BDS 3" lift kit feedback

**snsmith86** · 08-09-2007, 05:50 PM

I'm getting ready to take the plunge for my LJ and have been evaluating the various lift kit options in the 3"-3.5" range and am pretty close to going with BDS. The search function doesn't let me search for BDS

so I'm putting out the call for some feedback.

The "finalists", as it were, were BDS, Full Traction and Rubicon Express. I've shied away from Rubicon Express primarily due to cost and completeness and from Full Traction due to recent complaints of sagging springs and the kit's disconnects look pretty low rent. BDS' kit actually costs a little more, but includes shocks that seem to be generally well-liked, so it seems to be a better value overall.

I've yet to hear anything bad about BDS and it's hard to beat their guarantee (you break it, they'll replace it), but there doesn't seem to be much comment on them around here...any gripes, praise, caveats, etc. would be most welcome!

Rocky.ca · 08-09-2007, 05:57 PM

i have the bds kit and it is outstanding. great workmanship, everything was there, easy install. all i could ask for. it rides really nice after about 1500kms when the springs break in. before that it feels like a shopping cart

**mrbates** · 08-09-2007, 06:14 PM

aye, i also have the 3" bds--fantastic lift--30k miles on the springs, no sag and and rides like a Cadillac. the only thing i wish i would have done with mine would have been the adj. control arms, i still have the stock control arms. shocks are excellent as well. you will not be disappointed

derek

Texan4life · 08-09-2007, 06:38 PM

How much is the BDS lift and what does it include?

Keyton · 08-09-2007, 06:59 PM

Another big fan of my BDS kit. Rides better than stock on road and flexes great off-road. Can't beat their lifetime warranty either.

bigj1974 · 08-09-2007, 07:46 PM

I have a BDS 2 inch lift and I LOVE IT.

I can only imagine the 3 inch kicks butt as well.

besides, they have the best warranty in the biz. go for it, and let us know how you do with it.

richs347 · 08-09-2007, 08:27 PM

For your search.. Try: bds*

The star is a wild card letter and will let get the required 4 letter search.

I have the BDS on my '05 LJ and I'm very happy with the ride. It rides the same as stock but a touch smoother over the small stuff. My only gripe is that I didn't get a full 3" of lift on the 3" kit. It's about 2.5 on the front and 2.75 on the rear. Stock bumpers and no winch yet. I do have some skid plates and about to add some side bars. It has me thinking of adding a small spacer lift for a touch extra height. I'm not a big of the body lift .... can't decide yet. I opted for the front lower fixed arms and a new stabilizer. I have no vibes at all, no lowering of the transfer case, and no pitman arm installed.

Email richs347@aol.com and I can send out a few pics... Rubicon Unl. still on 31's.

halltrail · 08-09-2007, 10:07 PM

I have the 3" BDS lift on my tj and I really like it. The Disco's are a little noisy but they seem to work well. I think it rides much better than the stock stuff; however, it is 1999.

wdw · 08-09-2007, 10:14 PM

I have a BDS lift and question there Tec. Dept. Mine is a 2 inch lift. It sits 2 inches in the front and 3 1/2 in the rear. When I talked to a Tec. guy, all I heard was excuses. Two weeks I emaled the Tec Dept. David walked me through some steps, than told me to buy a spacer so my Jeep will set level. David also told me he has put on a number of lifts and all of them sat level.

Everybody that I know that has a lift sits level with out a spacer.

Personally I would question if a BDS is right. I know I will never have another one.

canjeeps · 08-09-2007, 10:21 PM

i had the bds 2" bb and it was pretty good offroad for what it was. Onroad it rode like crap. The 3" kit is nice from what i hear.

**snsmith86** · 08-10-2007, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ Tex

How much is the BDS lift and what does it include?

http://www.bds-suspension.com/kits/424H

It's about $700, but I've seen it a little less online. The only thing I plan on buying extra that's not in the kit is an adjustable front track bar.

