03 Rubicon lift?
- Thread starter socalrubi
- Start date
I suppose that depends on how much clearance you're needing and, for what purpose. Are you hoping to run bigger tires and, are you planning on wheeling your Jeep? A body lift is cheap and easy to install but, it will provide ZERO benefits to your Jeep's ability to wheel. All it will do is give you more clearance between your tires and fenders. And, if that's all you're looking for, that may be what you want to do. Otherwise, I would recommend a suspension lift as you'll not only get more clearance but performance as well. Of course, the downside to it is the cost and amount of work will be required to do it right.
How big of a tire are you hoping to run?
35's are pretty big for a TJ. To clear them, you'd really want about 4" of lift and, while you can do it with short arms, at that height, long arms will make your ride a lot nicer ON PAVEMENT. With the addition of a 1" body lift, you can make it work out with a good 3.5" short arm lift and, back in the day, that's exactly what I ended up doing on our old TJ. Here's a write-up to help you to see what all is involved:
http://www.4x4xplor.com/RE-SuperFlex.html
When I could afford it, we upgraded to a 6" long arm kit but really, that gave us enough clearance to run 37's.
http://www.4x4xplor.com/full-traction.html
The one thing I would recommend doing is install a SYE/CV and NOT just install a t-case drop.
http://www.4x4xplor.com/SYE-CV.html
That'll depend on you. The 03 Rubicons came with 4.10 gears and for most people, it's enough to get you by on 35's especially if you have a stick. If you have an auto, you may find the power loss you'll have significant enough to want new gears. 4.56 will bring you to about where you need to be.
Indefatigable
New member
As this is a Rubicon, it does not need a SYE as it has a drive flange already. Just need to swap out the rear shaft for a CV style.
For any significant lift, long arm is the way to go.
I prefer the Clayton kits as their clevite bushings and Johnny Joints ride nice and outlast just about everyone elses.
http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php/cPath/17_40/products_id/136
their springs are nice if your Jeep is on the lighter side. Mine is not and I find the RE springs to be superior for the weight of a heavy loaded Jeep.
For any significant lift, long arm is the way to go.
I prefer the Clayton kits as their clevite bushings and Johnny Joints ride nice and outlast just about everyone elses.
http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php/cPath/17_40/products_id/136
their springs are nice if your Jeep is on the lighter side. Mine is not and I find the RE springs to be superior for the weight of a heavy loaded Jeep.
:thumb: good call. it's been a while since i've worked on TJ's and forgot that the rubicon t-cases no longer needed an SYE.
as far as lifts go, i was happy with my RE kit but the clayton components are nicer.
Indefatigable
New member
RE used to be the way to go, but we have just had such a poor experience with their bushings and superflex joints the last few years... the clevite bushings and JJ are just so much superior. May cost more up front, but the they last so much longer thus less $$ down the road.
Besides, the Clayton skid plates are just awesome!
EugeneTheTJ
New member
Unless you're running more than 4+ inches of lift, a long arm is not necessary for a tj. Get what you need based on the terrain you wheel.
For me, I like to play in the rocks. My currie jj sa's give me plenty of flex while still maintaining a minimal footprint. They also ride well on the road. Don't rule them out!
For me, I like to play in the rocks. My currie jj sa's give me plenty of flex while still maintaining a minimal footprint. They also ride well on the road. Don't rule them out!