Rock Krawler 1.5" Spring Budget Build

[JeepLab]

When this all started, There was no 1.5" spring available for the our jeeps.

There is a sweet spot for this level spring for people who are trying to do certain things with their trucks, but are not trying to go nuts with them.

You can build a very cool jeep without spending a lot of money and in this thread we are going to show you how.

Here is a picture of Black Betty, who's mods are out of control and beside her is "Lola"

204

Lola is a Sport. Her owner has taken the first step by replacing her tires with the stock rubicon tires BFG KM 25575r17.

So she's starting to look a little meaner, next we are going to put her 1.5'' RK springs in.

[Frank The Tank]

1.5" Rock Krawler springs are hopefully going on this Sunday!

[Tommy Boy]

Looking forward to seeing it!

[JeepLab]

1.5" Rock Krawler springs are hopefully going on this Sunday!

Thats the goal. We need to figure out if our jack can lift the truck high enough to release the tension on the current springs, and then we can stick the new RK springs right in.

The current shocks should be ok for the time being.

[Frank The Tank]

Thats the goal. We need to figure out if our jack can lift the truck high enough to release the tension on the current springs, and then we can stick the new RK springs right in.

The current shocks should be ok for the time being.

Turns out the jack was enough, thanks to Pete for his wisdom and balls to do these springs.

[Frank The Tank]

309

Here is the before shot of Lola, pre-lift

[JeepLab]

So the plan with this build was to keep it on a budget.

The question was, what do we have that we can keep?

answer - flares, wheels, tires, shocks,

We wanted to keep from changing one thing, that forced us to change EVERYTHING. Enter the RK 1.5 springs.

By using these springs, we could keep the upper and lower control arms, trackbars, even the shocks dont NEED to be changed right away. It allows the budget to recover before making the next move.

The tires are the 255/75r17 Rubi Stock tires, so they are aggressive enough for now.

310

311

The first step was lifting the truck far enough to release the spring. We tried to avoid disconnecting as much as possible but in the end, Shock, swaybar link, all had to be disconnected to get the droop necessary to change the spring.

[JeepLab]

Here is a shot with the first spring in, but everything else disconnected

315

Really a pretty easy install and the results were very good for the investment.

[JeepLab]

Here is the "before" measurement

328

Here is the "after" measurement

327

It looks like we gained about 3 inches in the front, but this truck really has no extra weight on it, and a new spring will settle a little, It will probably end up being more like a little more than 2 inches before a steel front bumper.

[Tommy Boy]

Came out Great!

[JeepLab]

Here's the rear. No spring... then... spring

349

350

[JeepLab]

Here is a shot of the RK springs
351

Here is a shot of the RK spring next to the stock rear spring
352

[JeepLab]

Here is a shot us loosening our brake line so we can droop the rear far enough to get the coil in.

360

And us using the high lift to get the rear up high enough to place the spring. THIS IS NOT WHAT A HIGH LIFT JACK IS FOR. Do not get under a truck you jack up like this. Its a risky move. I become a safety officer when things are jacked up, having been under a truck with a jack that failed once. The only reason we did this was because we were not taking the tire off.

361

In retrospect. We should have used the standard jack with a secondary jack under the rear axle, and took the tire off, and lowered the axle to the ground with no wheel or tire.

It would have worked to release the tension on the spring.

[Pznivy]

is there a clear before and after coming? I love this low cog builds.

Once installed you need to twist it.

[JeepLab]

is there a clear before and after coming? I love this low cog builds.

Once installed you need to twist it.

Ask and ye shall receive....

Before
392

After
393

[JeepLab]

This change really did come out good.

The springs we took out had seen their day. The stock shocks work with the 1.5 springs, but are on the list of stuff to upgrade later. With this kind of build you really can take your time. You could drive this truck as it is forever. You dont NEED to change shocks or tires, or wheels, but later when you get the itch, or want to put a winch on, your springs can handle the weight.

