HELP Lift kit

[Bandit’s Lair]

Rock crawling in and around the SoCal area I’d say shoot for 2.5-3” and probably 38”. For extra flex/tire clearance look into highline fenders.

Reasoning: lots of off-camber on the way to rock gardens. Keeping it at a lower lift will help with stability. You’ve probably seen the rule already but to reiterate “Lift to fit bigger tires, Bigger tires for more clearance.” I’ve ridden in jeeps out here with higher lifts and it is NOT a good feeling when you get into those off camber climbs. That and all the cracks and crevices out in the desert can get sketchy on a lot of lift. The absolute highest I will be going is 3.5” on lift and, for me, that’s pushing it. I’m on 2” Mopar lift right now and can comfortably fit a 38x11.5 with Nemesis highline fenders with enough room to account for decent flex. I’ll shoot some pics tomorrow but currently on 37x12.5 and have loads of room for uptravel.

There are a good number of shops in the not too distant area that can help hone you in on a good setup for your needs. Furthest North of SD I’d say is Rebel Off-Road in Lake Forest. There is Raw Motorsports and Jeep Dr in Temecula. Shift Autowerx in Escondido. Those are just the few that I know of that will take on heavier projects and get into the weeds with you on various components.

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[Socket-Jockey]

I have a '25 Rubicon Gladiator.
I went with with the Metal Cloak 2.5" GC lift with the basic Red shocks.
I'm running Atturo 315/70/R17 Trail Blade AT tires.

This combination has worked VERY well. The tires provide a smooth ride where ever I go and plenty of traction when aired down. The MC lift provides plenty of lift for 35" tires, and is actually designed for the 37" tires, should you go that route.

I've run Moab Rim, Hells Revenge, Kane's Creek, Poison Spider, Golden Spike and Gold Bar Rim. This lift walked it all with no issues. It provides incredible flexibility, while ensuring your rig stays straight on the trails, and off the trails. The best part of this kit is the upper and lower control arms are adjustable so you can dial in your Caster angle, ensuring your don't get the Death Wobble. I've put almost 10k miles on my lift, all with no hint of Death Wobble.

One thing I will caution you on; The MC 2.5" lift flexes soo much, you REALLY should get a replacement front drive shaft, typically provided by Metal Cloak. I went this route, and I've had absolutely NO issues at all with the lift or Metal Cloak drive shaft. The one thing I really like about this kit is that it's already tested out, and a complete kit (aside from the front drive shaft).

Kane Creek coming up Hamburger Hill

Found another pic.
Coming down off Moab Rim

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I’m looking to build my Jeep primarily for rock crawling, not as a daily driver. That said, I still want it to drive and perform well on the road. I’m not planning on doing any extreme rock crawling, but if I end up in more challenging situations, I want the Jeep to be capable.


I’ve been looking at 2.5” to 3.5” lift kits and, depending on the lift, either 35” or 37” tires. If I go with 37s, I know I’ll need to re-gear, so I’m trying to figure out the best starting point.


What lift kit brands would you recommend, and are there any brands you would suggest staying away from?

Recommended:

Clayton
Currie/RockJock
Rock Krawler
Metalcloak

Not recommended:

Rough Country
Skyjacker

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