Archived Posts » 59,821,464
Lifting my Jeep, need help deciding.
6/13/2012 1:55:46 PM
Just bought 32 11.50s for my ZJ, and I am looking for a lift now... I have pretty much narrowed it down to two kits.
Things to know: the jeep has death wobble bad right now and I hope to eliminate that.
I have heard reviews on both and it seems this lift gets mixed reviews, but from what I can tell, its much like some of the noveske and KAC guys "too good for thou" attitude on here (sorry guys, you know who you are, Ill stick with my BCM
)
I have also debated on this kit from Iron Rock. Reviews seem to be a bit better..
I would like people to chime in who have had experience with either kit. I am not going to be doing some rough off roading, Ill hit the occasional trail and maybe some mud. (hence the lack of long arms)
Things to know: the jeep has death wobble bad right now and I hope to eliminate that.
I have heard reviews on both and it seems this lift gets mixed reviews, but from what I can tell, its much like some of the noveske and KAC guys "too good for thou" attitude on here (sorry guys, you know who you are, Ill stick with my BCM
)
I have also debated on this kit from Iron Rock. Reviews seem to be a bit better..
I would like people to chime in who have had experience with either kit. I am not going to be doing some rough off roading, Ill hit the occasional trail and maybe some mud. (hence the lack of long arms)
6/13/2012 4:15:25 PM
I would pinpoint and fix the cause of your death wobble first. Lifting it will only amplify the problem.
6/13/2012 4:25:34 PM
Originally Posted By arodgers:
I would pinpoint and fix the cause of your death wobble first. Lifting it will only amplify the problem.
I would pinpoint and fix the cause of your death wobble first. Lifting it will only amplify the problem.
Agreed 100%. worn trackbar bushings, ball joints, or perhaps worn control arm bushings. Or something's loose. You've got to figure it out first.
The RC kit includes new control arms. If the control arm bushings are clevite rubber, this is the kit I would buy.
Don't know much about the Iron Rock kit, but it doesn't appear to include CAs.
6/13/2012 4:47:50 PM
should have stated that I am replacing the trac bar and CAs.. Most likely all bushings....
6/13/2012 5:59:44 PM
Originally Posted By xachary82:
should have stated that I am replacing the trac bar and CAs.. Most likely all bushings....
should have stated that I am replacing the trac bar and CAs.. Most likely all bushings....
With 4" coils you'll need adjustable uppers too (pinion angle adjustment). Odds are you'll need a slip yoke eliminator for the transfer case too. You might be able to get by with the stock d-shaft.
I'd imagine both kits come with a t-case drop, which might eliminate driveline vibes. But that 1"+ drop also reduces your lift amount...t-case skid looks like a road grader.
Why not install a 3" or 3.25" lift, extend your bumpstops, and trim your fenderwells slightly (which may not be necessary with new bumpstops)? It'll save you money since the SYE and new driveshaft won't be needed.
Just a thought.
6/13/2012 6:07:41 PM
Me, My brother, buddy travis, my cousin, and one other buddy all have the IRO long arm kit. Its pretty decently engineered, priced well, beefy as all get out, flexes really well and is the only radius arm long arm kit that doesn't bind your suspension all up when it cycles.
My brothers co-worker bought the ruff country long arm kit used. Its a pile o shit. Steer clear.
ETA
ok I went back and actually read all of your post...
4.5" is not enough to really clear your tires on a Zj. My brother has those same tires on his and even with 5.5 he had to do quite a bit of bumper cutting to get it to cycle. other thing is don't get their "upgraded" nitro charged shocks. They are too stiff. Also their rear springs are really stiff and a bit on the too tall side unless you plan to load the crap out of your jeep with massive bumpers, racks and gear.
My brother ended up with the IRO 5.5" springs in the front and rubicon express 4.5" springs in the rear and it rides much better and sits pretty close to level as well.
My brothers co-worker bought the ruff country long arm kit used. Its a pile o shit. Steer clear.
ETA
ok I went back and actually read all of your post...
4.5" is not enough to really clear your tires on a Zj. My brother has those same tires on his and even with 5.5 he had to do quite a bit of bumper cutting to get it to cycle. other thing is don't get their "upgraded" nitro charged shocks. They are too stiff. Also their rear springs are really stiff and a bit on the too tall side unless you plan to load the crap out of your jeep with massive bumpers, racks and gear.
My brother ended up with the IRO 5.5" springs in the front and rubicon express 4.5" springs in the rear and it rides much better and sits pretty close to level as well.
