palehorse

Alright, I'm very close to taking delivery of a new '13 JKUR, so I'm in the market for a solid 2.5" kit. I will be running Duratrac 315's on Level 8 Trackers (16x8.5 with 4.5" BS), and I will NOT have aftermarket bumpers, winch, or additional armor for quite some time. (In other words, I won't have extra weight to help lower the lift).

I have narrowed my selection down to the AEV DualSport or RK MaxTravel 2.5" kits -- and I'm seriously leaning toward the RK kit based on its adjustability and customer support; however, I am VERY concerned about the added lift that the RK coils are known for -- I simply do NOT want to mess with the exhaust or driveshafts any time soon (if ever!). It's extremely frustrating that the RK kits consistently provide 3" of lift, or more! (Why they even market it as a 2.5" kit is beyond me!?)

So, here's my "Frankenlift" idea:

-- RK 2.5" MaxTravel Kit (minus springs!)
-- AEV 2.5" coils (ALTERNATIVE: M-Cloak 2.5" coils, or...?)
-- Fox 2.0 IPF shocks
-- Bump stops

My questions are:
1. Does AEV sell their 2.5" springs separately? If so, how/where?
2. Is it possible to get the RK MaxTravel kit WITHOUT the springs at a reasonably adjusted price?
3. Will this combo even work well?
4. Am I missing any parts that are necessary for the AEV coils to work with the RK kit?
5. What size Fox 2.0 shocks would be recommended for this combo?

If at all possible, please don't turn this into another AEV vs. RK or RK vs. M-Cloak thread. I'd really like to see the discussion remain focused on the unique combination(s) of parts I listed above -- OR perhaps see suggestions for a different RK+other combination that solves the problem of the extra lift height that the RK coils are known for.

THANK YOU ahead of time for all of your expert advice!

-ph-

Delux2769

You would have to place your order through a rep if you wanted to order without the springs.

I know a guy that ordered a RC lift and he didn't want their shocks so they took $100 off the package price.

Depending on the deal they give you without the springs, you MIGHT save money by ordering everything individually.

With your MC spring question. I know 1 person that has them. Super nice, long travel. He ordered the 3.5" and didn't give him more lift.

You can email the reps from each company and together you should get enough info to know if the set up is complete enough.

bob-o

You should really get the rk springs for the front cuz they are progressive rate and they will stretch like crazy giving u more flex

palehorse

The MC dual-rate springs are known to stretch as well. In fact, some believe they're just as effective as progressive springs without as much potential for sag. If their ride heights are consistently closer to an actual 2.5" on 4dr installs, I might just try this with their springs. I'm planning to speak to their engineer today to ask about the average ride heights on their 2.5" 4dr springs...

Delux2769

Not sure if you also looked into this, but TF has 3" 2 door springs, that on a 4 door are supposed to yield 2.5". If they still yield too much, maybe 2.5" 2 door springs and they might be in your height range.

Why are you not wanting an exhaust spacer? It's cheap insurance for the front DS, and not too difficult to install. Same as trimming rear pinch seams.

PS. They sell as a 2.5" lift to abide by certain state an country laws. Some areas you can not have your vehicle lifted more than 2.5", so with a product that yields slightly more, they get a wider customer base for people wanting 3" lifts that can't buy and put them on legally.

stanman

I'm extremely interested in this idea as I was considering doing something similar. Though, I was leaning toward the 3.5" spring to go with my own Frankenlift on my Gecko JKUR that is set for delivery next week.

I like the idea of a dual rate spring much more than a progressive since the majority of the miles being driven are on the street and a progressive spring just makes for a rougher ride.

jboss

I run a AEV/RK franken lift too. AEV 3.5 springs with AEV tuned bilstein shocks and the rock krawler x-factor. If you go with the AEV springs I would run the AEV shocks. You should always run shocks and springs that are tuned together. AEV springs are progressive also and tuned for the extreme end of digressive shock valving. So I dont know what the fox shocks would do may be ok or they will fight each other.

I’m very happy with my set up, the AEV ride with rock krawlers strength.

palehorse

How/where did you buy the AEV shocks and springs separately? Directly from AEV?

jboss

Yes. There not on the web site but just call them.

AussieTom

What does lower end of digressive calving mean?
Fox shocks are linear.