[JeepLab]

Talked to the trucks owner, and the review was that the ride change was fantastic.

Now we have to wheel it.

[Pznivy]

Lets get this thing dirty and show us how it climbs. Does this suspension offer any off road benefit? Or is it just drivability and its weight holding capability?

I ask because you didn't change the control arms or shocks. So even with the harder springs, I don't think this truck as any more articulation.

Correct?

[JeepLab]

Lets get this thing dirty and show us how it climbs. Does this suspension offer any off road benefit? Or is it just drivability and its weight holding capability?

I ask because you didn't change the control arms or shocks. So even with the harder springs, I don't think this truck as any more articulation.

Correct?

Longer shocks would allow for further droop. That will be the next step

[Frank The Tank]

I agree time to get Lola dirty

[Yoinkers]

If we cut those flares.... Could we fit 37s in and still wheel?

Im lift shopping...

[JeepLab]

If we cut those flares.... Could we fit 37s in and still wheel?

Im lift shopping...

No, you are not getting 37s into the 1.5" lift. There is just not enough room for that size tire to articulate. Could you drive on the road like that? Sure...

You could also put 22s on your jeep. Same issues.

[Yoinkers]

So max size with these 1.5s is 35?

I think it will look good, but im terrified that I will want to go bigger later.... You guys make it seem like 37s are the standard.

[Rexx19]

So max size with these 1.5s is 35?

I think it will look good, but im terrified that I will want to go bigger later.... You guys make it seem like 37s are the standard.

Yoinkers you need to get on the trail in some friends lifted jeeps. I know thats not easy, as other guys may not give their keys to a rookie offroad, but ask.

You need to get a taste of what lifts feel like, then you will be better suited to pick one.

[ljvsnyder]

What shocks do you intend to install on this budget build? I am looking at a similar type of build using the 1.5" coils. I am looking at Rancho RS9000XL shocks, but not sure which length to get.

[JeepLab]

FIRST POST!

Welcome to JeepLab!

I shot a message to Jeremy from rock krawler about his shock suggestions as far as size.

A factor people don't realize is the flares. You want less down travel if you have flat flares, (more up travel), and you want more down travel if you have stock flares.

Whats your flare situation?

[ljvsnyder]

stock flares for now, but intend to get flat flares down the road. I am running 285/75-16 falken rocky mountain atsII. Did adding the springs throw the front and rear axles off any? Trying to figure out if I should go ahead and get adjustable track bars or not.

[JeepLab]

stock flares for now, but intend to get flat flares down the road. I am running 285/75-16 falken rocky mountain atsII. Did adding the springs throw the front and rear axles off any? Trying to figure out if I should go ahead and get adjustable track bars or not.

Our budget build has the stock track bar.

I don't think it needs to be changed. Alignment is always a good idea after you lift.

[JeepLab]

Im still working on the correct shock size, I got conflicting responses today. Hang in.

[ljvsnyder]

any word on the correct shock sizes?

[JeepLab]

any word on the correct shock sizes?

I think we are looking at a 10 inch. But hang on, Im trying to sift thru the information, as you might want to go with a longer shock because you have stock flares.

To max out down travel.

In that case it would be an 11 inch. Sit tight for a few more hours.

[JeepLab]

Here's the answer.

Bilsteins.

5100s
1.5 to 3" lift

24-146708 fronts
24-146715 rears

[ljvsnyder]

Thanks, I hope RK changes their website. They did have the 1.5 and 2.5 using the same shocks. Looking at those travel specifications I don't think the Rancho RS9000XL's have enough travel.

[ljvsnyder]

ordering the springs with shocks on Friday. How has the ride been with the stock shocks? Any noticeable difference?

[JeepLab]

ordering the springs with shocks on Friday. How has the ride been with the stock shocks? Any noticeable difference?

Lola, belongs to Frank The Tank, and he got married last friday and is in the Caribbean.

I can tell you, as Ive driven it a few times, how you like it will depend on the weight of your mod, If you have steel bumpers, and go from stock springs to RK you will LOVE it.

