3.5" or 4.5" RE short arm?

LuckyGirl · 04-14-2008, 09:18 AM

Hello everyone!

Looking to install a 3.5" or 4.5" RE short arm lift of my '05 TJ. I also want to put on some 33x12.5" tires.

Do you guys think that with a 4.5" lift 33's will look too small? I have seen the thread on here with the lifted pictures but it seems like they all look different even with the same lifts/tires.

If anyone has a TJ close to mine, could you please give me your opinions or post some pics? Thanks!

**jbramble24** · 04-14-2008, 09:46 AM

Just about everyone on here says the amount of lift you get with the 4.5" springs is too much for a short arm lift and it rides terrible. I have the 3.5" lift and I clear 33s easily.

**BYuen** · 04-14-2008, 10:11 AM

Many will tell you to go the 3.5" spring route, but I will beg to differ. I like my setup with 4.5" springs and I know for a fact my rig rides tons better than an old Rancho 2.5" lift I had on back when. You can't really go wrong whether you go the 3.5" or 4.5" spring route. Both setups can fit 35s with modification. I went with 4.5" for better clearance and with plans of running 35s with just a 1" bl and no bumpstop extensions. I do not think 4.5" of lift and 33s looks bad. However, I do feel 35s fit 4.5" better than 33s.

I'm not sure if you might've seen these in any other threads (I post them a lot), but here is my rig. RE 4.5" SF with 33x12.50s.

thejafe · 04-14-2008, 10:15 AM

RE 4.5 Super-Flex Kit with 3.5" springs swapped in. That's going to be about the most highly recommended setup here on the forum (aside from the 2.5" OME kit).

TombRaider85 · 04-14-2008, 11:13 AM

Ive got a 4" full suspension lift by skyjacker and im running 33"s my advice is do a 4" and a 1" body at the same time. That way you can run 35"s if you choose and the 33" will clear great and run great. Go with skyjacker ive got mad style articulation.

LaJeepermln · 04-14-2008, 11:59 AM

x2 on the 4.5 with 3.5 springs swapped in. It's a little more expensive, but with some diligent searching for sale forums, craigslist, and ebay, it can be done it's not that bad.

LuckyGirl · 04-14-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejafe

RE 4.5 Super-Flex Kit with 3.5" springs swapped in. That's going to be about the most highly recommended setup here on the forum (aside from the 2.5" OME kit).

What will swapping inthe 3.5" springs do? Sorry, I am new to all of this so I appreciate the advice!

LuckyGirl · 04-14-2008, 01:15 PM

Oh yeah, also... I probably won't ever go bigger than 33's because you have to start messing with the gearing, brakes, steering, etc. Plus I will be driving around a lot soon for work so I need it to be somewhat economical on gas.

So.... 33's it is!

**jbramble24** · 04-14-2008, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuckyGirl

What will swapping inthe 3.5" springs do? Sorry, I am new to all of this so I appreciate the advice!

The 4.5" superflex kit is more complete than the 3.5" kit. You will get the adjustable upper control arms and the adjustable front track bar. These are all things that you will find you need when you lift your TJ. The adjustable control arms will allow you to adjust the pinion angle of your axles to eliminate driveline vibrations and the adjustable track bar will eliminate the need to drill a new hole to mount the stock one as well as help eliminate steering/handling issues common with lifted TJs.

I started with the 3.5" kit and ended up buying the track bar and adjustable upper control arms. It costs a lot more money to buy them all seperately, which is why people will tell you to get the 4.5" kit with the 3.5" springs.

SillyPutty · 04-14-2008, 02:32 PM

But the 4.5 comes with the adjustable lowers, which tend not to do so well once you drag them over a rock or three. i was able to get the 3.5 with the add-ons for less than the 4.5 at Northridge.

LuckyGirl · 04-14-2008, 03:11 PM

Well I called Rubicon express directly. I can order the 4.5" lift and swap out the springs for no cost (and no money back).

DaOne · 04-14-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuckyGirl

Well I called Rubicon express directly. I can order the 4.5" lift and swap out the springs for no cost (and no money back).

That's what most people do when they go that route. In hind sight, that's what I would have done instead of getting the 3.5" kit, then getting the adjustable control arms and trackbars seperately.

LuckyGirl · 04-14-2008, 03:17 PM

Also.... i keep hearing that body lifts are bad for jeeps. Why is this?

DaOne · 04-14-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuckyGirl

Also.... i keep hearing that body lifts are bad for jeeps. Why is this?

Most will tell you that anything higher than 1" is bad and I agree. When they are over 1", they look ugly, and there is a safety concern as well since you'll have more "body roll" and opportunity for breaking bolts when it's that high off of the frame.

SaltFix · 04-14-2008, 03:34 PM

The RE7000 SF 4.5" kit does not come with adj lowers. You have to pay the difference to get them in this kit.

04-14-2008, 11:13 AM	#5
TombRaider85 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jax Posts: 2 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Ive got a 4" full suspension lift by skyjacker and im running 33"s my advice is do a 4" and a 1" body at the same time. That way you can run 35"s if you choose and the 33" will clear great and run great. Go with skyjacker ive got mad style articulation.