Lift recommendation

[TRevs]

We got my college son a 2014 JKUR last summer with the expectation he’ll bring it on family jeep days to help carry parts of the large family.

We took it out on a moderate trail and it did okay, but had trouble scraping on some larger obstacles that the others (TJ and LJ both on 33’s) went right over. It’s totally stock except for a SwayLOC.

I’m considering a small lift without breaking the bank. I’m not sure I would even put larger tires on it because they’re already basically 33’s and I don’t want it to be undergeared.

My reference is the LJ which is on 2.5” OME springs and shocks with a 1.25”body lift. Longer links and adjustable trackbars.

The 2.5” kits from Teraflex and AEV look pretty good for about $1200. I figure I should be okay with stock control arms and driveshafts.

Any comments on those kits, or recommendations for others? Do JK’s need body lifts? Heck I’d consider 1-2” spacers.

 

[Jskunk]

I run the basic teraflex 2.5" lift on my Jeep, Had it installed when new. Great kit for the money. Looking back I wish I would have went with the tereflex outback lift to support the heavier loads I carry but overall couldnt be happier with the brand.

 

[Mopar]

I wouldn’t bother with a body lift. Spacer lift be fine if you just want a small height gain. You WILL need a front driveshaft eventually or at least a Rzeppa joint with more angle to it. I don’t know how well the high angle Rzeppa joint will work compared to a completely new drive shaft. You can get by without lower control arms but it will drive much better with them. I’d also recommend a new adjustable front track bar and a rear track bar relocation bracket. You also need drop brackets for the brake lines and bump stops. You’ll need either longer shocks or shock brackets.

 

[Yittzy]

depends what you're doing with it honestly. if you just want to look cool and hit the mall, go with whatever. but if you're actually wheeling, get something with good articulation. i run a 4.5" on my JK and it rips. make sure you budget for the whole package tho - new shocks, control arms, all that stuff adds up quick. what kinda driving you planning to do?

 

[Cimmerian]

Look at the JKS J-Venture kit and decide from there. I started with that on my 2dr with a 2.5 inch lift and just slowly replaced the rest of my suspension with JKS parts. It's really good for the trailing I do and still great on-road.

 

[TRevs]

I wouldn’t bother with a body lift. Spacer lift be fine if you just want a small height gain. You WILL need a front driveshaft eventually or at least a Rzeppa joint with more angle to it. I don’t know how well the high angle Rzeppa joint will work compared to a completely new drive shaft. You can get by without lower control arms but it will drive much better with them. I’d also recommend a new adjustable front track bar and a rear track bar relocation bracket. You also need drop brackets for the brake lines and bump stops. You’ll need either longer shocks or shock brackets.

Is this an issue with the front driveshaft only? How much lift can the rear driveshaft tolerate?

 

[Mopar]

Is this an issue with the front driveshaft only? How much lift can the rear driveshaft tolerate?

Yep front driveshaft only. My 3.25 ish lift had a pretty steep angle on the front driveshaft but the rear is almost straight. l’m guessing the angle of the engine and transmission as well as the transfer case contribute to the problem in the front and prevent the problem in the rear. I don’t have experience with the high angle Rzeppa joint as I just went with a new driveshaft with a double cardan joint at the transfer case.

You can get your lift dialed in with the OE front driveshaft but plan to replace it sooner rather than later.

 

[Mopar]

If you post what kit you lean toward, I’ll make some recommendations on what else you will need and what else I recommend. I’m not an expert but I do have some experience with lifting Jeeps and I’m not afraid to recommend more reasonable priced parts whenever possible. Lots of people who do lifts full time will recommend the most expensive parts….and they aren’t wrong. But, most of us have a budget to work with and aren’t made of unlimited money. So, sometimes we have to go with “good enough” vs the “best”.

I’m new here too but not new to working on vehicles. Been doing it for the past 35ish years for myself and I also make a little side hustle money fixing other peoples stuff. This forum seems kinda dead so maybe we can bring it to life!

Let’s get your project going! I’m happy to spend your money for you!!

 

[TRevs]

Look at the JKS J-Venture kit and decide from there. I started with that on my 2dr with a 2.5 inch lift and just slowly replaced the rest of my suspension with JKS parts. It's really good for the trailing I do and still great on-road.

Ok; I’ll add JKS to the list. I have a few JKS components on my LJ.

Are you happy with the shocks?