Getting ready to lift soon, and I have a few questions.

**rubiconox** · 08-24-2012, 05:48 PM

Hi all, I want to preface this by stating that I did indeed use the search function, and just haven't found exactly the answer I was looking for, so here goes. I just recently purchased my rubi and am looking to get a little more clearance and also replace the worn out coil spacer RE lift currently on the jeep. I've decided that the Zone j11 4" lift kit is probably what i'm looking towards purchasing. The kit seems fairly complete as far as equipment added and the price seems very reasonable. I looked at the JF reviews on here and they seem to be 99% positive for this lift, so things are looking up. I am planning on upgrading the kit with nitro shocks, adding a new SS and getting the swaybar disco's offered as options with the kit. Now, my question is: what type of other incidentals should I be looking at? I know the kit does come with a TC drop spacers, does anyone have expercience with this kit on a rubi and did you have to buy a DC rear shaft? body/mml required? Should I be getting any new bolts/fasteners in advance for anything? I'm just trying to get everything together that i can think of down to every last nut and bolt before i attempt to install it. This is pretty much the way I like to attack upgrades on every vehicle, I'd much rather have it than not need it than vice-versa. Thanks to all in advance for any advice.

mbporesky · 08-24-2012, 06:37 PM

My biggest piece of advice would be to read... read and well read some more. Read some build threads from users such as imped, sgt. fuzz. You can skip over the BS parts (which are great). Those threads have alot of useful information but can be very technical. A rubi is a great jeep as is. User Kevklos started with a rubi and has a nice build thread. If you havent yet go out and play in the woods with it. Almost all the people i end up reading about that stay with stock suspension go with Currie/Rokmen control arms and springs. Rarely do i see people staying with a "Kit". But that option is alot of $ out of pocket. I have heard good things about the zone kit and that is a good option to get you out and wheeling. This is all if you want to go in the woods with the jeep.

**rubiconox** · 08-24-2012, 06:46 PM

the main reason i'm looking at a kit is because of my relative newness to suspension modifications in general, and as much as i'd like to do something totally custom, I really dont have any fabrication or welding experience (or equipment for that matter). I'm looking for something entirely bolt on, and the zone kit seems to fit the bill. I'm just trying to put a "check in the block" on everything i can think of before I make the order on the parts. I will continue researching and reading as much as possible until then. The only reason I really haven't gone out and wheeled it yet is I have some u joints that need addressing first, also my back two shocks are pretty well shot and I'm attempting to not bend anything up before I have those issues addressed.

**rubiconox** · 08-24-2012, 07:44 PM

also are there any additional considerations such as lengthening brake cables/steering/etc that need to be addressed?

mbporesky · 08-24-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubiconox

also are there any additional considerations such as lengthening brake cables/steering/etc that need to be addressed?

The YJ front brake line switch is somewhat common. I would say your best bet would to be to put the lift on without the front or rear springs (whatever end your working on) and cycle the suspension and look for any problems. Steering is a beast of its own. If the zone kit comes with a drop pitman arm i would suggest not to install it. After the kit is installed make sure the drag link is parallel with the track bar. If it is not you will get bump steer.

tjsooner · 08-24-2012, 09:19 PM

What tire size do you plan on running in the end? If 35's you need to read the what do I need to run 35's thread. 35's require upgraded steering, brakes, track bars, gears etc. With 4" lift you would need extended front brake lines for sure. I am getting ready to redo my lift and am going with 3" springs, 4" shocks, different brackets, brake lines, bl & mml. I have fairly fresh 33's and don't plan on going bigger anytime soon. It seems like at 4" there are a bunch of things ($$$) you need to lift it right.

**rubiconox** · 08-24-2012, 10:06 PM

i am planning on staying with 33's as the jeep is a dd and will only go play at the orv park on the weekends every so often. Would a 3" give me adequate flex for fairly rocky trails? I'm not looking to jack this thing 12 feet in the air, i just really want a well mannered lift with enough articulation to go play on the weekends...

**rubiconox** · 08-24-2012, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbporesky

The YJ front brake line switch is somewhat common. I would say your best bet would to be to put the lift on without the front or rear springs (whatever end your working on) and cycle the suspension and look for any problems. Steering is a beast of its own. If the zone kit comes with a drop pitman arm i would suggest not to install it. After the kit is installed make sure the drag link is parallel with the track bar. If it is not you will get bump steer.

I re-read the ad for the lift kit, and also reviewed the picture and I don't see a pitman arm supplied in the kit. But brake lines are a must?

03RubiTJ · 08-24-2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbporesky

The YJ front brake line switch is somewhat common. I would say your best bet would to be to put the lift on without the front or rear springs (whatever end your working on) and cycle the suspension and look for any problems. Steering is a beast of its own. If the zone kit comes with a drop pitman arm i would suggest not to install it. After the kit is installed make sure the drag link is parallel with the track bar. If it is not you will get bump steer.

Read this part over and over about the pitman arm and bump steer issue. If you install the drop pitman you better like riding a horse that's pissed at you, because your jeep will jump and fuss all over the road. Makes you nervous.

03RubiTJ · 08-24-2012, 11:37 PM

Nice tj, btw!

**rubiconox** · 08-24-2012, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03RubiTJ

Read this part over and over about the pitman arm and bump steer issue. If you install the drop pitman you better like riding a horse that's pissed at you, because your jeep will jump and fuss all over the road. Makes you nervous.

that is definitely noted, no drop pitman arms!!! and thanks.

pmcjeep · 08-25-2012, 09:45 AM

The combo lift from them is a little more work to install but would be a better setup than the 4in lift.

**rubiconox** · 08-25-2012, 12:49 PM

yep actually after doing some reading last night I think I may be leaning a little more towards the combo lift. and i saw a tutorial on youtube...it really doesn't look all that hard. Hardest part seems like it would be unbolting the driver's side MM from the block

mbporesky · 08-25-2012, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubiconox

yep actually after doing some reading last night I think I may be leaning a little more towards the combo lift. and i saw a tutorial on youtube...it really doesn't look all that hard. Hardest part seems like it would be unbolting the driver's side MM from the block

That looks like a good kit. Since it comes with the BL and MML it will make a tummy tuck a breeze. That should get you ready for the rocks.

**FKemp3** · 08-25-2012, 02:53 PM

I had originaly looked at Zone kits, as well as the BDS kits (their sister company with a better warranty) and after doing a LOT of reading of the exact threads mbporesky suggested to you. I decided to make my own kit as I didnt think any one kit except maybe the Currie or Savvy kits were complete, and I do not personaly care for the Rancho shocks they provide.

With that said, I would also suggest being patient and heading over to the Builds section dive into some of the more longer threads and read!