chicagoV12

I've been going back and forth on what direction I want to go with my suspension. I don't do any real off-roading but I'd really like to lift the jeep just extra inch or two. Per recommendation on here, I think I'll save some money and go with just a basic budget boost. I've also got a lline on a brand new set of shocks and springs from a 4dr rubicon (I have a 4dr sahara). My question is, if I swap in the rubicon shocks and springs while I'm installing the BB kit, will I need anything else? Will the ride be ok? I've done a lot of searching and reading on here, but I haven't really found a straight forward answer.

Thanks!

Feasterdef

If u do the budget boost you will need longer shocks or shock extensions. Stay away from the shock extensions in my opinion. The longer shocks are more secure and I feel a better ride. What size tire are u trying to run? If u just want a 33 just do the leveling kit especially if u don't off road. If u are thinking 35s then go with a teraflex budget boost, but again I would recommend do the whole coil spring lift. I hope this helps.

nthinuf

There can't be a definitive, straight forward answer, because it is all about personal tolerance and preference and usage.

Any change to suspension height will change your caster, causing the handling/steering characteristics to change. Will it bother you? Dunno. But at 2", probably not.
Both axles will be offset further to one side. Will it bother you? Dunno. But at 2"...
Your brake lines will be stretched tighter. Will it ...
Your swaybars will be angled down. Will it...
Your shocks will be extended. If you do not add extensions, this will limit articulation and could cause some damage. Will it affect you? Dunno.

YOU need to figure out what all the different components do, and then do some guessing based on YOUR usage.

cb4017

I had the same dilemma over 3 years ago with my 08 Unlimited X. I was not unhappy with the stock ride and stance; I just wanted a small lift without changing a bunch of suspension components. I do go off road a lot so the suspension would get a work out. I also decided to stay with 32” tires, i.e. stock Rubicon wheels and tires.

I started researching Budget Boosts and it seemed they were all a little different. Some had 2.5” front spacers and 1.5” rear. Some didn’t. I ended up with a Skyjacker 2” BB with shocks. It was specified as a 2” lift, front and back. I also wanted to stay with a BB because you have better control of the actual lift. Some folks add spring lifts and get much more lift than they bargained for and the corresponding problems.

30,000 miles and 3 years later I have been satisfied with the BB lift. It rides like stock. I never had a problem with brake lines, rubbing components, steering, etc., even though the suspension has been flexed pretty well on some of my adventures.

It worked for me. I think any of the BB would work. The only thing I would recommend is getting good quality extended shocks and staying away from the extensions.

If you decide later to add extra weight in the form of bumpers, a winch, armor and so on you may have to rethink your strategy at that time.

Good Luck.

chicagokm

ChicagoV12,
I am in the exact same situation as you. Any off roading I do is pretty mellow and I log alot of highway mile, but I want my Jeep to be a bit higher and have the aggressive stance. I was convinced I was going to do the teraflex 2.5 inch budget boost but the more I researched it the more I am leaning toward the teraflex leveling kit. Take a look at some of the pictures of the people who did the leveling kits and put on 33s. I am pretty impressed with the outcome, and even as unmechanical as I am I think I might be able to put on the leveling kit myself. Just a thought. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Battlefrog

I run a TF 2.5" BB with rubi shocks and rubi coils 18/59 without any issues. I've taken it on the beach, mud/water and a decent grade obstacle course. If your looking to enhance your offroad capabilities without breaking the bank, I would suggest this setup. With the rubi coils, it leveled out my front end and raised the rear another 1/2" or so.....

jeepin_tiger

Did exactly this last weekend. Gained over 4", a little more than I wanted. Ordered a new trackbar this week to help with some of the axle offset and because the bushings were causing problems with the new height. I would order the wheel spacers if you don't have enough backspace since you will already have the tires off.

Oh yeah, hi lift jack would be helpful, but not necessary. As would a spring compressor.

Battlefrog

Thought I gained alot cause mines closer to 3"... What's the compressor for...

jeepin_tiger

I was shocked getting over 4", really only wanted 3". Let it settle for a week and 300 miles and still above 4. Think it was the combination of going from 12/13 to 18's and the settling of the shocks over 4 years or so. Gives you an idea of how much different the springs were in the picture.



The coil compressor isn't completely necesssary, but when I was putting the passenger side on I didn't quite have enough room. The wife didn't have enough wieght to push the axle down while I tried to get the spring in so I was trying to do both jobs. Finally went and borrowed a compressor and they went right in. If I could have gotten another inch off the ground with the jack it would have likely just gone in (solved that with a hi-lift ordered thursday).

Battlefrog

I went from 17/58 to 18/59 and yes, it makes a huge difference... In your case I could see why u opted for a compressor. My wife would have laughed at me... I think going with a Rubi setup shocks/coils is a great inexpensive upgrade...