Lift Estimate

[wildrussian]

Alright boys,

so I decided to get me a lift in a near future and was looking at Rustys 2.5 incher. I was going to do it all myself when I eventually bought it unless I find a good deal for somebody else to do it.
So I email one of the offroad shops to find out what kind of prices they charge. The guy was really nice and sent me a few quotes. here is the email that he sent me with his quotes:

This is a suspension lift. I priced you the Rusty's 2.5" kit. We can use
whatever components you like, I just priced it as the entry level system,
upgrades or a different manufacturer may add to the cost. For example,
for an additional $60, we can add Rusty's rear hydro shocks. Also,
Skyjacker makes a nice replacement coilover assembly for the front if
you'd rather go that route. Note: The Rusty's entry level kit is
metal/poly spring spacers and no replacement spring is included.

i also attached the quotes. what do you guys think are my best options here?

 

[Marlon_JB2]

I'd stay away from the Rusty's Spacer Lift. They put a spacer on top of the strut. From what I hear, this is the KJ's worst enemy. Go for an inside-the-strut spacer or full springs. As far as Skyjacker... nobody really runs that lift and there has to be a reason why.

 

[Prospect62]

If you get the Rusty's el-cheapo spacer lift, do this mod (or have the shop do it) and cross your fingers...

http://www.lostkjs.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5379

One of the reasons that the Rusty's el-cheapo spacer lift is so "bad" is because when used off road, the design of the lift allows (forces) the front struts to fully compress time and time again, which kills the stuts and causes you headaches. If you install the above mod, the bumpstop keeps the strut from fully compressing, thereby keeping the strut alive. Doing it this way doesn't help your wheel travel and therefore kind of defeats the purpose of the lift in one way. If your lift is for cosmetic purposes only, you *may* be ok doing it this way. Also, this type of lift *may* cause your upper A-arm to contact the spring, thusly damaging your upper balljoint and making fun noises.

All things to keep in mind. Many people recommend the Rusty's full spring lift, which elimiates the above mentioned problems. See how much the shop will charge to put that one in. Should be more in the ballpark of the Skyjacker quote.

 

[wildrussian]

I didn't ask him for that spacer lift, he just gave me a few quotes, i guess the cheap quote and expensive quote.

 

[Prospect62]

I see. Well you should pick the lift you want based on an educated decision, not let the shop's labor rates determine or influence which one you get. But I guess it gives you a good ballpark idea of what it'll cost. Good luck either way!

 

[desertkj]

From what I have heard, the main issues with the Skyjacker kit actually stem from the shocks that are provided with the kit, not the rest of the kit. However, a warning from me, don't expect the KJ to be a vehicle that you can just lift and forget about it like most trucks. There are going to be definite issues with just about any kit and you may very well likely end up with part failures and needing to upgrade. This is why my Liberty is no longer lifted. However, if that is what you are expecting, I would recommend the Frankenlift, or the Rusty's Coil Lift from what I have heard.

 

[MoladoGuy]

Have the shop quote you on the Rustys Coil Lift. The installation prices look pretty reasonable if you don't have the garage or tools to do it on your own (or with other Jeepers).

Running into issues with your lift depends on what lift you get and if you plan to use it off-road a lot. Many of us here have ran into minor issues while others have ran into major issues. Good luck with your decision!!

 

[Maximum Carnage]

There are going to be definite issues with just about any kit and you may very well likely end up with part failures and needing to upgrade. This is why my Liberty is no longer lifted. However, if that is what you are expecting, I would recommend the Frankenlift, or the Rusty's Coil Lift from what I have heard.

One of the reasons I've thought of quitting on the Liberty and getting a four door 2007 Wrangler.

 

[JeepJeepster]

Lifting a liberty does NOT mean you need to replace other parts. MANY, I repeat, MANY people have lifted liberty with over 100kmiles with no problems.. Some lifts will actually cause problems, thats why you need to read around and do some research before you jump on something only to find out you do not like it..

That said, Ive had a lift for around 10k and Ive never had any problems..

 

[Marlon_JB2]

Um, I haven't had any problems?

 

[tommudd]

I dont have any problems either but then you get what you pay for. Go over to ROF or any Jeep site and you will find many people trying to do things on the cheap and then coming back saying Oh my jeep is a piece of crap when if they bought good quality lifts in the first place there would not be problems. Of course anytime you change a vehicle you change how it will react, no matter Liberty or Wrangler. Get tired of these people complaining and belly aching of course no matter what they drive they will complain LOL!!! My names Tom and yes I said that