Suspension Package VS Frankenstein build

[wvuviv30]

I'm looking at replacing my 2"/1" Spacer lift/Rubicon take-off coils & Fox shocks on my Overland with a different setup. I am still looking at the 2-2.5" lift, but mainly looking at new replacing all 4 coils (slightly stiffer rear coils to help with towing).

So is it better to buy a pre-built package that contains: coils, shocks, front track bar, and front lower control arms, sway bar links...

Or buy everything separate from various companies? for example: shocks & coils from Icon, Teraflex front lower control arms, Synergy track bars...

Sponsored

 

[jc1986]

I went the frankenlift route. It really depends on if the coil shock combo was developed to compliment each other and if they are tuned properly. It also depends on what your goals are. For a great everyday ride and exploring or a more advanced and extreme terrain adventurer. Aev would be my route for simplicity and know the parts work together. Clayton is a great kit, teraflex is great.

I went with:
Eibach 2” springs (which maintain factory rake and are stiffer to better weight carrying)
Bilstein 5100s
Synergy front track bar
Teraflex rear track bar relocator
Mopar lift extended sway bar end links
Mopar lift lca
Metalcloak bumpstops

it rides great on road and off. But it priced out to the same as the Aev kit, but I could piecemeal it together as things need to be upgraded basis on needs.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Based on what you’re looking for, I’d get a Clayton 2.5” kit and call it a day.

 

[RodRecket]

I went the frankenlift route. Partly because of budget, partly because of availability at the time of building it up, partly because I added items as I felt it was needed.

Ultimately I ended up with the following:

2" MOPAR lift
Fox ATS stabilizer
Stock control arms
AEV Geo Brackets
Teraflex front spacer (1")
Teraflex Draglink
Teraflex tie rod
Teraflex draglink
Teraflex front track bar
JKS swaybar discos
EVO rear trackbar
Teraflex rear track bar geo bracket

Overall it works very well and I am happy with the ride on and off road. If I were to do it all over again I'd probably save the money, be patient, and put it into one lift. I have found out the hard way not all parts play well together. Picking a brand and sticking to it pigeon holes you slightly but at least you know everything is meant to work together. The new synergy lift kits have my attention.

 

[22_Sarge_Sport]

I went the frankenlift route. Partly because of budget, partly because of availability at the time of building it up, partly because I added items as I felt it was needed.

Ultimately I ended up with the following:

2" MOPAR lift
Fox ATS stabilizer
Stock control arms
AEV Geo Brackets
Teraflex front spacer (1")
Teraflex Draglink
Teraflex tie rod
Teraflex draglink
Teraflex front track bar
JKS swaybar discos
EVO rear trackbar
Teraflex rear track bar geo bracket

Overall it works very well and I am happy with the ride on and off road. If I were to do it all over again I'd probably save the money, be patient, and put it into one lift. I have found out the hard way not all parts play well together. Picking a brand and sticking to it pigeon holes you slightly but at least you know everything is meant to work together. The new synergy lift kits have my attention.

When you say "stock control arms" do you mean you did not install the LCAs that came with the lift, and used the AEV brackets instead on the LCAs? Or just that you left the rest of the control arms stock? Also, were the draglink and tie rod upgrades just for beefiness, or do you figure they improved the lift overall?

 

[RodRecket]

When you say "stock control arms" do you mean you did not install the LCAs that came with the lift, and sued the AEV brackets instead on the LCAs? Or just that you left the rest of the control arms stock? Also, were the draglink and tie rod upgrades just for beefiness, or do you figure they improved the lift overall?

I used the stock, non Mopar lift LCAs, with the AEV geo brackets. The mopar (extended) LCAs combined with the AEV geo brackets provided too much caster.

I noticed some play in my tie rod and just decided to upgrade both at once and be done with it it.

FYI I am running the Toyo ATIII 35/11.5/17 and AEV saltas. Planning on high clearance fenders and 37 KO2s next. Going the BFG route because I know they work well and they typically run small ( I purposely want a small 37), but I am very happy with the Toyos.

Sponsored