution, regardless of spacers, budget, full kit, etc, has also included discussion of "other" things that need to be added to correct various things. Is there a ~2inch <$1.5K lift kit that is "one-and-done" that would maintain my factory drive on 35s?

That was kinda the point of this thread - the local shop (very reputable with local clubs, offroad-only shop that specializes in Jeeps) recommended the AEV+extras based around the context of "weekend offroading" and an emphasis on on-road (esp Highway) manners. Am I going to get that for sure with a full kit, or am I going to have to add another ~$500 in misc "this fixes that" things ona a $1.5K lift kit?

Hey Ricky. Like I said above, not against spacer lift at all. It if you are going to replace many other parts (TBs, brackets, control arms, etc) you may as well look at suspension kit. The real difference, and I know a concern, is the ride quality of different springs and shocks for highway driving. Which ever way you go just know it’s not going to ride the same as stock anyway with lifted and larger tires. Also, prob shouldn’t be worried about warranty with either of these routes because dealer could say larger tires are causing X even though we all know is BS. Plus they have to prove the issue. As for a complete lift under 1500 is tough unless you install yourself. But I would say this kit is as close as you will come to complete one and done.

 

[hoag4147]

@rcadden

I know tough call which way to go. Good luck in your decision. You are doing all the right stuff, especially getting input from folks with actual experience with each. I bought mine used with mopar lift. I think ride is good but I went 37s and quickly realized/learned some additional part are needed. I added new TBs front and rear and added rear TB bracket. These alone firmed up the handling over OEM components. I also changed out steering stabilizer to give it just a little more stability in the handling with larger tires. Last but not least is LCAs. At my lift height the Mopar Lift LCAs are not enough caster (around 5). I have a set to be installed soon. Waiting on this lovely NTX heat to lower some
If you ever want to test drive a setup like mine let me know. We can meet up and take it for a ride ??

 

[GATORB8]

Could be however they are spec’d/tuned to work well with their springs. Believe me, I’m not against spacer lifts for the moderate off-road, but ultimately you end up adding/replacing OEM parts to firm things up for larger tires like LCAs/GEO brackets, TBs, TB brackets, etc. IMO this kit is a good alternative. Included most parts you would look to replace for moderate offroad capabilities.

Apologize if it came off that way, I'm not debating that a spring kit with shocks would be a better combo. Just looking at the OP's priority of on road, not sure the RK kit would be the best for that. Not sure of the specs on the TTs, but with the RRD version of the kit, the shocks have like 3" more travel than stock rubicon, and 2" more than the Mopar Foxes, so I assume the springs are setup for increased droop and may have a softer ride then stock.

For on road manners, TrailRecon recommended the AEV Dualsport and Dynatrac Endurosport. Both are around $1500 and include brand name monotubes (AEV has Bilstien 5100s and Dynatrac the Fox 2.0s). The AEV is the more complete kit, with Geo brackets and the Procal. Of course, Mopar gets good reviews for on-road as well.

 

[rcadden]

Thanks all, really appreciate the insight/input.

RE: MOPAR lift - I've ruled this one out due to the actual lift gained. Multiple reports of it giving closer to 3-3.5" lift on a Sahara, which is way more than I want/need. I've got short wife/kids that already use the step on the stock Sahara, so more than 2" + 35" is already going to be a challenge for them. That, and I want to make sure I can clear my garage door with the Bestop Sunrider open.

I'm not against installing myself - especially if it saves me enough that I can significantly upgrade my overall experience. I've watched that TrailRecon video (multiple times, lol). Again, my concern is that I'm going to blow $1.5K on one of those kits and then STILL need to buy more stuff just to get a decent ride. If that's not the case, awesome.

@hoag4147 I'd love to meet up some time. I'm looking at Late Sept/Early Oct to pull the trigger (especially if I'm installing it in my garage, lol) so I've got some time to keep researching.

 

[word302]

Apologize if it came off that way, I'm not debating that a spring kit with shocks would be a better combo. Just looking at the OP's priority of on road, not sure the RK kit would be the best for that. Not sure of the specs on the TTs, but with the RRD version of the kit, the shocks have like 3" more travel than stock rubicon, and 2" more than the Mopar Foxes, so I assume the springs are setup for increased droop and may have a softer ride then stock.

For on road manners, TrailRecon recommended the AEV Dualsport and Dynatrac Endurosport. Both are around $1500 and include brand name monotubes (AEV has Bilstien 5100s and Dynatrac the Fox 2.0s). The AEV is the more complete kit, with Geo brackets and the Procal. Of course, Mopar gets good reviews for on-road as well.