Its going to be a little taller than before, and its good with the regular shocks, but you have to realize Lola, was a 09 Sport. Her shocks aren't great to start with and she drives pretty good.

Should new shocks be on frank's list? Yes. If it was a 12 Rubi would he need to make a move? Prob not.

The noticeable difference in Lola's case is that the truck stands up now, huge improvement from where she was coming from.

[ljvsnyder]

Thanks, hope Frank and his bride are having a good time. I have a rear steel bumper, but waiting on Smittybilt to get their SRC generation 2 front bumper in stores, I don't want to lose my fog lights. That will be my next purchase after the springs and shocks.

[Pznivy]

Thanks, hope Frank and his bride are having a good time. I have a rear steel bumper, but waiting on Smittybilt to get their SRC generation 2 front bumper in stores, I don't want to lose my fog lights. That will be my next purchase after the springs and shocks.


LCAs! Have I said it too much? LCA! LCA!

[Frank The Tank]

I am back from Antigua!!!

And regretting it every second haha

As Ross said it is different and took me a while to get used to being taller. First move now will be to get some new shocks pronto!

Will keep you updated

[ljvsnyder]

Glad you had a good time. So the height is actually noticeable? I order my springs and shocks last week just waiting on them to be delivered. Shocks will be here today and springs are being drop shipped from RK and haven't gone out yet. Hopefully this week.

[HavD55]

Hey First time poster here!

I first want to say thank you so much for your work. I have been scouring the internet for this kind of review.

If you don't mind i have a few questions regarding the RK 1.5" coils. First, a little back story. I have a 2013 jku that I'm looking to put a small lift on. nothing more that 2" really (my GF has a hard enough time getting in it as it is):p Anyways, I do not plan on ever really going bigger than just a small coil lift just enough to fit 33's in and i dont really plan on getting a heavy bumper. I plan on upsizing to 33s once my stock tires wear out at which time i plan on upgrading to a 4.5" back spaced rim.

I guess my main question is I have been looking at the Teraflex Performance leveling kit (coils). I am not in anyway interested in spacer lifts. But after seeing the RK 1.5" coils I'm really interested in the triple layer springs. The teraflex coil level kit is ~400$ it includes 4 springs and 2 extended sway bars. And i priced the RK coils and they are $149 per axle. so ~300$ than I can buy extended sway bars. How do they compare? Is it worth it? i know one is a level kit but they seem reasonable comparable.

You said you don't need to upgrade shocks or really anything else for just the 1.5" rk coils and Teraflex reps say you don't need to change shocks or anything else. But non the less I have Take-off 10A rubicon shocks i picked up with 149 miles on them so you did say the rubi shocks were better with the rk coils over sport shocks.

which would you recommend and if i go with the RK 1.5 coils would you suggest extended sway bars like the teraflex kit comes with or no?

Im sorry if i highjacked the thread. im a newb looking for some info. anything helps!

Thanks again!

[JeepLab]

I have no experience with the Teraflex kit.

The RK kit is ment to be a lift kit, not a leveling kit.

If you want to use the rubi shocks, they should work with either. Its going to come down to how tall you truly want to go.

For me, the deciding factor would be that the RK kit allows 35s with cut flares. You will want 35s later... It just happens. And cut flares look great...

[HavD55]

I have no experience with the Teraflex kit.

The RK kit is ment to be a lift kit, not a leveling kit.

If you want to use the rubi shocks, they should work with either. Its going to come down to how tall you truly want to go.

For me, the deciding factor would be that the RK kit allows 35s with cut flares. You will want 35s later... It just happens. And cut flares look great...

what is really the difference between a lift and leveling kit? because the level kit says it still jacks the back up about an inch.

[JeepLab]

what is really the difference between a lift and leveling kit? because the level kit says it still jacks the back up about an inch.

