Any opinions on this lift? http://rustysoffroad.com/Merchant2/merc ... sus_kj_kit

I'm looking for a factory, soft ride. I'm going to be needing new tires in the spring so I figure why not lift it a tad and run 31s...

Here is the vehicle it would be mounted on.

My opinion on spacer lifts for any thing is do not get them
yes it is cheeper than a full spring lift but rember this ,most KJ need new struts and shocks after 30-40K
so the cost of struts and shocks is not an issue cause you get them with a lift after that all you need is springs and maby bumpstop spacers depending on tire size
Knowing that at sme point you will need new truts and shocks an knowing that you can get OME spring for $100 a pair I say go that route
I am going to be puting the Old Man Emu springs ,shocks and struts on our KJ it needs new struts and for twice the price of the OE strut that goes out every 35K like mine. I get a good strut I dont want to have to put new struts on a jeep with 75-85K on it

I don't think anyone can give you a solid answer unless you tell us how you intend to use the vehicle. Because you want to run 31" tires, I'm assuming you're planning at least some offroad driving. A lot of KJ owners with spacer lifts say they're okay for casual offroading. I could be wrong (chime in here folks), but most people will say that a coil spring lift system like Rusty's 2.5", OME, or All J Products' Frankenlift will provide both superior articulation off road and an improved ride on pavement.

I really wanted a Rusty's 2.5" coil lift, but after evaluating the time and money I can realistically devote to four-wheeling, I decided that a more modest lift will meet my needs. Having wheeled stock before, I learned that all I wanted from a really wanted from my lift was more ground clearance, and room for 31" tires in case I chose to upsize in the future. The factory ride quality, while not great, is good enough for me. Having decided that and learned about the problems associated with KJ lifts over 2" (A-arm contact, extreme CV angles, etc. ), I opted for the Daystar KJ09123 spacer lift (1.5" front & 2.0" rear). I've driven 350 files since installing the lift and have an alignment appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning. All J said the only adjustment needed will be a minor toe-in/out tweak. I can honestly say that the factory ride of my '03 Liberty Sport has not been compromised at all.

I'm not recommending a spacer lift for you because I don't know what your needs/wants are, but I'm just voicing the opinion that not every spacer lift is "bad" for all people. One could be just what you need. Think about what you want to spend and where you'll be driving your KJ, and any decision you make will be the right one.

T.J.

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2003 Liberty Sport
Bright Silver Metallic
Daystar lift
General Tire Grabber AT2 245/70R16

^^^^ What he said!!

Great reply Video Guy! Read it again.

It all really comes down to what you want to spend and what you want it to do. Only you can honestly answer that.

_________________

Rusty's 2.5 Coil Lift
245/75/16 Goodyear DuraTrac
L.O.S.T Midwest #058429

VERY GOOD POINTS

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PETE
ADMINISTRATOR
L.O.S.T. 4 LIFE
04 COLUMBIA ED. & 04 SPORT

All very good points. Just kind in mind that Rusty's spacer lift is an OTT style lift and there are know problems with this type of lift. Blown struts and upper ball joints. Just do a search for OTT. Depending on your driving style it may or may not be a problem. However if you do any type of 4-wheeling it will most likely become an issue.

I had the same question, and for various reasons went with a spacer lift, but here are the advantages and disadvantages as I see them.

1. Both spacers and spring give you additional ground clearance, A good thing if you are going to wheel or just want taller tires.
2. Springs give you an advantage at full stuff, tire deep into the wheel well, why because you can't compress the spacer.
3. If you go with a 2.5 spring lift, you should put in a larger bump stop, which probably partially negates the advantages of the springs at full stuff.
4. Its a toss up at full droop, maybe an edge to springs.
5. Ride - this is preference, but you won't know until you actually install your lift. I have a 2 inch spacer lift, and feel that on road the ride is pretty much maintained, maybe corners a little better. I've heard others with the EMU or Rancho shocks in back complain that the rear end is to stiff. You already know what the stock shocks feel like.
6. Cost of kit, If you don't need new struts, springs, shocks, then spacer is considerably cheaper, If your replacing all that stuff anyway, then Spring lift
7. Cost to install, If your doing it yourself, then you are independant of the installation costs (tools and $40 to have struts assembed). If you are having a shop do it, there is a lot of credence in going whole hog.
8. Size of the lift makes a difference, if you go moderate at 1.5 to 2.0, you don't have a lot of the issues that 2.5 lifts have issues. If you go whole hog, then alignment is an issue unless you replace the upper A arms, bump stops are a good idea or you may wreck your struts and shocks (full stuff issues)
9. The most elegant solution is to replace all suspension components, do it right. I didn't because I have a CRD and I was not able to find anyone with longer front springs for the CRD, probably will do replace the rear spacers with new springs eventually, but so far haven't seen any real advantage.
10. I don't think either solution improves your articulation. There are other things you can do for better articulation like adding front sway bar disconnects, removing rear sway bar.

As you can see no easy answer. Video Guy has it right..

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2005 CRD "Ol' Blue"
Red Ryder carbine-action, two hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time.
My build page- RL Komodo Rear and TJM Front Bumper, armored, lifted, JBA Steel D30, 4.10s and ARB air lockers.