Lift kit education needed

1. Are these the only parts I need to order to get the 2.5" lift? I've seen people talk about bump stops/hockey pucks etc. What does that do? What else is needed/recommended?
2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of also replacing the upper control arms? what are their role in the suspension system? should I be thinking of getting also replacement UCAs for this install? Why?
3. I don't have the knowledge or equipment to do the installation myself - I've been getting quotes in the 350-550$ range for such installation. Legit? What should I be emphasizing to the potential installer? Any particular recommended installers in NorCal?
4. Installers asked me if "any modification" is required for the install, what should I tell them?
5. Is there a group of experts I can meet up with in NorCal to do "guided" installation and learn myself?
6. What will 2.5" of lift let me do? What does this extra clearance provide in terms of benefits over stock while off roading? What type of trails/obstacles I can take once its installed and couldn't before?
7. Should I expect different handling from the KJ after lift kit is installed? How can I confirm handling is right and alignment was done correctly?
8. A 2.5" doesn't sound like a lot of difference - Should I consider 4" lift instead? What are the advantages/disadvantages? I guess prices are much higher?

mindbomb said:

Hey KJ peeps,

I purchased a 4x4 sport 03' KJ with 45rfe ******, 115k miles never off roaded. Good condition except for some minor interior issues I'm gradually fixing. It's all stock (I got P235/70R16 tires, alloy wheels though) - I want to start off-roading for fun and learn the field gradually. Budget is quite limited.

According to recommendations I got here my path is:
- Lift kit (read on)
- A/T tires (thinking of: 245/75R16)
- some skids (oil can only for starters)
- Bull guard/Winch (need recommendations)

As for Lift kit the direction I was guided is:
OME 927/948 and stock replacement Bilstein shocks

My questions around lift kit are the following: (feel free to answer only some of them, I know it's a lot)

1. Are these the only parts I need to order to get the 2.5" lift? I've seen people talk about bump stops/hockey pucks etc. What does that do? What else is needed/recommended?
   YOU HAVE TO HAVE BUMPSTOPS TO PROTECT THE SHOCKS FROM COMPRESSING TOO FAR AND BLOWING THEM OUT
   
2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of also replacing the upper control arms? what are their role in the suspension system? should I be thinking of getting also replacement UCAs for this install? Why?
   WHY? ITS A GREAT UPGRADE AND MORE THAN LIKELY YOU ARE DUE FOR NEW ONES ANYWAYS, STOCK YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE ARM, WITH THE JBA'S YOU CAN REPLACE THE BALLJOINT ONLY, I INSTALLED THEM ON MY 2.5 INCH LIFT ON MY 03, HAVE BEEN RUNNING THEM ON MY 04 FOR OVER 100,000 MILES
3. I don't have the knowledge or equipment to do the installation myself - I've been getting quotes in the 350-550$ range for such installation. Legit? What should I be emphasizing to the potential installer? Any particular recommended installers in NorCal?
   BE VERY CAREFUL, MANY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN LIFTING A KJ AT ALL, THEY MAY HAVE DONE XJS ETC
4. Installers asked me if "any modification" is required for the install, what should I tell them?
   NO MODS REALLY BUT YOU DO HAVE TO DRILL HOLES IN THE REAR LOWER SPRING PERCH FOR THE BUMPSTOPS
5. Is there a group of experts I can meet up with in NorCal to do "guided" installation and learn myself?
   THERE IS A GREAT GROUP OF FOLKS IN YOUR AREA WITH THE LOSTJEEPS FORUM, CHECK THE CALI SECTION, ALSO HAVE ALLJS UP IN THAT AREA AS WELL, GREAT FOLKS AND CAN DO INSTALLS
6. What will 2.5" of lift let me do? What does this extra clearance provide in terms of benefits over stock while off roading? What type of trails/obstacles I can take once its installed and couldn't before?
   cHECK PICTURES BELOW FOR DIFFERENCES
7. Should I expect different handling from the KJ after lift kit is installed?
   WILL HANDLE 100 TIMES BETTER THAN STOCK, I THREW MY STOCK SUSPENSION AWAY AT 20,000 MILES DUE TO BEING SO BAD AND UPGRADED TO OME
   How can I confirm handling is right and alignment was done correctly? ASK FOR A PRINT OUT
8. A 2.5" doesn't sound like a lot of difference - Should I consider 4" lift instead? What are the advantages/disadvantages? I guess prices are much higher?

