3.5” or 2.5” lift

[Stinggraygladdy]

Hi all, hope everyone is well. I have a 21 gladiator with a 2” level in the front right now. I have a rack and tent in the bed that makes the back squat just a little. I am debating on going with a 2.5” lift or 3.5” lift. From photos I’ve seen the 2.5” doesn’t look much different than what I have and the 3.5” looks just a little too tall. I do kinda like the big wheel gap look so I’m leaning towards the 3.5”. I have 35’s also and do not really want to jump to 37’s. The truck isnt a rock crawler, it’s a fire roads and dirt trail kinda truck just to get me and the wife to camping spots. Any suggestions or advice would help, and if you have any pics you could post that would be super helpful. I appreciate all of you! I posted a pic of the truck as it sits now for reference.

Sponsored

 

[Free2roam]

Taller side walls might help on the tires as well. I have a Clayton Overland 2.5 lift on 33's it's the gray one.

 

[JTGuy]

Go 2.5 and have no front DS issues. You can clear 37s with 2.5. The higher you go the worse it will ride.

 

[Russ2023]

2.5” lift on 35” here and couldn’t be happier.

 

[Okie Gladiator]

2.5 will be better for your use case. Pictures here with 35 inch tires in a 2.5 vs a 3.5 before I put the 37's on it. At a 3.5 MetalCloak I had to start considering front drive shaft changes, etc.

 

[TexasJT22]

2.5 overland plus lift from Clayton. I’m riding 37s with plenty of space. It’s supposed to settle a bit more but 2.5 lift was over 3inches if measured. That’s with a heavy steel bed cap, steel bumpers and winch.

 

[Derrick Kirby]

I plan on doing the same thing debating on the AEV or Mopar and feel the AEV KIT is a more one and done . Maybe a front TB . Also plan on staying with 33 or 35 Im not a Rock crawler. But do have a metal bumper and which & fiberglass camper top .

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Don't forget that not all 2.5" and 3.5" lifts sit at the same height.

This is mine with a 2.5" Clayton lift and 35" tires.

 

[HorneyBadger]

Why spend the money if you dont need it! Add a 1 or 1.5" spacer to the back and be done with it

 

[Silverator]

Clayton Overland + 2.5" on 35's. Perfect for me. I keep waiting to scrape the crap out of the underside, and aside from the hitch skid - it's not really happening yet. Just finished a week in Moab, and very, very minimal scraping. As mentioned, the Clayton nets out at a little over 3" with steel bumper winch, gear, etc..

 

[Flyin6]

I'd say 3.5 or higher
The reason is that, depending on the situation you find yourself in, you may well need that additional 1"-2." I have and did.
When my AEV was delivered to me, it came with 2.5" of lift. The next day, I hit the Kentucky Adventure Trail. I scraped the tail end and wished I had a bit more clearance in the middle when going over a rock.
I switched up to a Clayton 3.5" lift and was good...Until I loaded it down for an x-country trip to the Appalachian Mountains. That's when I figured out I needed more capacity, so I installed the "Overland" Springs, which mostly got the job done.
For the next x-country to Colorado, I added airbags to finally be able to handle the weight without squatting.
I am now adding a 1.38" rear spacer and a 3/4" front spacer to get it up a bit more and considering moving the spare and ditching the tow hitch.
Most people (Me) start by saying, "Well, I plan for easy/moderate trails and don't need it. Then their buddy gets stuck eight miles up a landslide-scattered trail...

 

[Derrick Kirby]

Taller side walls might help on the tires as well. I have a Clayton Overland 2.5 lift on 33's it's the gray one.

I plan on a 2.5 lift and sticking with the 33 also One because there new and the other is i like the look . do you have any more pictures of you rig with 2.5 lift and 33 ??

 

[Jaxmax]

I also think perhaps look for higher rated rear springs or spacers for rear, your use doesn't need the big lift if you are staying 35" tires. You do have addtional weight in rear, so focus on that instead of lifting whole truck. lifting more with weight you have up top might make handling change.....Jack

 

[Free2roam]

I plan on a 2.5 lift and sticking with the 33 also One because there new and the other is i like the look . do you have any more pictures of you rig with 2.5 lift and 33 ??

 

[gamesjamy]

Your current setup already has a good look, but if you really like the "big wheel space" aspect, the 3.5" seems to be your style. I have a friend with a 3.5" + 35's config and it goes very well in light trail, without going on the 37. Just be careful with the roof guard if you enter a garage! Go for the look that makes you smile.

______________
Tutuapp 9Apps

​

Sponsored