The RK will be taller. You will get 2 inches in the front, and 1 inch in the back, (over rubicon height)

If your truck is not a rubi, you will get more lift from where you are....

Leveling - keeps same basic height, and brings up the nose. "level" but not look stupid with your stock tires. The inch will not be a drastic change

Lift- This is to fit larger tires. Will level, and lift, and still look ok with Rubi tires, at a minimum. More noticable change.

[HavD55]

Hey thanks a lot a lot of info to take in.. But I'll probably wood up going the rk route. The tri rate springs just seem so badass. Now I'll have to wait until my stock jku ugly tire wear lol so I can replace them

[ljvsnyder]

buy the new tires and sell the stockers. I got my 33's for $544 for a set of 4 then sold the stockers and bought my matching spare.

[JeepLab]

buy the new tires and sell the stockers. I got my 33's for $544 for a set of 4 then sold the stockers and bought my matching spare.

Good Advice. It takes a LONG time to wear out tires. who can wait for that?... Craigslist

[HavD55]

I plan to upgrade soon. But the stock rims will rub with bigger wider tires so I plan on upgrading the rims with a 4.5 vs but that's gonna hurt the wallet

[ljvsnyder]

With my 285/75-16 Rocky Mountain ATS II's I only have a very minor rub at full lock to the left on my sway bar. Hopefully in a week or two I can post a pic of how they look with the 1.5" coils.

[ljvsnyder]

Finally got my RK 1.5" triple rate coils installed with Rancho RS9000XL shocks. I played around with the shock settings and have found 3 in front and 2 in the rear seems to be a good balance for my current setup. Overall ride is improved with large bumps on the highway being soaked up easily. I choose to go with just the coils and shocks for now to save a little money. The geometry is all within factory specification, at least according to the dealer that did the install and alignment, had to turn it over as I am currently suffering from a messed up knee. For a budget minded setup it is a great way to go. Plus with the Rancho $100 rebate it came in below my budget. Now for what everyone wants Pics.

The before
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140430_124912_zpscb88edd5.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140430_124912_zpscb88edd5.jpg.html)

After
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121119_RichtoneHDR_zpsy9gup03c.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121119_RichtoneHDR_zpsy9gup03c.jpg.html)
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121127_RichtoneHDR_zpsz6ihbgbt.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121127_RichtoneHDR_zpsz6ihbgbt.jpg.html)
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121141_RichtoneHDR_zpsg0oebp97.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121141_RichtoneHDR_zpsg0oebp97.jpg.html)
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121540_zpsw4ofald5.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121540_zpsw4ofald5.jpg.html)
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121248_RichtoneHDR_zps0y7x1q9l.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121248_RichtoneHDR_zps0y7x1q9l.jpg.html)
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121211_RichtoneHDR_zpski9xtaoo.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121211_RichtoneHDR_zpski9xtaoo.jpg.html)
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121150_RichtoneHDR_zpsmglb0rrd.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121150_RichtoneHDR_zpsmglb0rrd.jpg.html)

[JeepLab]

Looks great!

What's next? Chop the flares and go to 37s?

[ljvsnyder]

Probably, just a front bumper and winch for now. I don't see me going to 37's with this setup, but maybe 35's after this set wears out, and a set of flat tube fenders. I must say after dialing in the shocks for highway driving I am loving this setup.

[ljvsnyder]

Well others have asked elsewhere and while this may duplicate some information across the different forums I figured someone might ask about measurements.

Ok, got some measurements from as level of ground as I could find.

Front

Driver side center of hub to bottom of fender 23 1/4". Ground to bottom of fender 38"

Passenger side center of hub to bottom of fender 22 1/2". Ground to bottom of fender 37 1/2".

Rear

Driver side center of hub to bottom of fender 22 1/2". Ground to bottom of fender 37 1/2".

Passenger side center of hub to bottom of fender 22 1/2". Ground to bottom of fender 37 3/4".

