Best JK 2.5" lift while keeping stock driving as much as possible?

asere22 · 10-28-2010, 07:56 AM

Hi Jeep forum members,

I need some ideas as to what is the best 2.5" JK lift (planning to add 35's). Would like to keep the jeep stock as much as possible and don't want to compromise driving quality. Money is not an issue I want quality parts but nothing too extreme since I'm not going to do any hardcore offroading.

jsebastian · 10-28-2010, 08:10 AM

I put in a 2.5" Teraflex Budget Boost. It was the most cost effective way to raise the Jeep in order to fit 35" tires. To my surprise, the lift and the tires actually make the ride feel a lot better than stock; softer and smoother on the road. If money is not an issue, I'm sure someone can chime in with other suggestions. But if you don't plan on doing any extreme off-roading, then why not save some cash or spend it on other mods? Also take into consideration how much additional weight you will put on the Jeep; i.e. steel bumpers, winch, tire carrier, etc.

rlj · 10-28-2010, 09:51 AM

I went with the Rough Country 2.5" suspension lift. Running BFG 33's. I agree with the statement above that the lifted ride is better than stock. Noticed the difference immediately.

Link to the kit, Jeep JK Suspension Lift

They also sell an entry level kit (spacer) for a little less. Not sure if this kit would provide a better ride or not.

Close up pic of lifted JK:

Hilldweller · 10-28-2010, 10:06 AM

Rock Krawler 2.5" with Bilstein shocks.

But then you really should wheel it afterwords.

rlj · 10-28-2010, 10:29 AM

Hey Bill, how did my old springs work for you?

Hilldweller · 10-28-2010, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlj

Hey Bill, how did my old springs work for you?

Perfect ride, thanks.

I put a Teraflex 2.5" BB with shocks on top of them after continuing to bump my arse on departures and a few tricky high-centers.
I was going to do a full spring lift but I liked the spring rate of the JKU springs so much I was afraid to mess with it.
The Jeep rides great with this weight and combo.

LovinFirstJeep · 10-28-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hilldweller

Rock Krawler 2.5" with Bilstein shocks.

But then you really should wheel it afterwords.

X2

I started off with the RC 2.5 coil kit. about a month ago i bought a Rock Krawler kit. way better then the RC kit. much smoother ride, and barley any sag.

merlin4979 · 10-29-2010, 09:42 AM

If money is not as much of an object, and you want the best ride, then I'd say that you're definitely better off getting a coil lift instead of a budget boost. You'll have less sag later on if you decide to go with aftermarket bumpers and whatnot. The Teraflex 2.5 coil lift with shocks, or the RK lift with Bilsteins, or the OME kit all seem to be very good setups with great results from everyone running them.

Good luck though, whichever way you go. And make sure you post some pics when you're done!

Or...again with the "money is not an issue" thought, you could also just go with something like the 2.5 Teraflex Long Arm setup!

Hilldweller · 10-29-2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlin4979

If money is not as much of an object, and you want the best ride, then I'd say that you're definitely better off getting a coil lift instead of a budget boost. You'll have less sag later on if you decide to go with aftermarket bumpers and whatnot. The Teraflex 2.5 coil lift with shocks, or the RK lift with Bilsteins, or the OME kit all seem to be very good setups with great results from everyone running them.

Good luck though, whichever way you go. And make sure you post some pics when you're done!

Or...again with the "money is not an issue" thought, you could also just go with something like the 2.5 Teraflex Long Arm setup!

Ditto that.
The only reason that I run a BB is because I was given those springs, the stiffest, to replace my OE springs, the second softest. In addition to bumpers and winch, I also pull a trailer.
I also believe that the JKs all come undersprung and underdamped in OE trim. A little bit of washboard taxes them hysterical performance.

04 RUBI · 10-29-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asere22

Hi Jeep forum members,

I need some ideas as to what is the best 2.5" JK lift (planning to add 35's). Would like to keep the jeep stock as much as possible and don't want to compromise driving quality. Money is not an issue I want quality parts but nothing too extreme since I'm not going to do any hardcore offroading.

Teraflex leveling kit, flat fenders, hammer to the pinch seam.
Thats what I did to fit 35" mtr/k. Cheap and efficient. Doesn't sound Hollywood, but it works. Gives me time to buy more skids and axle reinforcement before my stock Rubi goodies go wrong.

**thedirtman** · 10-30-2010, 07:25 AM

You don't need to run a lift to go with 35's, Rims with proper backspacing and a pinch seam trim are all that is needed. But if you must ome light duty springs and nitro shocks are a very nice set up. I got the hd springs and got 4" of lift from them and I have heavy bumpers. Also flat fenders will give you the look of a lift while keeping the suspension stock and increasing the room for bigger tires. Fill in your profile and people can give you better info on customizing your rig. Depending on your set up you might find 35's a poor choice for drivability.

**RockyClymer** · 10-30-2010, 09:42 AM

I suggest the OME coil lift and nitroshocks - great ride! I got over 3" from the HD springs and Dave at Northridge 4x4 will set you up with a good price and plenty of help.

doliss · 10-30-2010, 11:33 AM

If you don't want to change the stock feel and driving of the jeep then you'll want to change as little as possible. Don't get any lift that changes the shocks and/or springs. I added a rough country 2.5 budget boost and I love the results. This particular kit actually adds a bit more in the front to level out the jeep in the process of the lift.

RRCP08JK · 10-30-2010, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asere22

Hi Jeep forum members,

I need some ideas as to what is the best 2.5" JK lift (planning to add 35's). Would like to keep the jeep stock as much as possible and don't want to compromise driving quality. Money is not an issue I want quality parts but nothing too extreme since I'm not going to do any hardcore offroading.

Only one way to go --- Old Man Emu . 2" lift gets you 2.5" - 3". I have not done it yet, buyt it's on my short list of things to do.

**yoda13** · 11-01-2010, 02:34 PM

another vote for the OME...I love my new setup...my old was nice too, but this gave me more lift and even better ride than I had before, and I thought my Rusty's was much better than stock...at least in my opinion...