OK guys I have a 12 JKU Sport. Yesterday I replaced the stockers with 17x8 wheels and 285-70 Duratracs.

My first question is when they're turned full lock they rub what looks like a cheap plastic skid plate or air damn, what exactly is that piece and is there any consequence to just removing or shaving it back?

My second question is what leveling kit do you recommend?

I had a YJ but this is my first JK so I don't really know much about mods. I've been looking at daystar and teraflex. I really like the teraflex but I'm torn on whether to just get the spacers or opt for the performance leveling kit (with springs, no spacers). Also if I opt for the performance kit should I replace my shocks? Any help is greatly appreciated!!!!

 

Also I'm not set on daystar or teraflex, if any of you have other suggestions I'm definitely open!

 

The air dam up front is to 'protect' all the goodies right behind it. But due to it being flimsy plastic if you don't tear it off on trail I'd be surprised. A ton of people just pull it off if it's rubbing. I myself pulled mine off and have been running it for months no problem.

As for the leveling kit, look into Teraflex's kits. They are very well priced and functional. Or since your on the fence, look into a 2" kit. They are still in the decent price range and will serve you better then the pucks in the leveling kit. Brandwise I like Teraflex. A great company that stands behind it's product 100%. I'm yet to find another company that great.

I was in the same place, but just went balls out for a 4" lift and 35's... We all go nuts once in awhile...

 

The air damn in the front is suposed to help with the fuel economy and hood flutter. I had mine off for 2 weeks while I was changing bumpers and didn't notice a change in either. Since it's plastic it won't protect much, but if you have a Rubicon, it could help with water splashes and kicked up rocks that may hit the electronic sway bar disconnects. Many people remove it entirely. I like the idea of shaving it. I think the Jeep looks unfinished without it.

I decided to get a Teraflex lift. I was debating between the Budget Boost (coil spacers) v Spring lift. I figured I had to remove the springs either way, I might as well replace them.

If you decide on a spacer lift, AEV has a new one out. If they came out just a week earlier, I may have gone this route. I think AEV makes quality stuff.

 

I'm leaning more towards just a leveling kit because I don't want to go to high and make the 33's look small. Also I don't want to lift it and still have the front end rake. So do most of the lift kits level and lift or only certain ones?

 

The plastic air dam u can ditch. As far as a leveling kit, I would go with the teraflex spring level kit. It will get rid of the rake.U could add shocks to that, but the extensions will work also.
Something like a budget boost won't get rid of the rake but it will lift u.

Another good idea is to get adjustable track bars, as u can use them with any lift. They will let u re center the axles after the lift.
All comes down to budget.

 

Drop a couple of washers in the steer stops if you rub the frame or something else after ditching the front airdam. You may see some hod flutter as a result. That's because the hood straps are also A POS. Drop $25 and get some Daystar hood latches too.

 

Ditch the air dam and install an Expedition One front Rubi Skid. Not sure it fits the Sport - It protects all the goodies up front and provides great
clearance. Give them a call, they are a dream to work with.

As for your second question you need to decide how you are to use your Jeep. Mild trail riding? Rock crawling? Whatever - it will decide what lift to run. I prefer coils. I don't run Teraflex, but they are a great company and my buddies run them with no problem.

Most importantly, have fun with your build.

 

It is my daily driver and will be used on trails and light mud. No crawling and no deep holes, just enough to play around in

 

I just installed the Teraflex Performance Leveling Kit yesterday and plan on adding 33's next. I'm really happy with the Teraflex kit. It added 2" up front and 1" in the back. The ride is a little stiffer (in a good way) than stock, but not drasticallly different. I would highly recommend this kit.