What else do I need with 2" BDS lift?

[jjvw]

Up until recently, I was using (most of) the factory hardware for the aftermarket shocks. I suspect most kits will assume this. If your nuts and bolts are rusty, then that your problem to fix.

 

[mots]

Up until recently, I was using (most of) the factory hardware for the aftermarket shocks. I suspect most kits will assume this. If your nuts and bolts are rusty, then that your problem to fix.

Thanks, appreciate the feedback.

 

[Bruce20]

I just ordered the Ranchos!! I’m still on the fence about the springs. If I can order the ProComps from Carlisle they should be here by Wednesday which is when I need them by, but I don’t know if they have them in stock. My fender is removed and the oem springs and shocks are removed.


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[mots]

I posted a URL a few posts back to the PDF installation guide on the BDS site for their 2” TJ lift. There is a section “Parts List”. On this list, which parts are for the TJ (some obviously aren't, like the Add-a-Leafs)? Are any of the fasteners listed recommended to be replaced or would be a good idea when doing this on a 13 year old Jeep with original and likely some rusty fasteners (nuts, bolts, washers etc)? Maybe I’m overthinking it and perhaps there aren’t many fasteners involved you would need to replace, but I just assumed changing out some of the old tired hardware for newer quality variants might be worthwhile? I’m trying to remove any rusty parts when I get the chance as I have very little rust on my Jeep.

Thanks for the info on your experience. Glad to hear you like your BDS lift! The warranty is really a non-issue and it doesn’t apply to the NX2 shocks in the same way as it would the springs. I plan to keep my Jeep for many years to come and it will be nice to have the springs covered for the life of the vehicle. If they ever sag and I lose ride height, it will be nice to have a warranty.

FYI...I emailed BDS over the weekend when we were discussing what was included with their lift kit. Here is what they replied back with this morning...it does appear you get some new hardware with the 2" lift kit. Hope this helps clarify for others wanting to do the install themselves.

Q: For the 2" Suspension Kit for 2005 Jeep TJ X, what hardware (nuts, bolts etc.) is included besides the 4 coils and 4 springs? There is a parts list in your 2" TJ kit instructions here:http://bds-suspension.com/instructions/034204-11-06-08-114202.pdf
On this list, which parts are for the TJ (some obviously aren't, like the Add-a-Leafs) and which parts are included with the TJ kit if not explicitly added? In other words, if I buy the 2" lift kit with NX shocks, and then add the steering NX suspension stabilizer, what is else is recommended and is it provided in the kit (OE nuts, bolts etc.) when doing this on a 13 year old Jeep with original and some likely rusty fasteners?

A: Thank you for your interest in BDS Suspension. All the mounting hardware you need will be included in the kit. You will see bag kits which include hardware. If you add on something like the steering stabilizer then the hardware to mount that will also be included. The add-a-leafs are for the XJ.

 

[Bruce20]

FYI...I emailed BDS over the weekend when we were discussing what was included with their lift kit. Here is what they replied back with this morning...it does appear you get some new hardware with the 2" lift kit. Hope this helps clarify for others wanting to do the install themselves.

Q: For the 2" Suspension Kit for 2005 Jeep TJ X, what hardware (nuts, bolts etc.) is included besides the 4 coils and 4 springs? There is a parts list in your 2" TJ kit instructions here:http://bds-suspension.com/instructions/034204-11-06-08-114202.pdf
On this list, which parts are for the TJ (some obviously aren't, like the Add-a-Leafs) and which parts are included with the TJ kit if not explicitly added? In other words, if I buy the 2" lift kit with NX shocks, and then add the steering NX suspension stabilizer, what is else is recommended and is it provided in the kit (OE nuts, bolts etc.) when doing this on a 13 year old Jeep with original and some likely rusty fasteners?

A: Thank you for your interest in BDS Suspension. All the mounting hardware you need will be included in the kit. You will see bag kits which include hardware. If you add on something like the steering stabilizer then the hardware to mount that will also be included. The add-a-leafs are for the XJ.

