are there any downsides to lifting my KJ, i am trying to decide on getting a frankenlift or not. I just ordered a set of 225/75/16 bfg mud terrains and i think i still have time to cancel the order, or just return them... and go with 245/75/16. I am really wanting the lift mostly for looks to get rid of the soccer mom apperance, but i've heard a few bad things, like cv angles, and ripping the boots.


also how hard is the frankinlift to install vs the rough scountry lift i did on my XJ?

Well of course, the higher rollover risk, and cargo load height becomes higher.

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Me - '17 KL Trailhawk 4x4, Rhino, P245/65R17 Destination A/Ts, Stock Skids, waiting for mods...
Sis - '18 Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4 - Black - Dents - Scratches - STOCK

you could fit those 245s probably without a lift...there are some guys on here that have done that...there will probably be some trimming of some plastic needed though but it could be done...just a thought

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Had 2005 KJ Rocky Mnt. Edition (destroyed)
Had 2006 KJ Sport 4x4
Have 2007 JK 4-dr Sahara 4x4 (tow package so stock 4.10s!!)
AEV 3.5" RS Lift; Schrockworks FR bumper and Warn 9.5ti winch; Cobra 75 CB; Rigid 50" LED light bar; Adventure Trailers (AT Overland) JK Kitchen setup in the cargo area.
Southern L.O.S.T. # 236487

There are many downsides to lifting. None of them are very major, but it is important to be familiar with and accept them all:

Lifting a vehicle takes it out of factory specs, so parts will wear faster (example, ball joints + CVs are operating at an angle that they were not designed for). How much faster is anyones guess, but a well-designed and installed lift kit should minimize that difference.

Larger tires means increased strain on the driveshafts and transmission. Not much different, but it is a difference.

speedometer will not be correct if the tire size is different. For a couple inches in diameter, it could work out to 5mph at highway speed or so.

There are some laws regarding bumper and headlight heights that you could potentially be in violation of if you lift a vehicle. A lift on a KJ of 3" or so is most likely within the laws.

warranty may not cover parts that fail as a result of the lift. On paper, the dealership needs to prove that the lift is the cause of the failure, but realistically, dealerships often just deny a warranty claim and leave you with the responsibility of proving that the lift did not cause it.

Cost of lift does not add to the value of the vehicle as far as insurance and resale value are concerned. A rule of thumb is that you will not get any of that investment back unless you part it out.

Some insurance companies will not cover modified vehicles. That may mean they won't give you a policy, or it may mean that they will not cover damages to your vehicle.

Some banks will not be happy if you modify a vehicle that they hold the lein on.

Higher rollover rate due to the raised center of gravity and increased travel of suspension (possibly higher body roll)

A taller vehicle will be harder to fit into garages, under bridges, etc. A KJ with a 3" lift can be over 7 feet if you have a roofrack, basket, antenna or anything else. Some parking garages can be 6'5" or less.


So as you can see, no major downsides, but a lot of little things to consider.

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Jeff 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade
4x4, 6spd, Leather, Sunroof, trak-loc, skids/rails, hitch+shackle, hooks, Alpine/iPod, Thule, GPS, CB, Frankenlifted w/ 31" MTRs
Photos Cardomain

but to get rid of the soccer mom apperance and have a constant ear to ear grin, is it worth it?

A bag o weed would be cheaper

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Early '02 Limited, Steel Blue, White Guts

And what of gas mileage?

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- 2005 Liberty Renegade -
Pre-Lowered Springs + Spacers
Rancho RSX Shocks & Struts
255/70/R16 Toyo Open Country A/T
K&N Aircharger Intake
Magnaflow Cat-Back Exhaust
Full Skids / Rock Rails
DrawTite Class III Hitch
PIAA Heads & Fogs
AutoMate Remote Start

Bigger tires = higher rolling resistance = worse gas mileage. Plus the aggressive tread will add to that resistance. If you use the vehicles computer to estimate gas mileage, it will be estimating low, since the speedometer is not corrected.

supposedly the additional height itself causes more air resistance and a reduction in gas mileage, but I have just a lift (same tires) and didn't notice any change in gas mileage.

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Jeff 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade
4x4, 6spd, Leather, Sunroof, trak-loc, skids/rails, hitch+shackle, hooks, Alpine/iPod, Thule, GPS, CB, Frankenlifted w/ 31" MTRs
Photos Cardomain

That's good I don't care who you are. And now on topic, when I lifted mine I also trimmed my front facia so alot of my suspension is exposed and causes alot more drag. So between that and the lift and MT/R's I did loose some mpg. With that being said I never have bought a vehicle for gas milage. I love the sound the MT/R's make, I can deal with the clunks and clanks that randomly come from the chasis being covered with all kinds of mud, and next to a stock KJ it just towers over it. To me the money for the lift/tires is all worth it. I have had the lift on for 10k or so and nothing has broken.**knocking on wood** Do it if your anything like the regulars on here you will never regret it.


Parakeet

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Oh MAN I got NATURE on my Jeep.
05 KJ Renny that took the bad economy bullet

89 XJ that thinks tax time is Christmas

I will have another KJ I promise.

Rusty's 2.5" lift and firestone Dest AT I lost about 1.5 miles per gallon.

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Will
05 Limited 4x4 Franky II Al's A-arms Black Moabs with MTR's Remote Start SOLD
06 TJ Rubicon Built
06 Dodge 2500 Diesel - Tow Pig
89 Wrangler not much left stock on it

HECK YES! (Really could care less about soccer mom appearance, but for better off road capability & that Ear to ear grin, YES!)

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

If you do not plan to really off-road your KJ, then save your money and go with a Daystar Spacer lift. A lot cheaper, which will make getting those 245/75's easier and give more pocket money for other mods.

*Note: Not saying the Daystar is not really off-road capable. Just not as good or hardcore as a Frankie.

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New KJ Gear - Desert Armor Flak

2004 Renegade Light Khaki - 4" JBA Lift - Rock Lizard Products: Komodo Dragon Rear Bumper, Prototype Winch-mount Front Bumper, Super Skink Sliders - All J's Super Tranny Skid II - 31" Firestone Destination AT's on Moab wheels - Cobra 75W CB w/ stock Antenna mod

[b]Retired, US Military

well i think i am pretty much set on the Frankenlift route... a daystar lift would be nice, but i have plans for an ARB bumper by fall.
I've had lifted vehical in the past (mostly XJ's) and liked my results, gas milage isn't too much of a concern... if i wanted that to be higher i would have bought a Scion.

My next real question is were do i order, and about how much should the Frankenlift set me back...?

Ewww

The Frankenlift is available from All J Products. http://www.boulderbars.com

I got mine shipped for about $850, with the Rancho struts. If you want OME struts, add $100 bucks. If you have any questions at all, call All J's and ask for Heather or Quinn, they'll be happy to clear anything up.

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04 Sport - SOLD
Factory skids, All J's Super Skid II, Rock Lizard Skink Sliders, Frankenlift, 245/70R16 BFG AT's on Cragar Soft 8's, Cobra 75 CB

'04 TJ Sport - Solar Yellow, D44, stock for now

I'm also looking into the Frankenlifts by the end of summer before I have to go back to school. Would it be wise to put Al's Upper A-Arms on as soon as it gets lifted or is that more of a luxury than a necessity? I would like to make the CV angle as small of a concern as possible (as would most people I'm sure).
*Edit: Plus, are the OMEs worth the extra $100?

You'll have to suffer the jealousy of all those short Libbys you roll pass!

You're not kidding. I saw a lifted silver one driving to work on Friday and it made me realize how low mine is. To eveyone who has their Frankenlift already, I envy you all.