IF you are just looking for justification to do a 3.5"+ lift then do it you will love it until you don't. You can fix stuff that breaks and wears out so go big. Really if you like big lifts (personally I think big tires look good on a jeep not lift height but whatever) no reason not to look at the 5.5" lift as it is no different in what you need to do it right then a 3.5" lift does.

 

It is all personal opinion, and really you are the only one who can say what you think of the steering/handling, or how soon you might want to add components to correct the issues.

But, if you end up around 4.5" of actual lift height (like many of us do with 3.5" coils) I would guess that caster correction will be the very first item on your to-do list. A raised rear trackbar bracket and then a front adjustable trackbar will probably be next. Stretched brakelines, $10 at a hardware store to make brackets might work, them longer lines later. Driveshaft: this one you physically need to crawl underneath and check as part of regular maintenance. Look for the torn boot and the grease spitting out, then decide what you want to do about it. (or just pull it off). A draglink flip will probably be further down the list, but something to keep in mind when you start replacing the steering components.

 

Must have:
Front adjustable TB, raised rear TB bracket, brake extensions, proper bump stops, control arm brackets, springs, shocks, sway bar links, and at that height I would tell you flipping the drag link is more than just a luxury…it makes a big difference.

Better to have:
Front adjustable control arms (uppers & lower), adjustable rear TB, extended brake lines, outboarded shock mounts, coil retainers front/rear, address the exhaust by re-reouting or spacers

Things to consider in down the road:
front drive shaft, upgraded tie rod, relocating steering stabilizer, upgraded ball joints, programmer, regear for larger tires, brake upgrade, reinforced TB bracket, rear adjustable arms…which could lead to relocating rear sway bar…which could possibly lead to an aftermarket muffler.

If you wheel:
Proper recovery gear (winch, straps, D shackles), possible upgraded after market axle, axle shafts, skids, rocker protection, diff covers

 

This thread has gone full circle a few times. Ha ha!

If you go 2.5, the Flex System you were originally looking at is a great kit. Addresses everything that should be touched on a 2.5" lift. I know you originally posted 3.5, but they are essentially the same kit with different coils.

If you want to go with 3.5, you're wise to jump up to the 3.5" Max Travel that you just mentioned a few posts back. Steering and a driveshaft can be added later. It will tower over 35s pretty good.

Marcus

 

Who is doing outboard rear shocks for stock width axles? That is a great thing..

 

He's talking about front shock relocation brackets at the axle to keep them out of the frame when articulating...