What's Stopping a 6" Lift?

NAMoulton1 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1054

I'm curious to know what's stopping a 6" lift. I know JBA has KJ 4"-6" lift adjustable coilovers and we have the same front suspension setup. There's also the cradle drop, which I may be wrong but KKs have pretty much the same thing as a KJ right? Another option is what if the CVs were swapped out with RCVs axles allowing for more extreme angles? For the rear we can use the 6" rear springs and fab long arms and get extended driveshafts we should be able to do a 6" right? I'm just thinking aloud here...so please feel free to criticize haha.

JeepMorrison · **Joined:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:34 am **Posts:** 1236

In theory yes....but i dont own a KK.

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 09, 2014 6:36 pm

PM Jeepin_it_real. He was trying to get the 6" to come through. Last I remember, JBA and him were trying to figure out the steering. I think the tie rod angles start to become more of a problem since you can put RCVs in...

On a side note, most opt for just the 4" because of money and the fact that you only get 1/2" of extra clearance. It's a 4" lift with a 2" cradle drop to make 6". The only real lift is from the tires at that point and I believe 33s tend to be the max. That's only 1/2" of extra clearance over a 4" lift with 32s.

oktane17 · **Joined:** Thu Oct 14, 2010 4:22 pm **Posts:** 54

I was wondering the same thing, but at that point im just going to shoot for a cherokee or a wrangler. I cant fathom spending 4k on a lift kit that is honestly absurd!!

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Dec 09, 2014 7:25 pm

NAMoulton1 wrote:

I'm curious to know what's stopping a 6" lift. I know JBA has KJ 4"-6" lift adjustable coilovers and we have the same front suspension setup. There's also the cradle drop, which I may be wrong but KKs have pretty much the same thing as a KJ right? Another option is what if the CVs were swapped out with RCVs axles allowing for more extreme angles? For the rear we can use the 6" rear springs and fab long arms and get extended driveshafts we should be able to do a 6" right? I'm just thinking aloud here...so please feel free to criticize haha.

Suspension wise as far as springs / shocks its the same, but then there are other differences in the front setup that doesn't allow the changes to work for a KK as it does a KK
Different CVs doesn't help in either the KJ or KK, there is only so much availabale as far as the range of motion , cradle drop wouldn't help you really
4 inch works best on a KK be glad you can go deeper gears

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Dec 09, 2014 7:27 pm

oktane17 wrote:

I was wondering the same thing, but at that point im just going to shoot for a cherokee or a wrangler. I cant fathom spending 4k on a lift kit that is honestly absurd!!

So how much will you spend on a "QUALITY " lift for a JK , price out an AEV 4 inch lift sometime
Sure you can lift a XJ or JK cheaper than 4 k but you can lift a KK cheaper than that as well
Owning a JK is NOT the end all answer to an " ultimate" 4X4 by any means

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 09, 2014 7:36 pm

tommudd wrote:

oktane17 wrote:

I was wondering the same thing, but at that point im just going to shoot for a cherokee or a wrangler. I cant fathom spending 4k on a lift kit that is honestly absurd!!

So how much will you spend on a "QUALITY " lift for a JK , price out an AEV 4 inch lift sometime
Sure you can lift a XJ or JK cheaper than 4 k but you can lift a KK cheaper than that as well
Owning a JK is NOT the end all answer to an " ultimate" 4X4 by any means

It's easily built to be a good all a rounder though. A JKU will get you room for trips and families. As well as a capable rig to rock climb or go mudding in.

That said, with what I've seen looking at JK lifts, AEV is looked down upon. I personally am a fan or Rock Krawler. But you're right, to go quality and do it right(long arms etc) will cost a pretty penny. If you want coilovers(generally 14" travel, Kings) and a cantilever setup, you're looking close to 10k in suspension alone. Then let's face it, you won't be running that setup with 35s, and will be looking at 37-40s. Stock axles won't hold those and deal with heavy wheeling, so that's another 10-15k for brand new 1ton axles.

All that and you end up with 3.5-4" of lift, flat fenders running 40s on axles to hold. All done "right" and top of the line. You're putting a down payment on a house into your Jeep, but it'll be one of the most capable rigs out there. You'll also be like everyone else though...