**snsmith86** · 08-10-2007, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richs347

I have the BDS on my '05 LJ and I'm very happy with the ride. It rides the same as stock but a touch smoother over the small stuff. My only gripe is that I didn't get a full 3" of lift on the 3" kit. It's about 2.5 on the front and 2.75 on the rear. Stock bumpers and no wench yet. I do have some skid plates and about to add some side bars. It has me thinking of adding a small spacer lift for a touch extra height. I'm not a big of the body lift .... can't decide yet. I opted for the front lower fixed arms and a new stabilizer. I have no vibes at all, no lowering of the transfer case, and no pitman arm installed.

That's a bit of a downer. I also have an 05 LJ (not Rubi) and my rear end already sits nearly 2.5" higher than the the front axle-to-axle. I had pretty much already planned on putting a 3/4" spacer on top of the front coils to try to level it out, but I'd hate for the rear end to be sticking up even more. Definitely buying the spacers now...anyone know of a source of good true 1" spacers (Daystar makes 3/4", but I might need a little more)?

I've already upgraded my steering stabilizer because my stock one was shot. I'll probably upgrade the lower control arms in the future, but not from the outset. How do you like the arms?

I currently only have rocker guards with steps and a Bestop oversize tire carrier on the rear in preparation for 33s. I don't have any plans at the moment for a winch, but probably will be swapping bumpers at some point in the future.

Thanks for the feedback!

**snsmith86** · 08-10-2007, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halltrail

I have the 3" BDS lift on my tj and I really like it. The Disco's are a little noisy but they seem to work well. I think it rides much better than the stock stuff; however, it is 1999.

Are your discos the "ultimate discos" they have now (link below)? It appears they are spring-loaded and should prevent the noise. That was one of my concerns with the FT 3" kit, noisy discos since they are just bars with cotter pins...

http://www.bds-suspension.com/products/acc_antisway.php

**snsmith86** · 08-10-2007, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdw

I have a BDS lift and question there Tec. Dept. Mine is a 2 inch lift. It sits 2 inches in the front and 3 1/2 in the rear. When I talked to a Tec. guy, all I heard was excuses. Two weeks I emaled the Tec Dept. David walked me through some steps, than told me to buy a spacer so my Jeep will set level. David also told me he has put on a number of lifts and all of them sat level.

Everybody that I know that has a lift sits level with out a spacer.

Personally I would question if a BDS is right. I know I will never have another one.

Thanks! I suspect there are so many variables to consider that it's virtually impossible to guarantee a level lift, 4cyl/6cyl, manual/auto, hard top/soft top, etc., but you'd think they'd have a better shot at getting the rear right. From what I've read, a 3/4" spacer in the front is not unheard of with a number of lifts.

My Jeep already sits at a pretty strong rake and one of my objectives with the lift is remove some of it, so I'll be throwing some spacers on the front coils when I install...

richs347 · 08-10-2007, 05:30 AM

I double checked the part numbers to make sure I got the correct coils.

Most of the dealers prices are lower than what you see on the BDS website. I think I paid around $700 for everything (arms and stabilizer included). The kit comes with those ultimate discos. They work well and are easy to get on and off. I have no noise from them from what I can tell. When I used their ties for the swaybar when disconnected (thin wire and metal clip) my tire pulled them apart. So think of a better system to tie the swaybar up. I think I'm going the 12" bungee cord route on a small custom bracket to keep them out of the way. I like the arms so far. They are stock length and poly bushing on both sides. They came with cam bolts. You may try to find arms with poly bushing on the axle and rubber on the frame. It will give a little more flexability and will be less likely to rip a mount off. With the cam bolts fully adjusted I was able to angle the pinion up a 1/2* over the stock setting. Certainly not a lot, but its a small lift and I wanted to try to keep the angles in check. I didn't measure with a stock bolt and the lift in, so I could just be waisting my time....

I didn't buy an adjustable front track bar.. but it's on the list. BDS says to drill a hole 3/4" over and use the stocker. The 3/4" was dead on and centered the front wheels

08-09-2007, 06:59 PM	#5
Keyton Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 59 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Another big fan of my BDS kit. Rides better than stock on road and flexes great off-road. Can't beat their lifetime warranty either.