Not certain what caused the difference with the front of 3/4", but the rear appeared to be a change in the pavement surface for a curb, but my tape measure wasn't touching the curb on the front just at the rear tire. I hope that helps. I am going to measure a co-workers jeep that is a stock sport JKU with sport S tire and wheels. He had 18/59 springs as opposed to my stock 16/58. Prior to the install of the RK coils and with my 285/75-16's from the ground to the lower part of the front fender his was 1 1/2" taller than mine. I am going to try and get a picture side by side.

[ljvsnyder]

Changed my front shock setting to 2 and it made street driving very plush with good control.

[chetsnuts]

Finally got my RK 1.5" triple rate coils installed with Rancho RS9000XL shocks....

May I ask what size Rancho shocks you ended up choosing? 29 & 30?

My springs are on the way and I want to order the shocks before the rebate ends at the end of June, but I can't find a clear winner for the best size. It seems like some choose smaller than the 29/30 combo.

Thanks!

[ljvsnyder]

You are correct 29/30 is what I am running. I am running a 1 inch bump stop extension up front.

[chetsnuts]

Thanks, that's what I was hoping.

[RulerZigzag]

[QUOTE=ljvsnyder;1843]Finally got my RK 1.5" triple rate coils installed with Rancho RS9000XL shocks. I played around with the shock settings and have found 3 in front and 2 in the rear seems to be a good balance for my current setup. Overall ride is improved with large bumps on the highway being soaked up easily. I choose to go with just the coils and shocks for now to save a little money. The geometry is all within factory specification, at least according to the dealer that did the install and alignment, had to turn it over as I am currently suffering from a messed up knee. For a budget minded setup it is a great way to go. Plus with the Rancho $100 rebate it came in below my budget. Now for what everyone wants Pics.

After
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121119_RichtoneHDR_zpsy9gup03c.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121119_RichtoneHDR_zpsy9gup03c.jpg.html)


i just got a set of these springs and Bilstein 5100s. what else did you need for the instal? longer brake lines? longer sway bar discos?

[JeepLab]

[QUOTE=ljvsnyder;1843]Finally got my RK 1.5" triple rate coils installed with Rancho RS9000XL shocks. I played around with the shock settings and have found 3 in front and 2 in the rear seems to be a good balance for my current setup. Overall ride is improved with large bumps on the highway being soaked up easily. I choose to go with just the coils and shocks for now to save a little money. The geometry is all within factory specification, at least according to the dealer that did the install and alignment, had to turn it over as I am currently suffering from a messed up knee. For a budget minded setup it is a great way to go. Plus with the Rancho $100 rebate it came in below my budget. Now for what everyone wants Pics.

After
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q546/ljvsnyder/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121119_RichtoneHDR_zpsy9gup03c.jpg (http://s1163.photobucket.com/user/ljvsnyder/media/Jeep%20Wrangler/20140610_121119_RichtoneHDR_zpsy9gup03c.jpg.html)


i just got a set of these springs and Bilstein 5100s. what else did you need for the instal? longer brake lines? longer sway bar discos?

We didnt change the brake lines, And we didnt change the disconnects.

I would change the disconnects however. Make sure they are quick release.

[ljvsnyder]

Rulerzigzag nothing other than the springs and shocks. I am debating between a torsion sway bar and regular disconnects, but since I am not really pushing her right now the stock sway bar links are fine and still within acceptable specification, according to my Jeep dealer. I do plan on building up to a full flex system in the future with larger tires and flat fenders. It is true what they say that once you are bitten by the mod bug you cannot stop. On another note I was parked next to a JKU while on vacation running a budget 3" system and 35's. I sat nearly as high, with maybe an 1 inch difference in overall height.

[WhiteRavenRR]

Your lift will settle in over time. It also makes a difference with any aftermarket armor that may be added. That will bring any lift down to it's advertised height.

