Best option for 2" spacer lift - Suspension Gurus???

[OnlyOne]

You can easily utilize the extended shock length with simple spacers. This is my first JL with the 99dollar RC kit and fox 2.0 2-3” lift shocks. It still had quite a bit left to go even. This was with 37s. The stock JL/JT have a lot more flex in the factory system than the preceding JK.

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[mx5red]

You can easily utilize the extended shock length with simple spacers. This is my first JL with the 99dollar RC kit and fox 2.0 2-3” lift shocks. It still had quite a bit left to go even. This was with 37s. The stock JL/JT have a lot more flex in the factory system than the preceding JK.

Not sure how long the stock bushings would hold up, but that flexes more than I thought!
I don’t mind being proven wrong, because that means I learn something new

 

[Garemlin]

I'd buy just spacers and forget the kits if you are changing shocks. Look at fat bob's as the best bang for the buck on that. Then add the Mopar lower control arms from the lift for 60-70 bucks, the new rear Mopar end links from the lift for another 70 bucks (move the existing rear to the front as I believe they fit), and a set of fox 2.0s. all the kits have compromises or cheap parts and you are better off just building your own since it will be similar cost anyways and you will end up with higher quality stuff.

Bump stops you can buy the rears fairly cheap and the fronts you can make your own with hockey pucks that will allow for custom sizing.

Happen to have the part numbers for the LCA's and end links from the Mopar lift?

 

[Garemlin]

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I don’t know how much I’d worry about shocks vs extension brackets. A spacer lift is not going to give you as much flex as a decent spring lift with control arms anyway. So if you’re not worried about max flex, then a decent spacer lift is fine. Extensions seemed fine for this, or go ahead and throw longer shocks in there, but you’re not going to fully utilize the flex of longer shocks unless you go spring/control arm lift. Right?

It's not flex I'm worried about. Something just doesn't sit well with me using relocation brackets for the shocks. I'd just rather go with a 2" over shock. Leaning towards Eibach. Guess I'm funny like that.

 

[USMC-SSGT]

So why do some of the kits have bump stops, end links or LCA'S if they aren't really necessary at this height? Are they just upselling for no reason??

There’s a difference between “maintains OEM” and “within tolerances.”

While I was within tolerances, I chose to maintain OEM. This was through track bars, control arms and sway bar end links. You could leave out rear upper arms and track bars. If you never plan to wheel you’d likely get by just fine without sway bar links too. For the money though, do the Mopar LCA up front.

 

[USMC-SSGT]

Happen to have the part numbers for the LCA's and end links from the Mopar lift?

These are delayed. Just google the part number however.

https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/68322798aa.html

 

[Garemlin]

These are delayed. Just google the part number however.

https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/68322798aa.html

I have to ask. How are these $30 each but the OEM LCA's are over $100 each?? That makes no sense.

 

[USMC-SSGT]

I have to ask. How are these $30 each but the OEM LCA's are over $100 each?? That makes no sense.

I didn’t ask. Credit card worked. They showed up. I installed them.

 

[WXman]

I bought the Daystar front kit, and then the Daystar 0.75" spacers for the rear separately.

This makes the truck 100% level, reuses the factory shocks via heavy duty extensions, and reuses the factory control arms. Works amazingly good for a very low cost.

 

[Panthers65]

Of those I think you'd be happier initially with the daystar kit, it's the only kit that corrects caster with the LCAs, but it will wear out faster. This could be a positive as it'll give you a few years and you'll have a better idea of what you want out of the Jeep when it comes time to replace/upgrade. LCAs aren't necessary with a 2" kit, but your jeep will drive better with around 6* of caster. Factory is around 4, and after a 2" kit with factory control arms it'll be closer to 3. While 3* still isn't bad, you'll get more wondering on the hwy with 3* than you would 6*

"Necessary" is subjective. Bypass shocks aren't "Necessary" on a list either, but they sure do make the jeep ride better. For some adjustable or longer control arms are "necessary", for others they aren't...

 

[Renegade]

Of those I think you'd be happier initially with the daystar kit, it's the only kit that corrects caster with the LCAs, but it will wear out faster. This could be a positive as it'll give you a few years and you'll have a better idea of what you want out of the Jeep when it comes time to replace/upgrade. LCAs aren't necessary with a 2" kit, but your jeep will drive better with around 6* of caster. Factory is around 4, and after a 2" kit with factory control arms it'll be closer to 3. While 3* still isn't bad, you'll get more wondering on the hwy with 3* than you would 6*

"Necessary" is subjective. Bypass shocks aren't "Necessary" on a list either, but they sure do make the jeep ride better. For some adjustable or longer control arms are "necessary", for others they aren't...

Honestly, after using it, I can’t recommend the Daystar kit. You’ll get 6 months max out of the control arm and sway bar link bushings.

 

[WXman]

The caster is set less than desirable from the factory and a 2" level on the front will actually get it where it needs to be and you will probably find that the steering becomes better so I'm not sure why so many guys are worried about the control arms anyway. Mine handles much better now.

 

[bleda2002]

The caster is set less than desirable from the factory and a 2" level on the front will actually get it where it needs to be and you will probably find that the steering becomes better so I'm not sure why so many guys are worried about the control arms anyway. Mine handles much better now.

That's opposite what happens. The higher you go the less caster you have. If it's low and you raise it 2 inches it will just go lower...

 

[Panthers65]

That's opposite what happens. The higher you go the less caster you have. If it's low and you raise it 2 inches it will just go lower...

Agreed, lifting with factory control arms, reduces the caster, not increases it. Lifted Jeeps need a higher caster to steer tight. To get it right you need either adjustable arms or drop brackets.

 

[WXman]

That's opposite what happens. The higher you go the less caster you have. If it's low and you raise it 2 inches it will just go lower...

I think you misunderstood me.

What I meant is that the caster in stock form is NOT desirable and lifting the front end brings the caster angle more into alignment with the front driveshaft AND it also benefits handling and steering.

At least, that's my opinion after having three of these JL/JT models.

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