Hey guys, new to the game and this is my first jeep, second car ever I'm only 17. So I'm in a pickle between two lift kit and can't decide which to go with. My first option: Rough Country 3.5 inch complete lift, comes with springs, shocks everything i need (I think). Option two: Rubicon express 3.5 with the Bilstein 5100 shocks. I'm not a complete idiot in know that ribbon express is the better choice, but with the pre ice of the RC:550, and the RE:900 I can't decide whether or not i should spend the extra cash. If anyone has any kind of experience with either of these lifts id appreciate the advice.
Rough Country: 3.5in Suspension Lift Kit for 07-13 Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited [609S] | Rough Country Suspension Systems
Rubicon Express: Jeep® Lift Kits - Fortec® Suspension - FT RE7142 - Fortec® 3.5” Suspension Kit by Rubicon Express for 07-14 Jeep® Wrangler JK & JK Unlimited and other Jeep Wrangler Parts, Jeep Accessories and Soft Tops by FORTEC

 

Upgrade tires.

 

Start with the threads that are stickied right to the top of this modified area.

Figure out what all of the different components do, at what heights you can expect to want them, and why one may or may not be better than another that performs the same function.

For example - are the price savings for the drop pitman/trackbar bracket and the 'fixed' control arms in the RC lift worth the possibility (probability) that you will replace them anyway? The 3.5" RE lift does not include any form of caster correction, so what is the likelihood that you will you be paying extra for that? Have you read up on the possibility of driveshaft problems?

Just a heads-up to do a lot more research before narrowing your choices down and asking 'which is better'.

 

Quit looking at lifts until you know what you are doing to your Jeep. Do not buy a lift based on cost, buy a lift to perform a specific function. Why are you looking at a 3.5" lift? Why not 6" or 2"? Do you know how a lift affects the steering and stability of your jeep?

There is a thread in my signature you can look at and use the search to find the answers to your question that is asked almost every day.

Good luck with the build and welcome to the forum.

 

Sorry Guys wasn't too specific, Im going to be running 35s. This is my daily driver so my main concern is the on-road performance. With that said I also go and intend to hit the trails quite frequently, so I want the best of both worlds. Also on JKUs you don't need to replace you're driveshafts until you get to a 4 inch lift.

 

That could be an incorrect statement. There are a lot of variables, so there can't be a one-size-fits-all answer that works with every build. You will find posts here by people who have lost the front shaft at only 2.5", while others are fine at 4 or more. Since you can't know in advance which group you belong to, the suggestion was made to research it, rather than just assume...