Need help with new suspension lift

[Anvil Jeep Girl]

Hi! Looking for some input. I currently have a Pro Comp 2.5" lift in my 2015 JKU that I got back in 2016 a year after I bought my Jeep (budget lift). I'm wanting to upgrade to a 3.5 inch and stuck on which way to go. It's my daily driver and doesn't see much offroad action besides sand, gravel and some washboard roads (I live in South Florida what do you expect?). I want it to be capable of mild to moderate trails, but don't plan on doing any rock climbing or hard core wheeling. Also want to be good on the pavement as I use it to tavel. I did mention the Clayton 3.5" Overland Plus to my shop (trusted hard core Jeepers) which is probably overkill for what I need, and this is what they recommended. How does this setup look (see quote below)? I asked about the steering going to a 4 inch (Teraflex doesn't have 3.5" for JK's) and they mentioned flipping the drag link. This added an extra $700.

The shop first quoted me a Teraflex 3" coil spring base lift kit, front control arm relocation kit, with Bilstein 5100s. This was after me explaining how the Jeep is currently being used and possibilities in the future. Teraflex doesn't have 3.5" for JKs. For some reason the shop really seems to like Teraflex since that's all I've been quoted. But maybe that's all I need. We do a lot of camping which would add weight to the back, plus I have a heavy rear bumper, tire carrier, and 37" spare. I feel that a 3" wouldn't really be a 3" and I would be close to where I am now which doesn't make sense for me to spend the money to look the same.

My reason for wanting a new lift is because I feel like it's sagging a little bit in the back, and any weight added is noticeable. Like I mentioned, it was a budget lift when I got my Jeep over 8 years ago. Plus I would like to be a little taller without sacrificing driveabilty (I do use to travel), which is pretty good now. My husband had a 3.5 inch lift on his Jeep and it was quite noticeable compared to my 2.5". I plan on keeping my Jeep so don't want to have to do upgrades down the line if I can just do them now. I want it to drive good on the road/highway, be a little taller, handle weight in the rear, and be capable of mild to moderate trails. Does that even exist LOL??

I appreciate your input!

**Currently running 37s and have already regeared to 4.88

This is what she currently looks like (minus a little sag in rear which is now noticeable)

 

[Cimmerian]

I'm from South Florida (West Palm) and there's really nothing out there that you need more than even a stock lift on unless you plan on going mudding a lot. For your needs you really don't need to be spending for top of the line stuff because it sounds like you're almost never going to need that kind of gear. You may just want to stick with a 2.5 and even downsize to 35s.

 

[Anvil Jeep Girl]

I'm from South Florida (West Palm) and there's really nothing out there that you need more than even a stock lift on unless you plan on going mudding a lot. For your needs you really don't need to be spending for top of the line stuff because it sounds like you're almost never going to need that kind of gear. You may just want to stick with a 2.5 and even downsize to 35s.

I'm not liking this negativity LOL! I would like to be able to do moderate type trails, but need to go a few hours north so that's not something that would be all the time.

 

[Cimmerian]

I'm not liking this negativity LOL! I would like to be able to do moderate type trails, but need to go a few hours north so that's not something that would be all the time.

I'm not being negative, I'm trying to save you money. I saw on JKO someone said you should get the Metal Cloak Game Changer and imo that is complete overkill for what it sounds like you need. A stock or moderately lifted Jeep is very capable all on its own, you don't have to automatically shoot the money cannon at it.

I have a complete JKS 2.5 lift, sway bars, control arms, etc whole nine yards on my Jeep and I live in New Mexico and even that is more than I actually need right now. I'm not saying it's not nice to have but if I knew then what I knew now I'd have probably kept my stock suspension for now and I promise you what we have here is more punishing than what's on the East coast.

By all means, it's your Jeep and your money and you can do whatever you want to it, but you asked for advice and I gave you it.

 

[Cj007]

Metal Cloak may be overkill, but, they are very good components. I also believe that better quality components add to value and resale-ability. IMHO…

So far Metal Cloak, Drag link, Tierod and adjustable control arms. More to follow…

 

[Anvil Jeep Girl]

I'm not being negative, I'm trying to save you money. I saw on JKO someone said you should get the Metal Cloak Game Changer and imo that is complete overkill for what it sounds like you need. A stock or moderately lifted Jeep is very capable all on its own, you don't have to automatically shoot the money cannon at it.

I have a complete JKS 2.5 lift, sway bars, control arms, etc whole nine yards on my Jeep and I live in New Mexico and even that is more than I actually need right now. I'm not saying it's not nice to have but if I knew then what I knew now I'd have probably kept my stock suspension for now and I promise you what we have here is more punishing than what's on the East coast.

By all means, it's your Jeep and your money and you can do whatever you want to it, but you asked for advice and I gave you it.

I was joking when I said that. That's why I put LOL. I was referring to you saying to go back down to 35s. I appreciate your input, thank you

 

[tJKrider]

I'm not being negative, I'm trying to save you money.

For what it's worth I thought your initial response was spot on for what the OP was asking. Since good on road performance is a stated goal, staying closer to OEM is more logical to me than traveling farther from it.

@Anvil Jeep Girl rereading the original post it sounds like overall you are happy except for the sag that has occurred in the rear. I'm not familiar with the Pro-Comp lift, but if it is a spring lift, replace the springs that have lost some of their static height. If you want to upgrade switch to the AEV 2.5" lift which is generally regarded as high quality. Their kit comes with matched Bilsteins and is just a bit over $1k for the parts...

Going higher than 2.5" comes with an entirely new set of complications and it doesn't appear that added function is required for the usage profile you stated.

 

[Cimmerian]

I was joking when I said that. That's why I put LOL. I was referring to you saying to go back down to 37s. I appreciate your input, thank you

I apologize if I came off as harsh. It's hard to read tone through text and I understand I can come off as caustic. Honestly I really do want you to enjoy your Jeep and enjoy it how you intend to use it but people have a habit of just dumping thousands of dollars they don't have to on these things. When I got mine I thought I wanted 40s and a six inch lift cause I had seen other Jeeps like that and they look awesome, but as I drove it more I realized I never do anything that required 40s and 6 inches. I don't even like to rock crawl, I like to overland and explore but that's just me.

I wish you luck on your journey finding what works for you.

 

[Dirty Dog]

I'm not liking this negativity LOL! I would like to be able to do moderate type trails, but need to go a few hours north so that's not something that would be all the time.

You don't need a lift. Florida isn't an area that requires a max flex suspension. Swap on some flares that increase your clearance, put on 35's on wheels with about 4.5" backspacing. Now put the money you saved into lockers. You'll get more benefit from that.

 

[Danarch]

I do second the AEV 2.5” lift. Have it on three JK’s it’s a great setup. Handles wonderfully on and off road.

Now if you were into heavy rock crawling I might would recommend something else. We do some rock crawling (did a portion of the Rubicon) and I was still happy with it.