I want to level out my stock JKU and lift it 2-3 inches. I dont have any plans for aftermarket bumpers or a winch, would like to add 33-35 tires after lift. It is mostly a street driver for my wife so wont be doing any rock crawling or serious off roading so articulation isnt a big concern, but smooth ride and handling are important. JK has 80,000 miles with original springs and shocks but hasnt been offroaded much but is probably due for shocks anyway.

I have looked at a Skyjacker 2.5" Sport lift (doesnt level but could add spacer in front to do that?), Teraflex leveling kits, Readylift SST 3.0 lift, Rancho 2" sport system and a few others. Dont want to spend more than $1,000 for lift.

Its overwhelming to research, I've read the Newbie guide on this site which has good info. Just looking for suggestions given what my plans and needs are maybe someone can point me in the right direction!

Thanks in advance.

 

I am very happy with the ride quality of my TF 2.5 shock and spring kit. I added AEV geometry correction brackets last week and they decreased the brake dive and flighty steering.

With 80k miles I would shop for a kit that includes shocks and springs. Both front upper shock studs snapped when I removed my OEM shocks (118k).

 

You would like the teraflex coil lift with shocks. The lower control arm correction brackets would be a plus as well. Good luck with you're choice.

 

The Rancho 2" sport setup is a good deal with the 9000 series shocks. I heard good reviews on
This kit. Not sure if you can get 35's under it though..

 

I think for what you want to do the teraflex leveling springs is the best option, it levels the Jeep and gives you about a 1.5" lift all while improving the ride and the looks. I have a 2009 JKU unlimited X and spent $250 for the springs then another $50 for new Rubicon red shocks from Craigslist and $200 for Spidertrac wheel spacers and I love it. I run Goodyear duratracs 285-70-17 in the winter which are 33" tires and BFG KM2 285-75-17 in the summer which are 34" and they work great.

 

Don't be in a rush to pull out the plastic. Spend some time learning what the various components actually do, and at what heights they may be wanted, so that you can make a more informed decision. There are a couple threads stuck right to the top of this modified area that just might fill in some of the blanks.

How likely are 35's? Are you willing to chop the flares or go to flats? Are you willing to re-gear, and possibly add new driveshafts? You might want to put some thought into those questions before trying to decide on a lift height.

Is $1000 the total budget, ever? Or are you willing to start with a more basic lift now, and add components later? For example, a basic Rock Krawler 2.5" Stock Mod, and then slowly turn it in to a Max Travel or X Factor. Or a Metal Cloak 2.5" Dual Rate, and slowly turn it into a Game Changer. Or maybe an AEV DualSport would work?

But, a basic 2.5" spacer kit or a 2"/1" spacer leveling kit would probably be fine, and a whole lot less expensive.

 

All good advice guys. 35's are highly likely, regearing is a possibility at some point. No flat fenders or chopped flares, no new driveshafts. I dont want to go too much where I start having wear issues, caster issues, and all those similar issues. I'm sure I wont ever want to get more radical than 3".

 

Ah ha.. I'll save you a seat at the JK group therapy .Ha, never say ever..lol
Good luck in your indevers...

 

i went with the AEV 2.5" and couldnt be happier. and run 295/70r18's (unsure as to where they are between 33's-35's but it looks good) gas mileage wasnt hit that hard either but did finally regear from 3.21's to 4.56's and its night and day difference in power.

 

Just want to add my .02 for BDS. The ride is great and the product has a lifetime warranty. If you sheer a bolt in 5 years, they will replace it.

The quality is top notch, the ride is solid.

That said, you cannot go wrong with the TF kits that have been mentioned; I had TF in my TJ and was a huge fan.

Good Luck.