NAMoulton1 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1054

tommudd wrote:

NAMoulton1 wrote:

I'm curious to know what's stopping a 6" lift. I know JBA has KJ 4"-6" lift adjustable coilovers and we have the same front suspension setup. There's also the cradle drop, which I may be wrong but KKs have pretty much the same thing as a KJ right? Another option is what if the CVs were swapped out with RCVs axles allowing for more extreme angles? For the rear we can use the 6" rear springs and fab long arms and get extended driveshafts we should be able to do a 6" right? I'm just thinking aloud here...so please feel free to criticize haha.

Suspension wise as far as springs / shocks its the same, but then there are other differences in the front setup that doesn't allow the changes to work for a KK as it does a KK
Different CVs doesn't help in either the KJ or KK, there is only so much availabale as far as the range of motion , cradle drop wouldn't help you really
4 inch works best on a KK be glad you can go deeper gears

This steering is kind of a pain. Is there aftermarket options for rack and pinions, like RCV, that could provide better steering angles? Or what is the whole steering was converted to a track bar setup (I have no idea if A) that's legal or B) that's possible with an IFS)?

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2014 12:24 am

oktane17 wrote:

I was wondering the same thing, but at that point im just going to shoot for a cherokee or a wrangler. I cant fathom spending 4k on a lift kit that is honestly absurd!!

Look at high end lifts for those,$4k-$5k is nothing and still not complete.

I put $26k into my lift so I could run 35" tires on a Liberty.

JeepNCrowd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2014 12:25 am

Just wait a few years. We'll have a good 6" lift. But I'm sure it'll cost $$.
Steering is an issue. I've broken 4 rack and pinions. On my 4" lift on 31's. So that will definitely have to be overcome if we go up any more.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2014 12:26 am

NAMoulton1 wrote:

This steering is kind of a pain. Is there aftermarket options for rack and pinions, like RCV, that could provide better steering angles? Or what is the whole steering was converted to a track bar setup (I have no idea if A) that's legal or B) that's possible with an IFS)?

Yeah your not going to fit the old worm drive style steering box with IFS on a KK,it was a nightmare doing it on my KJ when I went SFA.

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2014 12:31 am

tjkj2002 wrote:

oktane17 wrote:

I was wondering the same thing, but at that point im just going to shoot for a cherokee or a wrangler. I cant fathom spending 4k on a lift kit that is honestly absurd!!

Look at high end lifts for those,$4k-$5k is nothing and still not complete.

I put $26k into my lift so I could run 35" tires on a Liberty.

Doesn't that $26k include new axles and tc though? That would leave about $10-12k in suspension work plus labor if you can't do it yourself. Still a pretty penny.

oktane17 · **Joined:** Thu Oct 14, 2010 4:22 pm **Posts:** 54

26k; Im going to put that into a brand new JK LOL

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2014 1:56 am

Bmxer524 wrote:

tjkj2002 wrote:

oktane17 wrote:

I was wondering the same thing, but at that point im just going to shoot for a cherokee or a wrangler. I cant fathom spending 4k on a lift kit that is honestly absurd!!

Look at high end lifts for those,$4k-$5k is nothing and still not complete.

I put $26k into my lift so I could run 35" tires on a Liberty.

Doesn't that $26k include new axles and tc though? That would leave about $10-12k in suspension work plus labor if you can't do it yourself. Still a pretty penny.

Yeah but if your going to do it might as well do it right from the start.Not going to run 35" tires on any stock IFS,not even one with JBA's steel diff and RCV axles.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2014 2:14 am

Still trying to figure out all of this thinking the JKUs are so great ( if they can't build a KK going to a JKU)
I've driven 4 now, 2 lifted, one stock Rubicon, one stock Sahara and wasn't impressed at all with any of them
Like I've mentioned before having owned Jeeps for over 40 years, I'll keep buying KJs until there are no more and then go a different manufacturer or hopefully Jeep has some better out

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2014 2:24 am

tommudd wrote:

Still trying to figure out all of this thinking the JKUs are so great ( if they can't build a KK going to a JKU)
I've driven 4 now, 2 lifted, one stock Rubicon, one stock Sahara and wasn't impressed at all with any of them
Like I've mentioned before having owned Jeeps for over 40 years, I'll keep buying KJs until there are no more and then go a different manufacturer or hopefully Jeep has some better out

My biggest reason for wanting one in the future is because I like taking the doors and top off. You remember being 21, Tom. The freedom is great. But that's a ways away. The earliest that could happen will be 2016. It depends on what they do to the next ten Wranglers in 2017.

