Factory Rakes Vary?

[dayusmc]

So with a simple Google of Jeep Gladiator Level Kit, options from .75 to 2.5 come up. Is there that much variation between models?
To be clear, I am talking about stock Gladiators, I know when you add different bumpers and accessories everything changes. This discussion is for Stock Gladiators only.
My 2020 Altitude, stock except rims and tires needed 2.5" front spacers to be level (1.5 Daystar & 1" Teriflex, no top spring Isolator).
So the bigger question is when doing a sping lift, again for a stock gladiator no accessories, does it matter? Can you just use a 1.5" higher for the front to be level?
Example, 3" lift Synergy front spring and 2" lift Synergy back spring and have .5" rake.
I searched the forum, but couldn't really find anything definitive...
Please keep this post on topic, thank you.

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[Jteakus]

2022 Gladiator Rubicon Diesel with winch ready front bumper sat 2.5" low in the front. Verified with floor jack in front and 4' level on bed rails. I ran a Daystar 2.5" level kit until I did a Metalcloak lift. Other JT's I see didn't look as low in front as mine did.

 

[Jteakus]

The answer to your question is yes. You can use spacers to adjust front (or rear) ride height based on your vehicle depending on your modifications.

 

[Summitsearcher]

On my stock 21 JTR I needed a 1.5” front spacer lift to level it out after winch and bumper.

 

[ATL_Rubi]

1.5 Teraflex to level out a 23 Rubicon

 

[dayusmc]

So looks like a lot of different variations...

 

[dayusmc]

But is it because of the different gladiators coming with different front springs?
If that is the case, than when changing all the springs out it won't matter how much rake the truck had to start. That would actually be a good thing because it would be easier to figure out what springs to get to level the truck out or get a certain amount of rake.

 

[ATL_Rubi]

Right. General consensus, Mojave is leveled from factory, and the diesel weighs A LOT. Steel bumper *could* weigh the front down, but I believe it only adds ~70lbs over the plastic bumper.

Rake is also perceived differently due to fenders. Rubicon has the highline fenders, so the rake may not seem as severe as a max tow/sport/etc. Only way to get a good idea is to measure to the frame rails or similar.

 

[dayusmc]

Frame rails or pinch welds are a good idea to see if it level!

 

[bshenderson1]

1.5 Teraflex to level out a 23 Rubicon

Your front actually looks a little higher now.

 

[sharpsicle]

When you're seeing a 2.5" kit advertised as "leveling", are you sure it's not a lift+level? Many are designed to do both at the same time.

 

[ATL_Rubi]

Your front actually looks a little higher now.

The road has a *slight* incline to it. I need to get it on a level surface and measure. I'm happy with how it turned out. It seemed some who did the level had too much nose height over the rear that it was very noticeable. Mine is only slightly noticeable

 

[dayusmc]

When you're seeing a 2.5" kit advertised as "leveling", are you sure it's not a lift+level? Many are designed to do both at the same time.

That is part of the problem. These companies aren't very descriptive in how high the lift actually lifts the truck and if it levels the truck also. So if it is a 2.5" lift plus level, it it lifting the back 2.5" and front 4"?

 

[ChrisNLA]

When you're seeing a 2.5" kit advertised as "leveling", are you sure it's not a lift+level? Many are designed to do both at the same time.

Yep.

Some kits out there are 2.5" 'leveling kit' only - another words, only springs or spacers (and maybe shocks) for the front. Metal Cloak and Rough Country are two examples of companies that offer them:

https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-s...utm_content=&utm_term=||c||fit_first_64830B-a

https://metalcloak.com/jt-gladiator-leveling-lift-kits.html

Those two kits above lift only the front (level). Though to some peoples points, MC calls it a level and lift? Which is it? Being that MC is known to be higher than advertised, this would probably leave your truck with a rearward squat. This would probably exceed 'level'.

This kit from Teraflex is more what I would consider a 'leveling lift' because it lifts both ends of the vehicle and gives you the necessary parts to make it level. It is lifted AND level. It includes a variety of front and rear spacers. Though, most lift kits out there would more or less be a 'leveling lift' because they all lift both ends, hopefully with the end result being a level appearance.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/teraflex-jeep-gladiator-250-inch-performance-spacer-lift-kit-1375200.html?utm_content=XT Lift Kits - Lift Kits|Teraflex&T5_Var4=JG2634&utm_campaign=XTG+Gladiator+Vehicle+Medium+LTVTop&dialogtech=ppc&utm_source=google-pla&utm_medium=shopping&T5_Var2=shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwoIqhBhAGEiwArXT7KwCLUv4JfKyRciQhrGHlJekPfxM0XhtiCEA_4urcHfSELSM6-uz1AhoCW8QQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

In the end, there is much variation in stock Jeeps due to the weight of OEM options, and then much variation as to what any given lift kit is intended for (weight carrying, high speed bumpy performance, etc.) that it will always be a small challenge to find what works best for an individual.

 

[ChrisNLA]

That is part of the problem. These companies aren't very descriptive in how high the lift actually lifts the truck and if it levels the truck also. So if it is a 2.5" lift plus level, it it lifting the back 2.5" and front 4"?

A lift plus level would be the reverse of that. You'd have say, 2.5" up front and a half inch in the back like the Teraflex lift in my previous post.

Lift plus level really shouldn't be a descriptor. Its generally understood that a lift kit will leave a vehicle more or less level unless you are spec'ing out something specific for weight carrying, then you could end up with the rear end high. Old Man Emu I think offers such options.

Companies aren't super descriptive because there are too many variables. Metalcloak for example is known to run high. My 2.5" MC lift on my JK was more like 3.5". They build in a safety factor for heavy rigs because they figure if you are buying a premium kit like MC, you are probably running heavy bumpers, skid plates, carrying a lot of gear, etc.

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