Same old, same old ---> lift kits

[Hipee]

Okay, so it's the same old question....which lift kit to buy. Well, for me I have narrowed it down to two kits.

1. Rubicon Express 3.5" Super Flex
2. Skyjacker 2.5" Value Flex

I've talked to people who have the RE lift and they seem very happy. I don't know of/or have talked to anyone with the above listed Skyjacker lift. Anyone here have it or know anyone who has it?

The price of the lift kits are within $40 of each other. The only price difference is in the additional components needed (or strongly recommended) between them, such as a stronger rear axle to run 33" tires to go with the RE 3.5" lift vs stock rear axle running 31" tires with the Skyjacker 2.5" lift.

Not to mention wider, aftermarket fender flares (i.e. Bushwacker 6") to cover the 33" tires so I don't get a ticket everytime I drive it.

Also, one last question, I see the Skyjacker 2.5" kit comes with a transfer case lowering kit, but is it really necessary at only 2.5" of lift? I don't want to ever use a transfer case lowering kit on any lift kit....but I don't have the money for a SYE kit and CV driveshaft either.

Any and all opinions and suggestions are welcome.

Thanks.

[Tomster]

There's no guarantee, but the odds are decent that you would NOT need the T-case drop for only 2" of lift. I run a 2" Procomp lift and do not need a T-case drop.

I would definitely hold off and see if you have vibes before adding the T-case drop, assuming you go with the 2.5" lift. If you go with the 3.5" lift, you would almost certainly need the T-case drop.

Tom

[Landon]

I have a Skyjacker 2" lift installed on my Jeep, and I concur with Tom's statements above. I have not experienced any vibes, and I have not dropped my t-case. Furthermore, I have a 1" body lift kit installed also, which allows me to run 33" mud tires with plenty of clearance. Hope this helps you buddy.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[kevin]

hippee

With the t-case drop you just need to use trial and error. When i instailed my 4 inch lift i had masive vibes. I dropped the t-case and it fixed most of the libes. The kit i got (superlift 4 inch) also inclused engine spacers that are ,1/4 of an inch, that raise the engine to help fix vibes but i didnt need it. Just try things out if you get a little vibes uses a 1/4 of an inch engine spacer, or a full engine lift, or t-case drop. all of these are relitivly inexpences expetialy compaired to a sye and cv drive shaft.

kbo

[Paul E]

At what speeds will somebody generally start getting vibes from a suspension lift? 20mph? 30? 60? Or is it one of those things that is unique to jeeps?

When I install my OME, I'm hoping I won't need to drop the tcase, but with it being 2.5 to 3" when said and done, I have to wonder. Being that I'm running a D35 in the back, I'm hoping that it won't be an issue too.

[Don]

When I installed my RE 3.5 lift, I installed the T-case lowering kit (included with lift kit). I then switched to 33 inch tires. I _WAS_ only having very minor vibes at approximately 35 mph. The vibes were so minor, I wasn't going worry about them. No vibes at slower speeds, no vibes at higher speed just in that 35 to 40 mph range. However, I pulled someone out of a mud pit (at Haspin) and have had vibes ever since. Part of the problem was the u-joints in the axle shafts were ready to fall apart from old age and lots of W & T. After replacing them, the vibes are much better. However, I suspect that my current vibes are from bad u-joints on the rear driveshaft. They are probably originals, which means they have 140,000 plus miles of driving on them. Not good....... Again, none of this has a hill of beans to do with the lift kit. I say go for the RE lift. You will love it and the second generation quick disconnects that are included with the kit. BTW, I also run
the D35 with 3:07 gears (open diff). No SYE.

[DavidC]

I had vibes at 30-40 mph and then at 55mph+ with just a 2" lift and the Dana 35 rear. When I swapped in a D44, I also installed a SYE and a CV drive shaft. The Jeep rides very smooth now at all speeds. It even feels like it rides smoother than stock...

If anyone is interested I have a skyjacker 2" t-case drop kit new in box that I could send them. Just PM me.

David

[Hipee]

Cool...thanks everyone for the info. I don't think with the 2.5" I'd need a t-case drop kit, but thought I'd ask. I'm having a REAL hard time deciding between the two lifts so I'm making pros & cons and add-ons that would be needed to do it right play a big part of the list.

Thanks again.