2-2.5" Spacer Lift - What variables to consider when lifting?

[AlkBaik]

I've been pounding the JT/JL forums, google, and Youtube to research the best spacer lift for my Sport S.

I'm probably overthinking it, but I want a 2-2.5" lift for more "looks" verses function. I don't rock crawl, or do anything hardcore off road. The most I do is back country roads / odd logging roads/ hunting tracts here in WI.

With that said, I want my Jeep to sit taller with the probability of upgrading to 35" tires when my 33" wear out.

Each spacer lift and brand I have researched all seem to provide the basic pucks for the lifts - but some seem to be more incomplete than others.

Brands:

AEV Spacer Lift

Teraflex 2.5

ReadyLift SST 2.5

Iron Rock Offroad

Daystar (although it doesn't seem to be offered on their website anymore?)

Each of these kits comes with different options. Some include extended sway bars. Some included longer front lower control arms. Some recommend shock extensions. Some recommend NEW shocks.

From my research, lifting a JT 2-2.5" will shift the front and rear axel. Some people don't think it's a big deal, while others think it's quite noticeable and hurts the driving experience. To correct this, an adjustable front / rear trackbar should be installed.....

I guess, which option is the best way to go for basically my Sport S which is my DD that see's zero rock crawling?

I have a 1.5 TF level with front Bilstein 5100's. Should I order a pair for the rear, and just pick a spacer kit brand out of a hat?

The local 4x4 shop is advocating for the ReadyLift - But I'm pretty interested in the Teraflex 2.5 lift. But reading further on that lift, they also recommend new longer LCA's, and front/rear adjustable track bars, and falcon shocks.

Thanks.

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[AlkBaik]

I got the AEV 2.5 lift not the spacer and it drives way better than OEM . So worth it. And is my daily driver as well .

 

[Camaroboi13]

Spacer lifts are simple enough to install in the garage. When I got my JTOD I threw on a spacer in the front and didn’t bother with anything in the rear. I ran 37s like that for a few thousand miles until deciding on what lift I wanted. I went with a 2.5” cheapie setup from Amazon with spacers, end links, and shock extensions. Total cost was like $120 bucks. Had I intended to stay at that height, I would have used Mopar LCAs and a front track bar. For the rear I did purchase some daystar 3/4” spacers but never put them in. No track bar necessary if you’re just lifting 3/4” and all your rear components work just fine with it.

 

[Sigz]

I got the AEV 2.5 lift not the spacer and it drives way better than OEM . So worth it. And is my daily driver as well .

Great looking rig. Are those 35s?

 

[Sigz]

I've watched a few youtube JT lift install videos - and from that - it doesn't look too bad.

I have zero auto mechanic experience - other then tire rotations. It does look a bit intimidating, but the youtube videos (especially [Banned Site]) looks quite detailed to help..

Hmm.. not sure why his youtube channel is banned...

 

[Greg_L]

I've watched a few youtube JT lift install videos - and from that - it doesn't look too bad.

I have zero auto mechanic experience - other then tire rotations. It does look a bit intimidating, but the youtube videos (especially [Banned Site]) looks quite detailed to help..

Hmm.. not sure why his youtube channel is banned...

Be very careful with coil springs. They are not a joke.

If you have "zero auto mechanic experience" this might not be the job to pop your cherry with.

 

[Zachanadandy]

Everyone acts like a spacer lift install should be cheap because the lift itself is cheap. It's the exact same labor as installing any of the quality full spring lifts that only replace the front lowers. Replacing shocks is less work than adding shock extensions. Removing the spring to put a spacer on top is no different than removing a spring to replace it with a new one. I wouldn't pay to have either installed, but if you were paying me to install either it would cost the same.

 

[Sigz]

Be very careful with coil springs. They are not a joke.

If you have "zero auto mechanic experience" this might not be the job to pop your cherry with.

I don't think I would ever use spring compressors. The tutorials online look pretty straight forward.

Lift Jeep. Support Frame with jack stands. Lower axle. Remove springs.

But, obviously easier said than done.