The RK springs are triple rate, so the ride on and off road is incredible. The Trail Recon video is nice and all, but it’s still just 1 dude’s opinion.

 

[hoag4147]

Thanks all, really appreciate the insight/input.

RE: MOPAR lift - I've ruled this one out due to the actual lift gained. Multiple reports of it giving closer to 3-3.5" lift on a Sahara, which is way more than I want/need. I've got short wife/kids that already use the step on the stock Sahara, so more than 2" + 35" is already going to be a challenge for them. That, and I want to make sure I can clear my garage door with the Bestop Sunrider open.

I'm not against installing myself - especially if it saves me enough that I can significantly upgrade my overall experience. I've watched that TrailRecon video (multiple times, lol). Again, my concern is that I'm going to blow $1.5K on one of those kits and then STILL need to buy more stuff just to get a decent ride. If that's not the case, awesome.

@hoag4147 I'd love to meet up some time. I'm looking at Late Sept/Early Oct to pull the trigger (especially if I'm installing it in my garage, lol) so I've got some time to keep researching.

Well. The lift height definitely changes things a little with my suggestion . Most all these kits are listed height from Rubi. So even the one I linked above will most likely give you 3”-4” on Sahara. Definitely sounds like spacers may be best if you are trying to not exceed 2” lift from stock on Sahara.

 

[word302]

Well. The lift height definitely changes things a little with my suggestion . Most all these kits are listed height from Rubi. So even the one I linked above will most likely give you 3”-4” on Sahara. Definitely sounds like spacers may be best if you are trying to not exceed 2” lift from stock on Sahara.

RK has rubicon and Sahara/sport specific lifts. They’re also usually on the shorter end so the 2.5” Sahara lift will likely settle in right around 2”.

 

[GATORB8]

RE: MOPAR lift - I've ruled this one out due to the actual lift gained. Multiple reports of it giving closer to 3-3.5" lift on a Sahara, which is way more than I want/need. I've got short wife/kids that already use the step on the stock Sahara, so more than 2" + 35" is already going to be a challenge for them. That, and I want to make sure I can clear my garage door with the Bestop Sunrider open.

In that case. What about a Rubi Takeoff (<$200) with a ~1" spacer front and rear, throw the Mopar LCAs in for the hell of it.

 

[rcadden]

In that case. What about a Rubi Takeoff (<$200) with a ~1" spacer front and rear, throw the Mopar LCAs in for the hell of it.

That was my original plan, actually, lol. However, it brought in some headaches:

1. Trying to find the "right" Rubicon take-offs (spring numbers, etc) is a bit of a crapshoot, especially on FB market, etc.
2. My understanding is that the Rubi rides more rough than the Sahara "out of the box" so if I'm wanting to focus on a nice onroad experience, that would be slightly worse vs a spacer lift.

 

[hoag4147]

RK has rubicon and Sahara/sport specific lifts. They’re also usually on the shorter end so the 2.5” Sahara lift will likely settle in right around 2”.

What’s funny is the kit part number is same for both. I know they let you choose model in your selection process but both end up with same part number, plus states lift heights are based on Rubi ?‍ Oh well

 

[GATORB8]

That was my original plan, actually, lol. However, it brought in some headaches:

1. Trying to find the "right" Rubicon take-offs (spring numbers, etc) is a bit of a crapshoot, especially on FB market, etc.
2. My understanding is that the Rubi rides more rough than the Sahara "out of the box" so if I'm wanting to focus on a nice onroad experience, that would be slightly worse vs a spacer lift.

Sounds like we've come full circle. AEV 2" spacer + Mopar LCAs. I wouldn't even worry about track bars. Same ride, exactly 2" lift.

 

[Dr3wDrop]

That was my original plan, actually, lol. However, it brought in some headaches:

1. Trying to find the "right" Rubicon take-offs (spring numbers, etc) is a bit of a crapshoot, especially on FB market, etc.
2. My understanding is that the Rubi rides more rough than the Sahara "out of the box" so if I'm wanting to focus on a nice onroad experience, that would be slightly worse vs a spacer lift.

I have the Rubicon suspension on my Sahara. I did it to add a little lift now and to make the 2" spacer lift closer to a 2.5" height. It does not ride bad at all. Test drive a rubicon, you probably wont notice the difference.

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