[Chris Epp]

I just put some BFG KM 31's on a stock YJ and need to make some space for them. I checked out the Rubicon Express page, and found they have what the call a 'complete' suspension lift for 2.5 or 4" (not the extreme duty). From all I've read, you can't go for 3" and more without a SYE, which is not included in their kits. So, I was wondering if anyone has experience with the RE suspension kits.

Firstly, is the 2.5" really complete or is there more I would need to get. And is it a good ride? Also, is it worth the money to do this, or better to stick with a body lift until I can do something bigger?

Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated...

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'94 YJ

 

[OptBlackNite]

I too am looking a an RE lift. I want to get the 4.5" extreme duty lift. Any opinions on this would be helpful too.

Check out this page for full details http://www.rubiconexpress.com/cat99/page6.htm

I have and addition. Check out http://www.rubiconexpress.com/cat99/page11.htm for me. Would any of these be something I should consider?

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Play hard + Rest easy
Drive a Jeep--'92 YJ
Option...Black Nite

[This message has been edited by OptBlackNite (edited October 10, 2001).]

 

[Chris Epp]

Originally posted by OptBlackNite:
I too am looking a an RE lift. I want to get the 4.5" extreme duty lift. Any opinions on this would be helpful too.

And if you would need a SYE, how much would it be?

I was looking at that lift as well. Would start getting expensive though. I'm pretty sure a SYE would be needed. A complete SYE install runs around $575 US... (including new lengthend drive shaft)...

However, I think a 2.5" lift won't need a SYE (hopefully). Let's see what the pro's here can tell us...

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'94 YJ

 

[OptBlackNite]

The main reason I'm looking in this direction is that I have heard/read great reviews on this lift. But, like you said, let's wait for the pros.

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Play hard + Rest easy
Drive a Jeep--'92 YJ
Option...Black Nite

 

[Chris Epp]

Originally posted by OptBlackNite:
The main reason I'm looking in this direction is that I have heard/read great reviews on this lift. But, like you said, let's wait for the pros.

BTW, Checked out your link there. 3" Body lift? Any pics of your jeep available somewhere? I'd like to see what that looks like... (Did you put on a pants kit also?)

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'94 YJ

 

[aandre]

I have the 2.5inch lift from RE. Not the extreme duty kit....just the regular one.

It is true....the kit is the most complete kit avaliable. I pleased with the results of the kit thus far. I personally think that you can't go wrong with this kit. I think that the ride is very similar to stock. Maybe even a bit smoother, but don't expect a car ride......it's still a jeep.

I got the kit from Jeap Thrills out in maple ridge. It took better part of the day for the install. I think it took about 6 hours or so. The price....well pretty reasonable I think....I paid about 1500 for the kit/install and tax.

Just my opinion.....hope that helps.

Angelo

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My RigRater Score: 279RRv1.0 with a BOA of 15.04 -- http://www.rigrater.com

 

[RYJAY]

the 2.5" kit should not need an sye
you should have no problems getting by with a t-case drop and your rear axle shimmed up.

I strongly suggest any jeeper to try to preform their own lift as it is fairly straight forward and does not require many specialty tools. If you are slightly mechanically inclined and think you can do it - you can definately do it. If you are scared but want to do it - have faith...it's easier than you think.
get a couple buddies over and a case of brews and go for it. I am extremely happy i decided to do my own work (knowing nothing about jeeps, or any vehicle for that matter, when i started this thing)...it was a lot of fun and a good reason for the guys to get together for a weekend
It shouldn't take more than a weekend but problems do arise so make sure you have alternate transportation to the hardware store.
[Sentimental Note - My lift was actually done a year after i graduated from high school and i think it actually helped keep 'the guys' together...we had gone a while without seeing each other in the whole transition. Who says jeeps can't do amazing things.]

If you are contemplating spending a buncha cash already i say seriously think about the re 4.5 xd kit. It is by far the most complete and best performing sua kit available. If i had the money that would be what i would be running (if i hadn't soa'd it already).

Good luck
RJ

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1992 YJ with 33's

 

[Joe M]

If you want to go for the big lift, I think Corn was selling his rubicon cv....

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Stock 2000 Jeep TJ Sport

 

[OptBlackNite]

Originally posted by Chris Epp:
BTW, Checked out your link there. 3" Body lift? Any pics of your jeep available somewhere? I'd like to see what that looks like... (Did you put on a pants kit also?)

First off, thanks for visiting my page. I've only just started it, as you could probably tell. Did you sign my guest book??

As far as pics go of my body lift, the truth is that I'm just lazy. On Monday (10/15) I will be taking pictures of my jeep for the site. So check back in about a week or so and I'll have some for you to look at.

