Opinions on a 4.5 lift, let's hear them!

I am looking at the RC 4.5, with leaf packs, and to reuse my track bar. Looking to get on 33x12.50 15 on 15x8 3.75's or 265/75 16 on my 16x8 Moabs.

I know there's a ton of options for a 4.5 kit, but my budget will allow for the RC. I would replace the shocks eventually.

Primarily looking for opinions on the 4.5, and how it will effect daily driver status (taking kids to school, weekends around town)

I want to go with the Milestar Patagonia M/T.

let's hear it!!

 

Don't waste money on RC. Grab some Rubicon Express 4.5" coils from Amazon, adjustable lower control arms, extended swaybar links and an adjustable track bar for the front. The rear you can get 4.5" leaf springs or go with 3.5 leaves and get extended shackles. Longer shocks will also be needed, and a transfer case drop may get you by without needing an SYE.

 

The track bar and SYE are definitely things I want to do, but I am trying to accomplish having it on the road, "efficiently" and swap out and or replace as needed.

I do wonder if I can piece a kit together for around the same price.

 

You need an Adjustable track bar for a 4.5" lift or you axle will be off center.

 

i would install a used Rubicon Express kit, before i would install a brand new RC kit.

RE has nice rebuildable super flex joints, much like a Johnny Joint. and their double shear trackbar is i think one of the best in the industry.

 

You know, 3" and 31 isn't out of the question.

I am on a 2" BB, I have lift envy right now. After pricing out some RE stuff, I am really wondering if I need to start a little smaller. You gotta pay to play, but I am looking to just get in the game at the moment.

and for the track bar, I've seen people move them over 3/4", is this a terrible idea, temporarily?

I have seen how capable my 01 is with no lift and street tires. I'm supposing that at minimum, 3 inch and 31 would be a night and day difference?



another q. How do you regard Rustys? They are local to me. I was going to check and see if they do local sales. Kits seem "reasonable"

 

Here's the Rustys lift in question. Since I am local to them, I can dodge a few "charges"

shocks may not be the best, but wouldn't mind replacing down the road. But this appears to have what I'd need, minus a SYE

https://www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-s...anced-kit.html

 

Rustys makes good stuff, the main issue with them is the shipping is very expensive, but if your local you can go pick it up yourself.

 

They have a "cash price" as well.

next to discuss is I have TJ Moabs now, will I get more use of this lift with 265 75 16 on my 16x8, or should I bite the bullet and go 15x8 and 33x12 50 15

 

i would go with whatever tire is cheaper. 15's are getting pricier than 16s, now that 16s' are the norm. but you can use your moabs for now, they work ok with 33's. then save up for rims and tires later, or just rims and stick with 16x33s.

 

I take my kids to and from school and drive on the weekends. Put 10k on it in 6 months, if that's any perspective

I do wheel occasionally, but I don't want it to be a "rig only" vehicle. I guess the best way to see it is the lift is an investment, wheels and tires are temporary. But if I end up making this a rig, I can always do 35's, cut, and lockers, and gears. Probably need a Dana 30 HP when I regear for the front. That's a whole different story.

 

If you love your kids you might want to reconsider going so high, and not doing things the right way?
Just sayin.

 

you know, I had considered th OME lift. Possibly could do that as my base lift and tweak as I need.


I believe that's what I will end up with. I cant pony up that for the whole kit up front, but Quadratec has the OME kit for 855 shipped that would get me started. Cant beat Dirks price, but I can get this awful budget boost from under the jeep, and do it piece by piece.

 

Something to consider about 16" wheels - a lot of tires are going to be load range E which is pretty stiff and tough for such a lightweight vehicle. You can get some load range c and d tires for a 16" wheel but they're pretty tough to find and the selection is limited. I'm going to run a load range d 255/85r16 on my rig because it's the "lightest" MT 33 I can find for a 16" wheel. But if I was to daily it, I'd want to run a 15" wheel so I could be guaranteed a load range c tire.

I've seen your rig - it's freaking mint! If I were you, I'd run a 2" lift with either 30s or 31s, bumpstop it, add some rock sliders so you could wheel it with confidence, and leave it alone. I get how it can be addictive to want to go higher and higher but you can just get a dedicated rig for that. My 2dr has a 1.5" lift and 29" tires and I have zero desire to go any higher than that. It's the perfect commuter XJ - it averages 18 mpg, can cruise happily at 80 and if I disconnect the front sway bar and lower the tire pressure, it's actually pretty capable offroad. I just want sliders because I've already dented the rocker panels on a Class IV road in Vermont from it being lower.

 

so, I am going to dip my toes into the OME.. I figure I'll get front and rear springs and pull the 3rd in the leaf pack, since I just bought some new shocks. Found a sick deal on 235 70 16 KM2's.

you guys have really given me a lot to think about and seems I should focus on quality over quantity!