Entry-Level Lift Recommendation?
03-04-2011, 12:54 PM
#11
JK Jedi Master
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 0
Received 162 Likes
on
154 Posts
That ProComp lift may be fine, I have just had too many issues with 4WP to willingly choose anything they recommend. (which is procomp lifts...) 
For 2.5" coils, expect 3" of lift. (TF 2.5 and OME HD's will both give this, not sure about RK). At this height, you should consider adding components for front axle centering and caster correction at some point. No big rush, but put them on the list. This also gets you into the range where you will want to keep an eye on your driveshafts.
If you choose TF, shocks or adapters is preference and budget. As long as you like the ride your stock shocks give you, nothing wrong with running the adapters.
If you choose the OME HD route, I would suggest going through northridge for their Long Travel setup. Even if you start basic and add as you go, the LT shocks and associated components are the way to go.
And if you choose RK, the max travel setup looks good. My next lift will likely be one of their new aluminum Pro systems.
Lots of options out there, just decide on a budget and then start comparing components.
For 2.5" coils, expect 3" of lift. (TF 2.5 and OME HD's will both give this, not sure about RK). At this height, you should consider adding components for front axle centering and caster correction at some point. No big rush, but put them on the list. This also gets you into the range where you will want to keep an eye on your driveshafts.
If you choose TF, shocks or adapters is preference and budget. As long as you like the ride your stock shocks give you, nothing wrong with running the adapters.
If you choose the OME HD route, I would suggest going through northridge for their Long Travel setup. Even if you start basic and add as you go, the LT shocks and associated components are the way to go.
And if you choose RK, the max travel setup looks good. My next lift will likely be one of their new aluminum Pro systems.
Lots of options out there, just decide on a budget and then start comparing components.
03-04-2011, 02:43 PM
#13
JK Freak
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: El Paso, TX
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I run the TF 2.5" coil with TF shocks and wouldn't trade it for the world. So do your research into the Procomp if that's the direction you go, but remember you'll have direct support for the TF one here...
03-05-2011, 11:14 AM
#14
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That ProComp lift may be fine, I have just had too many issues with 4WP to willingly choose anything they recommend. (which is procomp lifts...)
For 2.5" coils, expect 3" of lift. (TF 2.5 and OME HD's will both give this, not sure about RK). At this height, you should consider adding components for front axle centering and caster correction at some point. No big rush, but put them on the list. This also gets you into the range where you will want to keep an eye on your driveshafts.
If you choose TF, shocks or adapters is preference and budget. As long as you like the ride your stock shocks give you, nothing wrong with running the adapters.
If you choose the OME HD route, I would suggest going through northridge for their Long Travel setup. Even if you start basic and add as you go, the LT shocks and associated components are the way to go.
And if you choose RK, the max travel setup looks good. My next lift will likely be one of their new aluminum Pro systems.
Lots of options out there, just decide on a budget and then start comparing components.
For 2.5" coils, expect 3" of lift. (TF 2.5 and OME HD's will both give this, not sure about RK). At this height, you should consider adding components for front axle centering and caster correction at some point. No big rush, but put them on the list. This also gets you into the range where you will want to keep an eye on your driveshafts.
If you choose TF, shocks or adapters is preference and budget. As long as you like the ride your stock shocks give you, nothing wrong with running the adapters.
If you choose the OME HD route, I would suggest going through northridge for their Long Travel setup. Even if you start basic and add as you go, the LT shocks and associated components are the way to go.
And if you choose RK, the max travel setup looks good. My next lift will likely be one of their new aluminum Pro systems.
Lots of options out there, just decide on a budget and then start comparing components.
03-05-2011, 12:20 PM
#16
JK Jedi Master
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 0
Received 162 Likes
on
154 Posts
For axle centering:
Brackets
Longer 'fixed' trackbars
Adjustable trackbars
Brackets are the cheapest, but some versions will just multipy the stress and rip your stock bracket off the frame/axle. Research a bit and find one that is reinforced, or add some welds.
Not many companies sell fixed trackbars, but may be an option.
Adjustables are the most expensive, but are also the best option.
For caster:
Cam Bolts
Drop brackets
Longer/Shorter 'fixed' control arms
Adjustable control arms
Cams are dirt cheap, but tend to slip when you go offroad. They also need to have the axle mount notched out to install, so if you move to adjustables later, you need to get those holes welded back up.
Brackets and Fixed arms are set to a specific caster angle, which may or may not be appropriate for your lift height, and are completely unadjustable for any future changes (added weight, or spacers for additional lift, etc). And if/when you replace a driveshaft, you have no way of setting the pinion angle.
Adjustable ca's are by far the most expensive, but also the best option.
Brackets
Longer 'fixed' trackbars
Adjustable trackbars
Brackets are the cheapest, but some versions will just multipy the stress and rip your stock bracket off the frame/axle. Research a bit and find one that is reinforced, or add some welds.
Not many companies sell fixed trackbars, but may be an option.
Adjustables are the most expensive, but are also the best option.
For caster:
Cam Bolts
Drop brackets
Longer/Shorter 'fixed' control arms
Adjustable control arms
Cams are dirt cheap, but tend to slip when you go offroad. They also need to have the axle mount notched out to install, so if you move to adjustables later, you need to get those holes welded back up.
Brackets and Fixed arms are set to a specific caster angle, which may or may not be appropriate for your lift height, and are completely unadjustable for any future changes (added weight, or spacers for additional lift, etc). And if/when you replace a driveshaft, you have no way of setting the pinion angle.
Adjustable ca's are by far the most expensive, but also the best option.
Last edited by nthinuf; 03-05-2011 at 12:26 PM.
03-06-2011, 01:59 PM
#17
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Excellent information, all - thanks for the help! I'm going to go with the TF 2.5 coil and shock kit. Now it's just down to finding the cheapest price...
Definitely appreciate the help!
Definitely appreciate the help!
03-06-2011, 02:06 PM
#18
JK Junkie
Last year I decided to get back into the Jeep space and bought a 2-door 2010 JK. Now, in looking to get some better tread and articulation, I'm really seeing how this is a different space than what I'm used to (all I know is leaf springs). So; what's my best bet for an entry-level setup? Looking to run 33in tires.
4WD.com is running a special on the 2.5" kit from Pro Comp with ES9000 Shocks: http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.as...7&partID=41306. Total (including shipping) is about $425. Any thoughts?
4WD.com is running a special on the 2.5" kit from Pro Comp with ES9000 Shocks: http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.as...7&partID=41306. Total (including shipping) is about $425. Any thoughts?
Check your budget and decide what you want to do with your jeep. That will help with your decision. There are several good lift brands out there.
03-11-2011, 02:25 PM
#19
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TF 2.5 vs. BD 3 with TF Shocks
In calling around to compare prices for the TF 2.5 kit, a guy I spoke to suggested spending the extra cash and getting the Black Diamon 3" kit which comes with caster realignment cams, extended sway bar links and an adjustable front track bar with relocation bracket. Does anyone have any experience with this setup?
Also- If I got this kit, I'd need shocks. Do the TF VSS gas shocks (http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?partID=3274) work well? If I purchased the BD 3" kit and the TF shocks (fronts and rears for 2-3" of lift), would I be set, or am I missing something?
Still planning to run 33's.
Also- If I got this kit, I'd need shocks. Do the TF VSS gas shocks (http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?partID=3274) work well? If I purchased the BD 3" kit and the TF shocks (fronts and rears for 2-3" of lift), would I be set, or am I missing something?
Still planning to run 33's.