Evo Enforcer 2.5 Stage 2 Installation

[mic.rempel]

So I thought I'd share some notes from my Evo 2.5 inch lift install to my Rubicon JT over the weekend. I'm only through with the front so this isn't a complete build journal but I did want to call out some specifics.

1. This 2.5 inch lift resulted in 4 inches in the front. Yes, 4 inches. Floor to fender pre-lift was 39", now it's 43". I heard about this kit netting more than 2.5 but I'm shocked it's that much, it makes me think I did something wrong. Anyone else have this experience?

2. The hardware kit Evo provided DID NOT come with enough bolts and nuts for both the front and rear sway bar end links. The kit provided came with two M12 bolts and related hardware, not four. I called them and they insisted the hardware for the JL and JT is the same and I should be able to reuse factory hardware, but using the end links they provided requires four bolts, so I had to run to the hardware store to get the pieces I needed. I used factory bolts on front lowers, and Evo bolts on the front uppers. Factory bolts on the rear uppers, and replacement hardware store bolts on the rear lowers. That's the only way I see it working since you cannot reuse the bolt/allen key mechanism on the factory end links.

I do know that in the old Evo 2.5 kit for the JL, they intend you to re-use the rear end links in the front, so I'm wondering if they just haven't accounted for this change yet. BTW, you can't reuse the JT rear links in the front, the upper bolt on the rear links is shorter and isn't long enough to connect through the front sway bar.

3. I'm experiencing a bit of spring bow on the driver side, can't see why though - the upper isolator is in place and it appears to be seated correctly. We'll see how it settles out after a few miles.

4. I didn't end up installing the stainless steel provided break lines. There's still plenty of slack with the factory lines, even with the additional height. Has anyone else skipped the break line installation? Downsides to keeping factory?

5. The instructions are adequate at best. You really need to know the fundamentals of suspensions to DIY this. Personally, this was way harder than the last Teraflex lift I put on my 2-door. I'm glad I was able to learn from that one, I would be totally lost if all I had to rely on were Evo's instructions.

Anyway, I plan on running 37 inch Open County R/Ts on Icon Vector 5 wheels. I will post updates as the rear and wheel/tire combo gets installed.

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[Phljeeper]

I did notice the front settled a bit so you probably won't end up at 4" of lift in the front. It dropped a little after a few weeks and after adding a winch I am down to about 3 1/2" of lift. I also don't see any issues with spring bowing but maybe that is because the height has settled a bit. As for brake lines, I would suggest replacing them. The braided lines are much better and since you will be flexing more with the taller lift you don't want to accidentally pinch a factory rubber brake line. They don't seem to be longer just stronger. Its worth the extra hour it takes to swap out your factory lines.

As for instructions, I am probably not a good one to look to. I am guilty of only consulting instructions if I get stuck. I felt that the lift went on relatively without issue. There are always a few minor challenges along the way though.

My one comment on the kits is that I don't like the EVO rubber bushings and may replace the links with a better set using more legit bushings. I also am planning to replace the bolts that go in the rear driveshaft spacer with longer ones. It seems that with the spacer that the bolts don't have much thread holding it up.

 

[mic.rempel]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate your help along the way! Glad to hear on the height, I was worried I was not going to fit out of the garage, turns out I'll be okay. I also plan to be adding a bumper and winch, that's not something I considered.

Did you swap shocks or use extensions? I found with the extensions that I'm running into a similar bolt issue - the end of the bolt sits flush with the nut, not much sticking out beyond.

 

[Phljeeper]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate your help along the way! Glad to hear on the height, I was worried I was not going to fit out of the garage, turns out I'll be okay. I also plan to be adding a bumper and winch, that's not something I considered.

Did you swap shocks or use extensions? I found with the extensions that I'm running into a similar bolt issue - the end of the bolt sits flush with the nut, not much sticking out beyond.

Glad to help. Yes, with the EVO 2.5, 37" Ridge Grapplers and now 3/4" spacers added I am at about 80" height. Still fit with room to spare in my standard garage.
I used shock extensions front and rear. I want to upgrade the shocks but had a hard time justifying replacing the perfectly good Fox shocks. The bolts seemed like they fit fine and I wasn't worried about them since they were fully through the nut. The rear driveshaft is more concerning though as if I recall they use the stock bolts which with the spacer they barely grab the threaded insert. I assume they are ok and have been working well for about 5k miles for me now and 2 beatings in rock crawling but I still go under and check them routinely.

 

[mic.rempel]

Finally complete, it looks better in person, but I'm very happy with the end result. Definitely going to be getting front and rear adjustable trackbars in the future, axles are a little more off center than I anticipated due to the additional height.

Starting Heights Floor to Fender w/ 33s:
FD: 39"
FP: 39"
RD: 39.5"
RP: 39.5"

Ending Heights Floor to Fender w/ 37s:
FD: 45"
FP: 45"
RD: 44"
RP: 44"

 

[Phljeeper]

Finally complete, it looks better in person, but I'm very happy with the end result. Definitely going to be getting front and rear adjustable trackbars in the future, axles are a little more off center than I anticipated due to the additional height.

Starting Heights Floor to Fender w/ 33s:
FD: 39"
FP: 39"
RD: 39.5"
RP: 39.5"

Ending Heights Floor to Fender w/ 37s:
FD: 45"
FP: 45"
RD: 44"
RP: 44"

Looks great! I would expect the front will settle some up front and once adding more weight up there with a bumper and winch it will look perfect.

 

[elgladiator]

its been a month how are you enjoying the evo kit/ride?

 

[mic.rempel]

I do like it. The only thing I'd add is adjustable front and rear track bars, which I plan to do in the near future. It performs great off road and feel totally comfortable wheeling!

 

[elgladiator]

I do like it. The only thing I'd add is adjustable front and rear track bars, which I plan to do in the near future. It performs great off road and feel totally comfortable wheeling!

Awesome!! Good to hear!!

 

[Phljeeper]

I do like it. The only thing I'd add is adjustable front and rear track bars, which I plan to do in the near future. It performs great off road and feel totally comfortable wheeling!

Looks great! What wheels are those?

 

[mic.rempel]

Looks great! What wheels are those?

ICON Vector 5 in Satin Black. I was able to get them off a fellow forum member that ordered an extra set.

 

[Phljeeper]

ICON Vector 5 in Satin Black. I was able to get them off a fellow forum member that ordered an extra set.

Nice, I will look into them.

 

[JeepJT5007]

JTR wave from Dubai - U.A.E

Nice build on your JT, I also have the same lift installed on my JTR paired with Fox 3.0s. I opted for this lift due to RK 3” no limit on back order.

so I installed the 2.5 evo and I must say the stance and lift i got out the evo is impressive.

I want a complete lift kit that’s why I chose RK no limit, as it has upper and lower control arms with the rear 4 way link.

Another option is to get the other components.

 

[mic.rempel]

JTR wave from Dubai - U.A.E

Nice build on your JT, I also have the same lift installed on my JTR paired with Fox 3.0s. I opted for this lift due to RK 3” no limit on back order.

so I installed the 2.5 evo and I must say the stance and lift i got out the evo is impressive.

I want a complete lift kit that’s why I chose RK no limit, as it has upper and lower control arms with the rear 4 way link.

Another option is to get the other components.

Nice! How do you like the Fox 3.0s? Are they firmer than stock?

 

[JeepJT5007]

Nice! How do you like the Fox 3.0s? Are they firmer than stock?

They are amazing, the amount of adjustability for different types of trails is very impressive. I’m still playing with different settings to find my sweet spot.
So still learning and enjoying them so far.

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