I went with the 3.5” because I like the extra clearance. I had a 2.5” lift on my old Jeep and it would rub when I went off roading. I think the 2.5” is enough for 37s, but I really like the stance of the 3.5” better.
Teraflex makes a kit that has a two piece spacer, use both for 1.5 or just one for 1 inch...I added 2” spacers to eliminate the rubbing. I think I would like a 1” spacer better, but can’t seem to find any online. Does anyone know if there is a 1” spacer out there that will fit?
If you plan on towing, I highly suggest not doubling up spacers.
Which specific components are beefier? I haven't seen any documentation stating so, I'm not saying there isn't, but I don't know of any. BTW, I'm a begginer 4wd person.
Ride should be smoother - think about the lowly "lawn mower" and how much easier it is to push one with bigger wheels and how it won't feel every little bump in the yard. Hit a curb with a small wheel or walk over it with a large wheel.
Gladiator has Dana 44s front and rear. The axle tubes are something like 10 or 11 mm thicker and the axles larger. At least that's what I get from Jeep info.
If you get the chance, glance under a JK and then under a Gladiator (not sure of JLs). The steering components on the JKs look like toothpicks comparatively.
City, stop and go driving i cannot tell any difference, acceleration feels the same as with 33`s. The overdrive gears 7-8th the trans will jump between these gears at times, if this transmission was a six speed without the overdrive gears some would say the gearing is near perfect but having the two extra gears and not being able to fully utilize them shows that there is room for improvement. But overall i do not feel a rush to re-gear, i will when money permits. I will be adding my lift soon and this might want me to re-gear sooner.
Don't even worry about the brakes on these - they are beefy brakes and have a good sticky pad in them, IMO. I don't know the COF of these pads, but the brakes on this JT of mine are among the best brakes I've had on a vehicle. The only way this wouldn't stop and hold where I want it would be if I was on ice or slick snow pack. If you need to stop and hold position, it will. Gears are beefy - you MAY want deeper gears, a lower ratio/higher numerical number if you go LARGE tires, but the 4.10s on the Rubicon and Sport S with max tow should be fine for most folks, except the insane hard-core folks here (just kidding, a couple of them are sane enough)
