'11 Rubicon Build

**DrHolliday** · 11-09-2011, 04:18 PM

Thought I'd start a thread since I'm starting the real part of my build tomorrow. Its a 2011 2 door 6spd Rubi and the only mod I've done so far is the RC Stubby bumper caps.

I Just picked up my lift kit, the RK 3.5" x-factor mid arm. I went with the Bilstien 5100 shocks.

Only have one set back so far... The parts store couldn't find my front shocks when I went to pick it all up. I have the 2 rear shocks and the steering stabilizer. They are going to ship the shocks directly to me but it will be a couple days.

So... Will my stock shocks extend enough to fit with the lift? I know I won't have any down travel due to the shocks. Or should I leave the shocks off on the front till they come in? I'll just have a bouncy ride. Either way I won't be able to wheel and test it out this weekend unless they make it here by Friday.

**DrHolliday** · 11-11-2011, 10:19 AM

Got the lift installed yesterday, didn't take any during pictures, but I have before and after pictures.

The stock shocks would not fit at all so I drove it home on all surface streets while dealing with the bouncy ride. I do need to center the steering wheel to prevent the ESP from activating on slight left turns.

I do have on question though... I've heard that the 3.5" lift is conservative in the amount that it lifts the Jeep, but I think RK might have sent me the wrong springs, I netted 5.7" of lift in the front and 4.6" in the rear. Does this sound right for a 2 door? My front stock springs where 14's and the rears where 56's.

nwbronco · 11-11-2011, 10:52 AM

It is not unusual to have a bit more lift and then the rig settles after a while. The amount you mention though is not in that range. Have you verified the spring's part# with the shop?

Jon08JK · 11-11-2011, 10:57 AM

Wow, that is a lot of lift, it still looks great though.. Is there a part number on the coils that you can check to see if it's right?

**DrHolliday** · 11-11-2011, 10:59 AM

The part numbers on the springs match the RK web site for the 3.5" springs. Maybe my rig in unusually light compared to others.

brianwilson222 · 11-11-2011, 11:00 AM

Wow yeah that's not the right springs but hey chances are they are more expensive for thar much lift so if you like it (I love it) then I would keep it.

**DrHolliday** · 11-11-2011, 11:08 AM

well, I'll see if it settles in any over the next week.

With the added lift I have to adjust the track bars to get the axles centered a little better. The front is too far to the drivers side, the rear seams dead on though.

Once the shocks make it here I'll test it out and see how it flexes.

**JLC08JK** · 11-11-2011, 11:21 AM

I would say that the advertised numbers are based on an Unlimited JK. A 2 door JK will get about 1" more lift from the same springs as a 4 door. Your stock light weight bumpers are also a factor to consider.
Given time for settling and the addition of bumpers and winch it should end up within the assumed range of about 4-1/2".
Just my opinion, take it as you will

**ArticRubi** · 11-11-2011, 11:33 AM

From the looks of the picture of the front fender clearance you got about the same lift I did with my 3.5" from RK. Looks good!

{edit} I didn't take measurements before I did it so I'm afraid I don't have anything to compare to, I'll measure where it sits now next chance I get and include tire size so that should give you a pretty good idea

**DrHolliday** · 11-14-2011, 12:15 PM

Had a chance to flex it a little, not enough to fully stuff the tires though, still had about 3" of up travel left in it.

Looks like I'm going to have rear bump stop issues on the passenger side though.

**ArticRubi** · 11-14-2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrHolliday

Had a chance to flex it a little, not enough to fully stuff the tires though, still had about 3" of up travel left in it.

Looks like I'm going to have rear bump stop issues on the passenger side though.

I installed the teraflex 2" lower bump stops when I did my lift, it will still fully stuff you rear tire when you're maxed out. Also found that when I approach tipping point the 35's get into the pinch seam and rock rail. I decided I'm going to get the UCS's, and some Wood's drive shafts and use the LCA's to stretch the rear just a bit. I'm going to trim the pinch seam also, but I don't want to worry about doing that until I get my fenders and armor on...

Just realized I owe you some measurements! Jeep is in the shop getting regeared, ect, I get her back wednesday and let you know what I have.

**DrHolliday** · 11-14-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArticRubi

I installed the teraflex 2" lower bump stops when I did my lift, it will still fully stuff you rear tire when you're maxed out. Also found that when I approach tipping point the 35's get into the pinch seam and rock rail. I decided I'm going to get the UCS's, and some Wood's drive shafts and use the LCA's to stretch the rear just a bit. I'm going to trim the pinch seam also, but I don't want to worry about doing that until I get my fenders and armor on...

Just realized I owe you some measurements! Jeep is in the shop getting regeared, ect, I get her back wednesday and let you know what I have.

I might have to get a pair of those teraflex rear bump stops, looks like they might be the ticket.

I have a local Jeep shop here that said he could get me a rear shaft made locally with double CV's for a great price, so I'll check that out.

**DrHolliday** · 11-15-2011, 08:49 PM

Created my own fix for the RK lower bump stop thanks to my local machine shop since I don't have the equipment to make a nice cut like this.

aznjeep · 11-16-2011, 08:54 AM

Nice... FWIW, with my 3.5" RK, I opted for the Pro-Comp "install" kit. I didn't use all the parts, but did use the bump stop extensions (not really an "extension", but mounts on the surface to limit the travel) and the rear track bar relocation bracket. The bracket that came with my RK required welding, while the ProComp is a bolt-on design.

**ArticRubi** · 11-16-2011, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznjeep

Nice... FWIW, with my 3.5" RK, I opted for the Pro-Comp "install" kit. I didn't use all the parts, but did use the bump stop extensions (not really an "extension", but mounts on the surface to limit the travel) and the rear track bar relocation bracket. The bracket that came with my RK required welding, while the ProComp is a bolt-on design.

Put the RK one on and have it welded. Bolts shear, plus the factory bracket is too weak to handle the added stress of the additional flex, it will bend or break under the bolt on. The RK bracket bolts on also, in the install instructions it just says have it welded before you wheel it hard