I'll still keep the KK, since the girlfriend wants it and loves what I've done to it. The only thing she doesn't agree with me on is ATH's rear bumper and tire carrier. I want one, she doesn't. If she's gonna get it, then I'm just going to have to pass(happy wife, happy life).

Now for others getting fed up and going to a JK, I think it's because it's the next capable Jeep that they can buy new. It also probably has to do with the ease of building one. Liberty owners have to search and a lot of the time, experiment. Even then they don't get monsters on 33s-35s like most people imagine. A Wrangler just opens a catalog and buys. Even the JKs can run a 33x12.5 with no lift. Level it out/lift 2" or put flat fenders on and you're running 35s(of course I'm not including regearing here).

oktane17 · **Joined:** Thu Oct 14, 2010 4:22 pm **Posts:** 54

I bought my KK brand new. Best truck I have ever owned. I currently have ATH bumper, OME Lift and a bunch of other goodies waiting to be put on. Ill drive the jeep till it dies. I love the doors off top off concept that is my main reasoning behind buying a JK in the next 4 years.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2014 6:12 am

Bmxer524 wrote:

tommudd wrote:

Still trying to figure out all of this thinking the JKUs are so great ( if they can't build a KK going to a JKU)
I've driven 4 now, 2 lifted, one stock Rubicon, one stock Sahara and wasn't impressed at all with any of them
Like I've mentioned before having owned Jeeps for over 40 years, I'll keep buying KJs until there are no more and then go a different manufacturer or hopefully Jeep has some better out

My biggest reason for wanting one in the future is because I like taking the doors and top off. You remember being 21, Tom. The freedom is great. But that's a ways away. The earliest that could happen will be 2016. It depends on what they do to the next ten Wranglers in 2017.

I'll still keep the KK, since the girlfriend wants it and loves what I've done to it. The only thing she doesn't agree with me on is ATH's rear bumper and tire carrier. I want one, she doesn't. If she's gonna get it, then I'm just going to have to pass(happy wife, happy life).

Now for others getting fed up and going to a JK, I think it's because it's the next capable Jeep that they can buy new. It also probably has to do with the ease of building one. Liberty owners have to search and a lot of the time, experiment. Even then they don't get monsters on 33s-35s like most people imagine. A Wrangler just opens a catalog and buys. Even the JKs can run a 33x12.5 with no lift. Level it out/lift 2" or put flat fenders on and you're running 35s(of course I'm not including regearing here).

Therein lies part of the issue to me with JKs and JKUs , you just open a book and order , plus they are cheaply made
I grew up where whatever you wanted you built, you saw what someone else had and you took that idea and made it your own going to the next level
For lifts we tried everything from springs from military trucks/ trailers/and over the road semis even to get lift , you built it with what you had and what would work, no opening a catalog required
As far as taking the doors and top off, yep remember lot of fun times, plus getting caught in downpours 120 miles from home etc :lol:

But too many have no real idea what it is to actually have greasy fingernails and busted knuckles from building a Jeep any more
Its like Harleys, I started riding back in 73-74 when you were shunned almost if you rode one and you had to wrench on it yourself, now everyone buys them has the dealership pile the chrome on them and buys biker boots and they are suddenly a biker
Todays JKU/JKs are more like Lego's where you do not build them as much as just stick parts together and suddenly you're a Jeeper
They are too big I think, too many are just lifted for no purpose at all , its gotten out of hand in that everyone thinks they have to have one to be cool

NAMoulton1 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1054

So I mostly agree with Tom about JKs not being the greatest after my adventure though Red Cloud Offroad Park and was keeping up with YJs, TJ, LJs, and JK/JKUs all on 35s. With my front sway bar still connected I was able to overcome every obstacle we went though. I used to be a believer of SFA being the way to go, but after seeing what the KKs can do with their IDS I was more than impressed and want to help squeeze out every ounce of potential haha. Best part was going home and having such a great ride on the highway that the Mrs. fell asleep! Good luck doing that in a YJ...

NAMoulton1 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1054

Back to the 6" lift though haha...do we have zero options for an aftermarket rack and pinion? What if new knuckles were machined? I know that's how they do a 8" lift with GM truck lifts.

What's Stopping a 6" Lift?

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