Lift/Tire Help

[robd1438]

Hi everyone, I've searched and learned a ton but really want some specific help. I just got a '21 Rubicon, traded in my '18 JLU MOAB (with 3" lift and 35's) as I needed to tow more (6k max weight of a travel trailer). Now that I feel like I'm super low, I'm planning on this build. I feel like 37's look better on the longer wheel base so leaning towards 37's on a 3-4" lift. I still want to be able to tow and I still want to fit in my garage. From measuring from the roof of the JT to the top of the garage, I have about 7.5" left of room. Here's the lifts I'm considering and ideally don't want to replace my front drive shaft but want all proper geometry correction and adjustable track bar. Thoughts on these, especially for those of you with JTR's and 37's and even maybe who tow? Thanks!

- Clayton 3.5" Ride Right+
- Teraflex Sport ST2 2.5" with Falcon Shocks
- ReadyLift Terrain Flex 4"
- Fabtech 3" Sport
- AEV DualSport RT 2.5"

Also plan on Falcon Steering Stabilizer also.

Thanks in advance!

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[Jeeperjamie]

You may want to read through a few threads. From what I've read and been told, going from 33's to 35" tires will cause you to lose about a 1,000lbs of towing capabilities, and with 37's around 1800lbs. As you go up in height it is affected as well but not sure anyone knows a true answer how much. I towed 5,000lbs of rock with my Max tow on 35's and 2.5 inches of lift by way of a 2.5" ReadyLift sst lift kit. It did fine but I'm not sure how far I'd want to tow it like that. It did great once I got up to speed but it did feel sluggish on take off. If I had to tow 6,000lbs I probably would stay away from 37's unless your planning to regear to 5.13 gears or put a hemi swap in it. Just my 2cents, my Max tow has 4.10 gears and 8 speed auto. Setup as pictured with Rubicon front springs and 2.5 inch ReadyLift sst lift kit and 315 70 17 BFG KO2s on stock wheels, for reference and I got the Rubicon Fox Shocks as well. Tow rating on it is 7650lbs.

When I towed the rock I didn't have the winch or front and rear bumpers installed. It was stock other than lift and tires.

 

[Clayton Off Road]

Hey Rob, I think I can help to answer most of your questions. To start, if you have a Rubicon model JT which it looks like you do, you would actually only need our 2.5" kit in order to fit 37" tires! As far as a new driveshaft, it really matters most what you plan on using the vehicle for. If you mainly plan on keeping the vehicle on road then you won't have any issues as the front driveshaft will never see any use. If you plan on doing a lot of offroading and flexing the truck out, you definitely will want to look into new driveshaft options as this is when the front driveshaft will really take a beating and wear out very quickly. The higher lift you go with the more this becomes necessary as well because the more you're able to flex your truck the more stress you'll be putting on that driveshaft. When it comes to towing, lift kits won't really affect towing capabilities themselves, especially a system like ours that keeps some of the factory rake, but it's more so the larger tires and the need for re-gearing that affects towing capabilities. The larger the size tire you go with the more power your vehicle technically loses, and while this isn't really super apparent or a problem for normal use, it may possibly be something you want to consider if you plan on doing a lot of towing. We always suggest at least looking into re-gearing and new brake options, even though it is not completely necessary it may be of more value to somebody who plans on doing a lot of towing. If you have any further questions please let me know or feel free to reach out via PM or phone!

 

[robd1438]

Hey Rob, I think I can help to answer most of your questions. To start, if you have a Rubicon model JT which it looks like you do, you would actually only need our 2.5" kit in order to fit 37" tires! As far as a new driveshaft, it really matters most what you plan on using the vehicle for. If you mainly plan on keeping the vehicle on road then you won't have any issues as the front driveshaft will never see any use. If you plan on doing a lot of offroading and flexing the truck out, you definitely will want to look into new driveshaft options as this is when the front driveshaft will really take a beating and wear out very quickly. The higher lift you go with the more this becomes necessary as well because the more you're able to flex your truck the more stress you'll be putting on that driveshaft. When it comes to towing, lift kits won't really affect towing capabilities themselves, especially a system like ours that keeps some of the factory rake, but it's more so the larger tires and the need for re-gearing that affects towing capabilities. The larger the size tire you go with the more power your vehicle technically loses, and while this isn't really super apparent or a problem for normal use, it may possibly be something you want to consider if you plan on doing a lot of towing. We always suggest at least looking into re-gearing and new brake options, even though it is not completely necessary it may be of more value to somebody who plans on doing a lot of towing. If you have any further questions please let me know or feel free to reach out via PM or phone!

Thanks James, appreciate the detailed help. I just ordered your 3.5 Ride Right+ kit for my JT from my shop and sticking with 35's for now so I don't have to regear to tow. I do some light to moderate off roading but nothing too crazy so hopefully i'll be good with the stock drive shaft but will upgrade down the road if needed. This way if I need to I can upgrade the Ride Right+ to the premium or overland too. Stoked I found a local shop who sells Clayton! Can't wait to see the finished product; just hope 35's don't look too small!

 

[Clayton Off Road]

Thanks James, appreciate the detailed help. I just ordered your 3.5 Ride Right+ kit for my JT from my shop and sticking with 35's for now so I don't have to regear to tow. I do some light to moderate off roading but nothing too crazy so hopefully i'll be good with the stock drive shaft but will upgrade down the road if needed. This way if I need to I can upgrade the Ride Right+ to the premium or overland too. Stoked I found a local shop who sells Clayton! Can't wait to see the finished product; just hope 35's don't look too small!

Awesome happy to hear! Let me know if you need anything else, and definitely send us some pictures when it's all finished

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