[ljvsnyder]

No settling as of yet that I can tell, the rear has a smittybilt src bumper and full size spare. I have about 4000 miles on the lift now, with 2200 or so miles with her loaded down with the full family (4 ladies and myself) and their accompanying luggage. Wish I would have measured the lift with everything in it, but didn't think about it. I will say on the long trip it handled well. Part of the trip was going through the Great Smokey Mountains. I drove this pre lift and tires earlier in the year, and can say there was noticeable performance difference. She tended to want to run in 4th gear going up hill a lot more than she did without the lift and tires. The corners were a breeze, without any extra body roll. I will try to remeasure at the same location I did before to let you all know if there has been any settling of the springs.

[RulerZigzag]

Rulerzigzag nothing other than the springs and shocks. I am debating between a torsion sway bar and regular disconnects, but since I am not really pushing her right now the stock sway bar links are fine and still within acceptable specification, according to my Jeep dealer. I do plan on building up to a full flex system in the future with larger tires and flat fenders. It is true what they say that once you are bitten by the mod bug you cannot stop. On another note I was parked next to a JKU while on vacation running a budget 3" system and 35's. I sat nearly as high, with maybe an 1 inch difference in overall height.


thanks for the info. i found some spings with low mileage for $200. Rivercityoffroad has a pretty good deal on any of there kits with Bilstein 5100s as well. cant make a decision on which route to go since i do plan on going bigger down the round

[ljvsnyder]

grab the used ones if you think you might want to go bigger down the road. Part of me wishes I had gone bigger. Maybe in the future when the girls are a little taller. Test drove a 2014 JKU with the Mopar stage 3 lift kit and it felt really nice. But I don't think my little girls could get in without me picking them up.

[RulerZigzag]

I'm in the same boat. I have a 6 month old and occasionally my wife drives the jeep. Add in the cost of regearing for 35s and it's just not in the cards right now

[RulerZigzag]

The good thing about the RK kit though is it uses the same control arms up to a 3.5 lift. All you have to do is trade out the springs.

[ljvsnyder]

The good thing about the RK kit though is it uses the same control arms up to a 3.5 lift. All you have to do is trade out the springs.

This was one of the main reason I went with RK.

[DallasJKU]

I'm thinking of this lift. I currently am running stock Rubicon suspension with MCE flares. I only want 2" of lift. I run an extremely light Jeep with no winch. I want to stay as close to stock geometry as possible and have floated the idea of just an AEV spacer lift. I don't do any rocks. I ran an AEV 2.5" on my last Jeep with same 315 DT's and MCE's. Gap was ok but made the DT's look a little small and the suspension was stiffer than I want. How stiff are these 1.5" coils. I rode in a RK 3.5" that I felt was too stiff.

1469

[ljvsnyder]

In my opinion they are very soft. I am running rancho rs9000xl shocks which are adjustable and allow me to fine tune the ride.

[DallasJKU]

I just need to decide what version I should go with. I don't want much more than a couple inches. I was also looking at the OME 2" lift since they have different spring rates for coils.

[Pznivy]

I'm thinking of this lift. I currently am running stock Rubicon suspension with MCE flares. I only want 2" of lift. I run an extremely light Jeep with no winch. I want to stay as close to stock geometry as possible and have floated the idea of just an AEV spacer lift. I don't do any rocks. I ran an AEV 2.5" on my last Jeep with same 315 DT's and MCE's. Gap was ok but made the DT's look a little small and the suspension was stiffer than I want. How stiff are these 1.5" coils. I rode in a RK 3.5" that I felt was too stiff.

1469

The RK springs are stiff. They are made to handle the weight of a winch and steel components. So with nothing on them, they will feel stiff.

That way, if you want a winch in a year, they won't turn to mush under the weight.

If you want to stay as close to stock as possible, and no wheeling in mind, id say do the spacer and keep all the stock stuff in there. Its a cheap route too, so if you hate it, you spent $300. and you will know. Rather then spending more changing everything, Springs, shocks, and THEN finding out that you hate it.

Thats the route id suggest.

[JeepLab]

The RK springs are stiff. They are made to handle the weight of a winch and steel components. So with nothing on them, they will feel stiff.