 

[Greg_L]

[Banned Site]

I don't think I would ever use spring compressors. The tutorials online look pretty straight forward.

Lift Jeep. Support Frame with jack stands. Lower axle. Remove springs.

But, obviously easier said than done.

Ok well good luck. Be careful.

It's worthwhile to do your own work. But...some stuff is potentially very dangerous.

 

[Camaroboi13]

There is nothing that can’t be done with just floor jack and a couple jack stands. It helps to have a good impact, some of those bolts (LCAs) can be a bear to loosen and tighten back up when you’re on your back with a ratchet. Other than that it’s just basic hand tools. If you tackle it on your own just take your time and it will come together. Best part about doing your own work is getting to know your suspension a little better.

 

[FROADER76]

I found an 2" AEV used for $100 and only installed the front to fit 37s and get rid of the rake. I couldn't see spending full price for it. This is my daily driver/weekend warrior until I save enough to get a "real" lift. I'm happy with it until then.

 

[LHarrison72]

I have the AEV 2" spacer lift and it works pretty good. Since I have the Mojave I used the one specifically for the Mojave but you would use their standard version. With a spacer lift you'll be adding extensions instead of new shocks and springs which will save you a lot of money. You'll want to add the geometry correction brackets to get your steering working like it was before.

Something I'm thinking is that if you're going for looks you're going to want to add the tires too. With the lift alone you're going to have empty wheel wells that you may or may not like.

I have the AEV on my Mojave and I found with the weight from the metal bumper and winch I was bump stopping hard or everything. I swapped out the front coil springs for 2.5” Metalcloak and an adjustable Metalcloak track bar, it took the rake away and lifted it an inch. So I have longer shock extensions coming to make up for the height. It rides good and gives it an aggressive look. Just passing this on in case you had to much sage in the front. Cheers

 

[KevinM60]

I have the AEV on my Mojave and I found with the weight from the metal bumper and winch I was bump stopping hard or everything. I swapped out the front coil springs for 2.5” Metalcloak and an adjustable Metalcloak track bar, it took the rake away and lifted it an inch. So I have longer shock extensions coming to make up for the height. It rides good and gives it an aggressive look. Just passing this on in case you had to much sage in the front. Cheers

I saved weight by using the MP Concepts aluminum bumper but that little extra lift doesn’t sound like a bad idea

 

[Jenneraj]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but that looks great. Is this just the 1.5 TF up front with Bilstein 5100's front and back with 33's? Thanks

 

[AlkBaik]

I've been pounding the JT/JL forums, google, and Youtube to research the best spacer lift for my Sport S.

I'm probably overthinking it, but I want a 2-2.5" lift for more "looks" verses function. I don't rock crawl, or do anything hardcore off road. The most I do is back country roads / odd logging roads/ hunting tracts here in WI.

With that said, I want my Jeep to sit taller with the probability of upgrading to 35" tires when my 33" wear out.

Each spacer lift and brand I have researched all seem to provide the basic pucks for the lifts - but some seem to be more incomplete than others.

Brands:

AEV Spacer Lift

Teraflex 2.5

ReadyLift SST 2.5

Iron Rock Offroad

Daystar (although it doesn't seem to be offered on their website anymore?)

Each of these kits comes with different options. Some include extended sway bars. Some included longer front lower control arms. Some recommend shock extensions. Some recommend NEW shocks.

From my research, lifting a JT 2-2.5" will shift the front and rear axel. Some people don't think it's a big deal, while others think it's quite noticeable and hurts the driving experience. To correct this, an adjustable front / rear trackbar should be installed.....

I guess, which option is the best way to go for basically my Sport S which is my DD that see's zero rock crawling?

I have a 1.5 TF level with front Bilstein 5100's. Should I order a pair for the rear, and just pick a spacer kit brand out of a hat?

The local 4x4 shop is advocating for the ReadyLift - But I'm pretty interested in the Teraflex 2.5 lift. But reading further on that lift, they also recommend new longer LCA's, and front/rear adjustable track bars, and falcon shocks.

Thanks.

Sponsored