2.5 in Rubicon Lift
#1
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
2.5 in Rubicon Lift
Sooooo here we go..........I am installing my Rubicon 2.5 in lift today........I bought some Nitro 8.0 shocks to try as well........... I will be running 35's as well.....Will I need to get my caster checked after i get everything straight? Just wondering if anyone that has installed this kit had any issues
#2
JK Jedi Master
Join Date: Jan 2008
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They have multiple versions of 2.5" lift. Without knowing which components you are installing, hard to say...
But, Caster is not adjustable from the factory, so, are you adding components that would actually allow an alignment shop to adjust it? Same with Camber, not adjustable from the factory. Toe can be adjusted, but will not change due to the lift like caster does, so a shop probably won't touch it. The steering wheel can be re-centered, but you should be centering that yourself as part of the install.
But, Caster is not adjustable from the factory, so, are you adding components that would actually allow an alignment shop to adjust it? Same with Camber, not adjustable from the factory. Toe can be adjusted, but will not change due to the lift like caster does, so a shop probably won't touch it. The steering wheel can be re-centered, but you should be centering that yourself as part of the install.
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Rocko (04-19-2019)
#3
JK Enthusiast
Ok, let me keep this as brief as possible...
I installed the RE 2.5" along with 3/4" Daystar pucks for a nice juicy 3" overall lift when you factor in the bit 'o sag from my steel bumper, winch, etc. I also went to 35" tires.
I drove (myself crazy) for the next 2 1/2 years with steering & suspension issues (and I'm a good installer). What I am not good with as it turns out, is correct axle geometry and alignment.
2 things.
1) If possible, have a shop do that part. I finally went to my local 4 Wheel Parts and had them replace some worn out parts. After 3 years it turns out I actually really did need a new set of ball joints. They also installed #2. More on that in a moment. I'm a do-it-myselfer through and through. Some things are worth paying the pro's to do.
2) If you value keeping your fillings in your teeth and not inadvertently changing lanes whenever you hit a bump in the road, install front control arm drop brackets (or adjustable control arms if you want to look cooler and fudge the actual correct geometry). These don't come with the lift kit. I have no idea why.
Done and done. After 75k miles, I've re-discovered the joy of driving my rig. Oh yeah... I ended up tossing that little bag with "front align washers" in the circular file.
I installed the RE 2.5" along with 3/4" Daystar pucks for a nice juicy 3" overall lift when you factor in the bit 'o sag from my steel bumper, winch, etc. I also went to 35" tires.
I drove (myself crazy) for the next 2 1/2 years with steering & suspension issues (and I'm a good installer). What I am not good with as it turns out, is correct axle geometry and alignment.
2 things.
1) If possible, have a shop do that part. I finally went to my local 4 Wheel Parts and had them replace some worn out parts. After 3 years it turns out I actually really did need a new set of ball joints. They also installed #2. More on that in a moment. I'm a do-it-myselfer through and through. Some things are worth paying the pro's to do.
2) If you value keeping your fillings in your teeth and not inadvertently changing lanes whenever you hit a bump in the road, install front control arm drop brackets (or adjustable control arms if you want to look cooler and fudge the actual correct geometry). These don't come with the lift kit. I have no idea why.
Done and done. After 75k miles, I've re-discovered the joy of driving my rig. Oh yeah... I ended up tossing that little bag with "front align washers" in the circular file.
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Rocko (04-20-2019)
#4
JK Jedi
OP, definitely include a form of caster correction if the kit doesn't come with one.....preferably not cam bolts.
#5
JK Enthusiast
To be fair, the kit does include a means of caster correction, which is the cam bolts that you so rightfully chunked in the trash. Those cam bolts retail fro ~$42, but are worth exactly $0. They include those instead of the control arm brackets to keep the price point down. What is really frustrating is that for another $50, they could just include control arm brackets instead of those POS cam bolts. 50 measly bucks more (than cam bolts), and about 5000x better. I guess including them in their kit is the only way they'd sell any of those cam bolts......AND, they typically end up getting the sale on the brackets in addition.
OP, definitely include a form of caster correction if the kit doesn't come with one.....preferably not cam bolts.
OP, definitely include a form of caster correction if the kit doesn't come with one.....preferably not cam bolts.
#6
JK Jedi Master
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The better choice for caster correction is Drop Brackets, Longer/Shorter Fixed control arms, or Adjustable control arms.
Last edited by nthinuf; 04-22-2019 at 02:59 PM.
#7
JK Jedi
damn, they've gotten even chincier....they used to include these, which were redonk for $48 (or possibly, that was just for their 3.5" kit...regardless, they're both the same for the most part) -
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/rubico.../R-BKTG-RE1475
That's why I was saying brackets were only $50 more than these pos cam bolts. but, we're saying the same thing...don't use em.
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/rubico.../R-BKTG-RE1475
That's why I was saying brackets were only $50 more than these pos cam bolts. but, we're saying the same thing...don't use em.