And last but not least, I don't know what you mean by "a pants kit".

RYJAY
I would like the XD 4.5" RE lift. I don't really want to lower the t-case if I can avoid it. What costs/parts will I need in addition to the lift kit itself? The more thurough you can be the better, I can handle it. lol

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Play hard + Rest easy
Drive a Jeep--'92 YJ
Option...Black Nite

[This message has been edited by OptBlackNite (edited October 11, 2001).]

 

[RYJAY]

lowering the t-case is not the end of the world...
but if you really don't wanna do it....
RE sell's a relatively inexpensive SYE kit that is a "self drill and tap". If you're not mechanically inlcined it's prolly not for you (installation-wise...and besides it doesn't replaced the weak mainshaft like the other kits do).
Honestly, think about buying cornjeeper's t-case, sye and driveshaft.
$500 is a fair price (if the driveshaft is included).
once you have this installed ther rest is pretty straight forward. You can lift your jeep without having to worry about driveline angles (as much).
it's a good investment...
if you plan on lifting the jeep 4" or more.

RJ

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1992 YJ with 33's

 

[Chris Epp]

Originally posted by OptBlackNite:

And last but not least, I don't know what you mean by "a pants kit".

Chassis pants, (or whatever else they are also called) are liners that cover the big gap between the frame/body. The usually include the four wheel wells, as well as the gap between the read bumper and body.

This is not only for appearance, but will help keep the engine compartment a little cleaner. They run around $100.



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'94 YJ

 

[Chris Epp]

Well, I made my decision.

I ordered a 2" suspension lift. I also have a 1" body lift that I will put on for a total of 3". This should get me going with my 31's and make it easy to deal with the driveline setup.

In a couple of years I intend to go SOA, so I don't want to spend more than necessary right now, so I think I found the right combo for me.

Thanks for all the input guys!

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'94 YJ

 

[OptBlackNite]

Originally posted by Chris Epp:
Chassis pants, (or whatever else they are also called) are liners that cover the big gap between the frame/body. The usually include the four wheel wells, as well as the gap between the read bumper and body.

This is not only for appearance, but will help keep the engine compartment a little cleaner. They run around $100.

No I don't. I just left the big gaps that look so ugly. It really doesn't matter to much if you have a rear bumper/tire carrier and a winch to cover them up. (which I don't have either.)



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Play hard + Rest easy
Drive a Jeep--'92 YJ
Option...Black Nite

 

[OptBlackNite]

Originally posted by RYJAY:
lowering the t-case is not the end of the world...but if you really don't wanna do it....RE sell's a relatively inexpensive SYE kit that is a "self drill and tap". If you're not mechanically inlcined it's prolly not for you (installation-wise...and besides it doesn't replaced the weak mainshaft like the other kits do).
Honestly, think about buying cornjeeper's t-case, sye and driveshaft.
$500 is a fair price (if the driveshaft is included).

RJ

I'll think about it but I really don't need a new t-case, mine works just fine.

Out of a shop, how much should I expect to pay for a decent SYE and new driveshaft that would work with the 4.5" RE xd lift?

If I got an SYE before I got a lift, could I use the same driveshaft (not the stock one, the new tele-shaft) before and after the lift?

Are all the driveshafts universal where they attach to the pumpkin? I have a D35 now and I'm planning on doing a axel swap within 6 months, could I use the same shaft for both axels?


------------------
Play hard + Rest easy
Drive a Jeep--'92 YJ
Option...Black Nite

[This message has been edited by OptBlackNite (edited October 12, 2001).]

 

[RYJAY]

You can use the same 'new' driveshaft both before and after the lift but it will need to be lengthened...I just had my 'new' driveshaft lengthened and it cost $60.

u-joints are not all the same...
they come in different lengths and cap sizes for different axles etc...but a u-joint is only a $14 part
and you can buy ones with different size ends...
like adapting ones with one length on two arms and another on the other 2 arms or cap sizes...
whatever
(if that made sense)
these are a little more expensive but still not a big deal (like $30 at most)

it's not really that big of a concern
any axle you swap in will prolly have a different length housing meaning if you are using the stock shaft you might have to get it lengthened or shortened anyways

jeeps get real expensive real fast
but it's not as bad as it seems

an sye kit needs to be ordered from a manufacturer
I've been told it's a fairly simple install and i would be able to do it but i have never had a t-case apart before and therefore i'm a little nervous when it comes to that kinda stuff
I usually like a helping hand if it's a first attempt or else it takes me about ten times as long cuz i'm always second guessing myself.
a shop install could cost $1000 easily for everything (including kit cost).

RJ

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1992 YJ with 33's

[This message has been edited by RYJAY (edited October 13, 2001).]