LOTS OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SAGGED STOCK AND EVEN TWO INCHES TO TWO.FIVE
Any info/answers are welcome, many thanks guys!

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mindbomb said:

Hey KJ peeps,

I purchased a 4x4 sport 03' KJ with 45rfe ******, 115k miles never off roaded. Good condition except for some minor interior issues I'm gradually fixing. It's all stock (I got P235/70R16 tires, alloy wheels though) - I want to start off-roading for fun and learn the field gradually. Budget is quite limited.

According to recommendations I got here my path is:
- Lift kit (read on)
- A/T tires (thinking of: 245/75R16)
- some skids (oil can only for starters)
- Bull guard/Winch (need recommendations)

As for Lift kit the direction I was guided is:
OME 927/948 and stock replacement Bilstein shocks

My questions around lift kit are the following: (feel free to answer only some of them, I know it's a lot)

1. Are these the only parts I need to order to get the 2.5" lift? I've seen people talk about bump stops/hockey pucks etc. What does that do? What else is needed/recommended?
   Teraflex bumpstops for the front, and two hockey pucks per side for the rear. Bumpstops stop the springs from stacking, which means compressing so far it is metal on metal, and is not good for the spring. That is all the parts you will need for a 2.5" lift. Probably. Some people have needed new a-arms with only the 2.5" lift but from what I have read, *most* people have not needed new a-arms to get a proper alignment with only a 2.5" lift
2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of also replacing the upper control arms? what are their role in the suspension system? should I be thinking of getting also replacement UCAs for this install? Why?
   JBA's replacement a-arms have a replaceable ball joint with a grease fitting on it. It helps improve the angle of the ball joint on a lifted KJ. And I believe they are recommended for any lifts higher than 2.5" to get a proper alignment
3. I don't have the knowledge or equipment to do the installation myself - I've been getting quotes in the 350-550$ range for such installation. Legit? What should I be emphasizing to the potential installer? Any particular recommended installers in NorCal?
4. Installers asked me if "any modification" is required for the install, what should I tell them?
   The two hockey pucks need to be bolted to the rear spring perch, fairly simple. And I have been told there is a small amount of grinding involved to install upgraded a-arms
5. Is there a group of experts I can meet up with in NorCal to do "guided" installation and learn myself?
6. What will 2.5" of lift let me do? What does this extra clearance provide in terms of benefits over stock while off roading? What type of trails/obstacles I can take once its installed and couldn't before?
   You will be able to drive over obstacles that are 2.5" taller than before. :shrug: You will also be able to fit an oversized tire. You are gaining a bit of ground clearance for sure. The new springs will also provide a stiffer ride. Those are both good things when off roading. Tires are important too though. If you want to do trails and things where there could be sharp rocks and things like that make sure youre getting a tire with a strong sidewall that is made for that kind of thing
7. Should I expect different handling from the KJ after lift kit is installed? How can I confirm handling is right and alignment was done correctly?
   The ride will be stiffer and I have not read any complaints about the way the KJ handles after installing a lift. I think most people call it an improvement. If she drives and stops straight then shes probably aligned correctly.
8. A 2.5" doesn't sound like a lot of difference - Should I consider 4" lift instead? What are the advantages/disadvantages? I guess prices are much higher?
   If you want a 4" lift just get the a-arms, top spacer plate and clevis spacer for the front, gives you about 3.5-3.75" of lift on the front. Then Just add 2 extra upper isolators per side on the rear springs. $30 for the top spacer $18 for the clevis spacer $50 for 4 extra isos. The a-arms are the expensive part of going for the extra lift, but they are a good upgrade over stock.

Any info/answers are welcome, many thanks guys!

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KJ604 said:

Answered what I could.

damnit tom

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