[PackerFan]

Well, after a couple years of debating whether or not we wanted to purchase a Jeep Rubicon, the wife and I have close to taking the plunge. We're currently looking for a '04-'06 automatic Rubi Unlimited, and will turn this into a long-term project rig. I've done a ton of research on lift kits and know the topic is covered all the time within this forum. I'm having a difficult time finding the absolute BEST, HIGHEST QUALITY, and MOST DURABLE system on the market. If you've got a favorite, please tell me why they are "the best". I've read great things about certain kits from Terra-Flex and Rubicon Express. I was always under the impression that the kits Nth Degree used to make were very, very tough but heard they are no longer around. The rig will be street driven a couple days a week as an extra "toy", but will see off-road trails probably 50% of the time. The trails I'm wanting this rubi for are challenging. I'm looking for a long-arm kit that will accomodate 35's and is the most durable and well thought-out kit on the market, regardless of cost. I'm still searching for answers on gearing, armour, suspension seats and various other accessories and sure I'll have a ton more questions. Thanks in advance for any input!

[Jerry Bransford]

Quality and durability-wise, as a 99% happy Rubicon Express 4.5" long-arm suspension owner/user, Currie would have to get my vote. I personally wouldn't even consider Tera's suspension lifts any more. I used to be a strong Tera proponent and supporter and ran their lift on my TJ years ago but that was then and this is now.

And you don't need a long-arm suspension to run 35" tires.

[SlackJawedYokel]

AEV is now selling the Nth degree suspension. Here you go.
American Expedition Vehicles - Brute Kit, V8 HEMI, Aftermarket Jeep Conversions, Suspension Systems, Products, Wheels, Accessories and Highline Kits for Jeeps (TJ, JK, WK, XK).
No lift yet myself, but am considering Clayton, they are supposed to be very good.

[PackerFan]

One happy vote for RE. Thanks.

The reason for the long-arm kit as you know is to keep geometry as close to "right" as possible. Since I'm looking for great articulation off-road, and a good on-road feel, I'm kinda stuck on wanting a long-arm.

[Bishop Creek]

American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) bought out Nth and is still producing their products.

[Unlimited04]

I'd vote like this:

Springs:
AEV/Nth Degree
Rubicon Express
Old Man Emu

Arms:
Rokmen
Clayton Off-road
Gen-Right
Currie
AEV/Nth
TnT Customs

[Wheelin98TJ]

In my opinion, the best quality TJ lift kits are made by:

1. Gen Right
2. TnT Customs

[PackerFan]

Originally Posted by Bishop Creek

American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) bought out Nth and is still producing their products.

Are the products still in the same league as RE?

[PackerFan]

I've never even heard of those other companies. I'll start researching them. Thanks!

[little_Jeep]

First thing to do is to buy a Jeep. Then hook up with a quality 4x4 Club in your local area and wheel that sucker after you make sure you have basic equipment required by the Club, such as CB, tow points F& R (Rubicon should have em), fire extinguisher. Once you get a feel for the type of wheel-n you like to do, how big of a tire do you want, do you want to get into axle swaps etc..... once you know the answer to these questions, you can decide on type of lift (long arm or short arm lift). Rubicon Express and Clayton are two lifts that you can never go wrong with. Personally, Skyjunker errrrrrr Skyjacker is junk. If money isn't an issue, you may want to start out with a long arm kit... it will give you crazy flex off road, yet a quality long arm kit will ride better on road than a short arm kit. Long arm kits are not cheap to purchase, nor are they cheap/quick/easy to install. Wheel that Jeep for a while as you figure out what your "Completed Jeep" (as if there is such a thing) will be when you are done with all the mods.... then build towards that goal even if you are over building now. It is much better to over build than to build, tear apart, then rebuild with new stuff. Some people will build and rebuild a Jeep two or three times before they get what they want, or before they run the bank account dry As you can imagine, this build, then rebuilding stuff gets very $$Expensive$$ and should be avoided whenever possible.

[GOTROX]

nevermind. I say go with a local group see what they have that works in your area.

[cookeab]

I know everyone likes to flame Tera, but my Pro LCG 5", although quite pricey, has been great.

[Mayfair_Jeeper]

BDS....Complete Kits, Quality Components and lifetime no questions asked replacement guarentee.

[PackerFan]

Originally Posted by little_Jeep

First thing to do is to buy a Jeep. Then hook up with a quality 4x4 Club in your local area and wheel that sucker after you make sure you have basic equipment required by the Club, such as CB, tow points F& R (Rubicon should have em), fire extinguisher. Once you get a feel for the type of wheel-n you like to do, how big of a tire do you want, do you want to get into axle swaps etc..... once you know the answer to these questions, you can decide on type of lift (long arm or short arm lift). Rubicon Express and Clayton are two lifts that you can never go wrong with. Personally, Skyjunker errrrrrr Skyjacker is junk. If money isn't an issue, you may want to start out with a long arm kit... it will give you crazy flex off road, yet a quality long arm kit will ride better on road than a short arm kit. Long arm kits are not cheap to purchase, nor are they cheap/quick/easy to install. Wheel that Jeep for a while as you figure out what your "Completed Jeep" (as if there is such a thing) will be when you are done with all the mods.... then build towards that goal even if you are over building now. It is much better to over build than to build, tear apart, then rebuild with new stuff. Some people will build and rebuild a Jeep two or three times before they get what they want, or before they run the bank account dry As you can imagine, this build, then rebuilding stuff gets very $$Expensive$$ and should be avoided whenever possible.

I completely understand everything you stated and should have mentioned previously that I grew up around Jeeps, but got wraped up in quads and sxs's the past few years. I totally understand how some rebuild their set-ups multiple times before they get it to where they want to be. Since I do have a little background with heavily modified Jeeps (again, when I was a youth), I have no interest in severe rock crawling or mudding. If the terrain calls for more than 35" tall tire clearance, I'll pass. In fact, we were considering going with just 33's but feel the 35" tall tire with roughly a 4.5" lift looks perfect. We enjoy camping, hunting and general outdoor expeditions through the desert and higher elevations of AZ. If anyone knows the Crown King trail in Maricopa and Yavapai Counties, that's one well-known trail that we'd be running on a consistent basis. So, in essence, we don't want a dedicated rock crawler. We're looking to build a nice looking general use Jeep that can be used weekly on road, but do above average to difficult terrain (but not severe). As with my cars, I don't want to do cut corners the first time and have to go back and re-do later. Quality and durability are the most important thing for me. I've broken parts on our sxs's in the middle of nowhere and as you all know, it's not fun. We realize everything can break, but I'd like to do everything I can to build the most durable rig possible instead of cursing at myself for cutting corners while I'm waiting for a friend to bring the repair items.

[PackerFan]

Originally Posted by 06TJX

BDS....Complete Kits, Quality Components and lifetime no questions asked replacement guarentee.

Had BDS on my '07 Dodge HD truck. It seemed to be a nice kit for that type of application. I'll look into their Jeep line.