That way, if you want a winch in a year, they won't turn to mush under the weight.

If you want to stay as close to stock as possible, and no wheeling in mind, id say do the spacer and keep all the stock stuff in there. Its a cheap route too, so if you hate it, you spent $300. and you will know. Rather then spending more changing everything, Springs, shocks, and THEN finding out that you hate it.

Thats the route id suggest.

X2^^ That jeep looks like JL's Tonka. All you need is 40s LOL.

[DallasJKU]

I like the compliance of the stock suspension. I had an AEV 2.5" on my last Sport and was impressed with the handling, but some times felt it was way too stiff. I will never run a winch. I just don't do that type of wheeling. The Rubicon is way more than I needed, but its so much better than my Sport was in every way.

[ljvsnyder]

I guess i should qualify my reference that the springs are soft, compared to the lift in my prevuous 3/4 ton truck. I expected the ride to be rougher but really didn't notice the ride being rough. My coworker has a terraflex 1.5 performance lift and waiting for him to get it installed so we can compare the ride.

[DallasJKU]

I guess i should qualify my reference that the springs are soft, compared to the lift in my prevuous 3/4 ton truck. I expected the ride to be rougher but really didn't notice the ride being rough. My coworker has a terraflex 1.5 performance lift and waiting for him to get it installed so we can compare the ride.

I would love to hear feedback on the TF performance kit.

[DallasJKU]

I went ahead and ordered the TF leveling springs. I was told after I purchased them that my Rubicon with 17/59 combo wouldn't see any lift from it. I should get them installed this week so we will find out how much lift I get.

[DallasJKU]

Here it sits with the TF Leveling Springs. I'm very happy with how it looks and it drives slightly stiffer than stock, but in a good way.

Before:

1516

After:

1517

[Timmy]

Here it sits with the TF Leveling Springs. I'm very happy with how it looks and it drives slightly stiffer than stock, but in a good way.

Woot Woot! Love it! Love the beefy look of the tires!

[DallasJKU]

Here is another before and after. I really like how level it is and I could actually probably run a small 37" now as well.

Before:
1518

After:
1519

[ljvsnyder]

Looks great, which LOD bumper is that? I am trying to figure out what bumper to go with.

[DallasJKU]

Looks great, which LOD bumper is that? I am trying to figure out what bumper to go with.

Its the LoD Armor Lite Shorty. The whole thing weighs almost exactly the same as the stock bumper which is what I wanted . I had a PS Brawler Lite on my Sport and I always hated how far it stuck out from the grill. The LoD is so much better and looks awesome IMO.

[ljvsnyder]

Thank you, did you have to relocate the vacuum pump when you installed it?

[JeepLab]

Thank you, did you have to relocate the vacuum pump when you installed it?

We put one of the LOD armor Lites on Jesse's Girl.

Where is Jesse? He knows weather or not we moved the pump.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTT7cCbOOnM

[DallasJKU]

I did not move the pump.

[ljvsnyder]

Thanks DallasJKU

[DavinTed]

I realize I'm a year late, but I'm on the fence about purchasing the RK 1.5 for my 2015 JKU Rubicon. I've been places that, all I have needed to feel more comfortable was one fricking inch. I really wish you would have taken before and after pictures in the same place. It's difficult for me to see the difference with the picture quality and angles.

[JeepLab]

I realize I'm a year late, but I'm on the fence about purchasing the RK 1.5 for my 2015 JKU Rubicon. I've been places that, all I have needed to feel more comfortable was one fricking inch. I really wish you would have taken before and after pictures in the same place. It's difficult for me to see the difference with the picture quality and angles.

NEVER TOO LATE!

how big are your tires? Do you have the tow package springs already? Do you plan to run steel bumpers? Do you have a winch?

If you plan to add weight, (steel parts of any kind), then go to the RK 1.5 springs.

Tell us about your rig and drive style, we can help you better.