How About Those Lift Kits

[carrizojim]

Hey you guys, quit screwing around! If you are going to spend big bucks to get a long arm system, have a look at the TJ system from Rock Krawler... Solid adjustable upper and lower arms and adjustable track bars etc... This one is bullet proof...
http://www.rockkrawler.com/pages/tjsystem.html

I understand what you're saying goodtimes. This new kit from Fabtech has a sub-frame that goes between the tranny/transfer case skid plate to provide the longer lower arm. It still uses upper and lower control arms. in the article it mentioned that Fabtech was working on a ski plate that sat higher since the subframe was sandwiched between the skid and the frame.

[goodtimes]

Long arms are cool, and they ride nice, but I have talked to alot of people who have bent the lower long arms. Also keep in mind that many "long arm" kits do not keep a 4-link up front. They tie the upper and lowers together and basically make a nice long swing arm. You don't keep your caster curve that way (but they sure do ride nice!).

[NAILER341]

i'd go long arm if i was to lift a tj too...

Although, I'm not a TJ owner, here is my $.02. If you are gonna do it, try to do it right the first time, I think most would agree with me there.

Fabtech just released their Long Arm Lift kit for the TJ. There is my $.02 Go with the Long Arm Suspension from the start.


Erik

[TellyDSP]

I'm gonna go with northridge on this one too. Give 'em a call, I think i got a 3.5" superflex for my buddy's TJ quoted at about $550. Just ordered my 4.5" RE XD kit from them yesterday, best price in town.

[ace2222]

try emailing Northridge4x4 and get a quote from them they ahve some good prices and are great to work with..

sales@northridge4x4.com

I would go with the superflex kit if i was you.. I have one on a TJ and it is really nice..

[jeepish]

From Mark Shelton @ TJ Outfitters

~chuck

[ace2222]

real quick I just went to rubiconexpress.com and they retail the 3.5 standard for

RE7002 3.5" Standard Kit - The Standard kit is a perfect entry for those looking to run 33" tires on a smaller budget. The 3.5" Standard kit includes springs, and bump stops, but maintains stock control arms and track bars. On and off road performance of this kit is excellent and is easily upgradeable to the Super-Flex kit by adding our control arms, heavy-duty front track bar, and other Super-Flex components.
$490.00 + S&H
Details Components Add to Cart

[ace2222]

who did you get a quote from???

[jeepish]

Thanks for the responses.

There are a lot of kits out there and it’s a little overwhelming trying to evaluate them. I’ve been most interested in the Rubicon Express and Fabtech.

The Fabtech 4” performance suspension is on sale @ 4wheelonline.com for $1100 and TJ Outfitters quoted the basic Rubicon Express 3.5” kit for $350 - which I believe lists for approximately $700. What’s wrong with this picture? :confused: I’ve asked them for a quote for the same 3.5” flex kit. I hope I’m comparing apples to apples.

~chuck

[ace2222]

I got my rubicon express lift for 650 from Northridge4x4.

After running it for a while I am glad that I got the rubicon express.

I had a pro comp and the two don't even compare

[Dukes69]

Originally posted by NAILER341
as far as the lift... if chris can do it, anybody can do it

Thanks Erik! Are you flirting with me again?

Lifts are easy to install No special tools required. The lift WILL change the alignment, but thats not a big deal. Goto Firestone tire and service and get their lifetime alignment, ask Tammy how nice it is. As Erik said, at 4 inches or so of lift, you will need a SYE (slip yoke eliminator). Good luck, let us know if you need us

Tj lift kits Are not a hard install . Depending on which kit you go with . We are all basically running different kits and they have there little quirks , not to mention 2 jeeps with the same kit will handle completely different . THINK about how you will use your jeep ! plan ahead WAY ahead !!!! I personally Do not Like JOHNNY JOINTS , now if I was to build a trail specific Jeep I would use the johnny joint set up as it allows for som e awesome articulation , but for the everyday jeep it is not a good choice for the road jeep ( man I am opening a can of worms here ! ) I personally run The Fabtech kit and I am very happy with it ! I have had to work a few bugs out , but all in all it works AWESOME ! It is a "Johhny joint" Which is a spherical ball mounted in machined Poly ureathane bushing ( best of both worlds ) I dont get the Slapping effect the R/E kit is prone too . I have personally welded up a few LOWER and UPPER Control arms that have had the holes unintentionally slotted due to excessive paly in the johnny joint . If you plan on wheeling the hell out of your jeep plan on maintianing it properly . With out the proper maintenance you will be unhappy with the damage done to your jeep .
I just installed a Rancho ROCkcrawler kit on a tj , It is the nicest kit I have installed in a long time , It is the most complete kit I have seen . It rides WAy better than stock , and allows for some awesome flex . it is designed to allow for the bushing to shift and articulate inside the control arms with out Damaging them . Just my $.02

Pm me if you need any assistance
JIM :{:>
JC Fab & Design

[JeepGal]

If you go with a 2 1/2" suspension and a 1" body lift, you wont need the slip yoke eliminator, be able to fit 33's and youll pretty much get anywhere youd want to go. BUT beware...once you start, its hard to control the urge to go higher.

Im currently running the Rancho 2 1/2" and 1" body lift with 33" MT/rs, with no tcase drop (you will however need to do either a motor mount lift or a radiator drop) and absolutely NO vibes. We just finished running the Rubicon Trail, and my Jeep performed awesome...No stucks no problems... (HUSH ERIK!) For the most part, Ive been satisfied with the Rancho lift, however, I am disappointed on how the control arm bushings have held up. Ive only had the lift about 6 months, and my bushings are completely shot, coming out in peices...

Im seriously considering going with a 4" suspension lift, but it will definitely open a new can of worms for me...so Im still thinking about it.

Good Luck Chuck and welcome to the group!

Tam