Baystate Jeepers

Just looking for opinions, I know everyone has different preferences but I figured i would see what everyone thinks about lift kit size. I would eventually like to run 35" tires. I also make the trip between Springfield and Hingham quite frequently about 120 miles so a kit that won't make highway travel unbearable is needed. I would love to go with a 3.5" kit however is it needed where bay state goes or would it be smarter to stick with a 2.5" kit also any recommendations on brands are welcome.

Won't be installed until summer so time to kill

I have a 4.5" lift with 35s.. But I also have a TJ.

I ran 2.5" with 34" tires on a JK for a few years before adding a little bit of support to make about 3". I can go most places the club goes. I do opt for the easier trails when we go to the hardest places, though. I think it's a good trade off for a daily driver. I also think larger tires would put me over the edge on both power and economy. I'm getting around 17-18MPG as is.

I went with a 2.5" Teraflex kit. I was really hesitant to use tera flex based on the earlier experience I had on my TJ. I can honestly say with the 33" tires I daily drive with the Jeep rides better and handles better with the lift kit. I also have a set of 35" MTR I can mount and run and they clear no problem in the front but do rub in the rear offroad at full flex. I wouldn't hesitate to put the 2.5" spring and shock package in again. Still have stock control arms etc so its not a crazy expensive kit and you can upgrade as needed after the initial lift. Offroad Elements gave me an awesome price and helped me pick the kit out based on my plans with the Jeep. They are the only vendor that has sent me a thank you note for a purchase too.

Thank you everyone for your reply

Best advise I can give is think out a plan in your head of your ultimate goal. (Yes this always changes) but you don't want to be buying the same part twice or three times to upgrade. As Jeff said there are some kits that are build as you go. Then there are some kits that are complete soup to nuts. In the long run i have found the complete kits usually end up being quite a bit cheaper and you know all the parts play nice together.
Usually you get what you pay for!
Just be honest with yourself. No need for long arms and dana 60's if your staying on class 6 roads and you don't want a 2 inch budget lift if your going extreme.
When out on runs if you see a lift or jeep you like ask about it. I'm sure some people here would even let you drive theirs to see how it feels. That's what's great about these people.

Just a heads up when selecting a lift kit. If you stay at 2.5" or less, you will avoid having to get a new front driveshaft because if you go higher, the angle of the driveshaft will cause it to hit and rub against the exhaust crossover pipe.

Now, also keep in mind that most lift kit manufacturers design their kits so that you will end up with 2.5" after the usual addition of third party bumpers, winches, etc. Why does this matter? Because if you do not add those items, your Jeep will most likely get more lift than the 2.5" advertised.

Ask me how I know!

Well, since you asked, it's because I did not want to get into replacing my front driveshaft at the cost of $500.00 and intentionally chose to go with a 2.5" lift. Once it was installed, I ended up netting 4" of lift and this is WITH a third party bumper AND a winch. I experienced some driveshaft/crossover pipe contact and added exhaust extensions that was to help eliminate the problem. It helped, but it did not eliminate the contact. Ended up buying a Tom Woods front driveshaft. Sometimes lifts will settle down in time but, so far, mine hasn't. Still at 4" of lift. This "extra" amount of lift varies from one manufacturer to another, so it's hard to predict.

My point in all this is that just make sure you are aware of as much as possible before purchasing. I thought I was, but it still happened. Having spent the extra money on the driveshaft, I am enjoying the 4" lift, but 2.5" is all you really need for modest off-roading and especially if it's a daily driver. More important is the driver's skill level and common sense. I recommend a season of off-roading and learning to drive with a stock Jeep. It forces you to learn to pick better lines and makes you a better driver sooner. Just my $.02.

Definitely wait until your on the trail a bit and see what others have. Not just lift, but armor, bumpers, skids.... and ask questions as Mark said. There are things I would have done differently but luckily those parts fell off long ago.

Yes they did ! FjR68