When I ordered the Ranchos. It said everything is included other than the two bottom bolts on the shock. I just ordered the PC springs also.

Grand total of $460.00 for a quality lift kit. I can actually get 3 inches out of this setup!


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[mots]

When I ordered the Ranchos. It said everything is included other than the two bottom bolts on the shock. I just ordered the PC springs also.

Grand total of $460.00 for a quality lift kit. I can actually get 3 inches out of this setup!

Great, good to know. Good luck with the install!

 

[Bruce20]

Great, good to know. Good luck with the install!

Thanks, are you still going with the BDS. If so let me know how you like it. Good luck to you as well!


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[mots]

Grand total of $460.00 for a quality lift kit. I can actually get 3 inches out of this setup!

P.S. So you are going with 3" springs now, or are you saying the Ranchos you are buying can support them? I am definitely sticking with the 2" lift height in order to decrease my chances of drive line vibes etc. If I have to do the transfer case drop, that is about as complex as I want to go things.

 

[Bruce20]

P.S. So you are going with 3" springs now, or are you saying the Ranchos you are buying can support them? I am definitely sticking with the 2" lift height in order to decrease my chances of drive line vibes etc. If I have to do the transfer case drop, that is about as complex as I want to go things.

Ok, the Ranchos are rated for a 2-3 inch lift. The springs are 2” but can achieve 5”s! I want to go with about 2.5” to avoid have to use much bump stop and then just doing a tcase drop or maybe a SYE. I will see how is is. I may not even have any driveline vibes.


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[Bruce20]

Do I need a bigger one of these?

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[Bruce20]

P.S. So you are going with 3" springs now, or are you saying the Ranchos you are buying can support them? I am definitely sticking with the 2" lift height in order to decrease my chances of drive line vibes etc. If I have to do the transfer case drop, that is about as complex as I want to go things.

I forgot to mention that the Ranchos have a lifetime warranty also.


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[mots]

Thanks, are you still going with the BDS. If so let me know how you like it. Good luck to you as well!

I forgot to mention that the Ranchos have a lifetime warranty also.

That is great, I look forward to hearing how you like them. I am going to go with BDS and their NX2 shocks. There are a few guys running this lift near me that used the same installer I am going to go with. The ones I have spoken with are happy with this setup, and all said it drives better on rough roads than the stock setup. I'm sure the larger tires with lower PSI help too! BDS has changed their kit over the years, so someone with experience pre-2016, before the NX2's came out, might not fully understand the BDS offerings today. Before the NX2 shocks came out, they used to supply the hydraulic 5500 shocks with their lift kits, and would often wear out after 3 years. Nowadays, the newer NX2's that come with the BDS kits are greatly improved and the design is more akin to the Rancho 5500X's (if you compare their specs). I may give the nod to the Rancho due to the larger diameter twin-tube body.

But, for now I'm going to put my trust in BDS that they have thought this out well, that shock length and dampening is nicely matched with their springs that are supposed to flex nicely on and off road. I'll also be doing the adjustable JKS links (looks like you may need them from above) and NX2 steering stabilizer. Here are the JKS links if you haven't looked at them before.
http://jksmfg.com/c-381038-shop-by-vehicle-wrangler-tj-lj-97-06-swaybar-swaybar-end-links.html
(P.S. event though JKS recommends 2.5" lift for these, the local BDS installer says they use them with the 2" BDS kit with good success as well)

 

[Bruce20]

That is great, I look forward to hearing how you like them. I am going to go with BDS and their NX2 shocks. There are a few guys running this lift near me that used the same installer I am going to go with. The ones I have spoken with are happy with this setup, and all said it drives better on rough roads than the stock setup. I'm sure the larger tires with lower PSI help too! BDS has changed their kit over the years, so someone with experience pre-2016, before the NX2's came out, might not fully understand the BDS offerings today. Before the NX2 shocks came out, they used to supply the hydraulic 5500 shocks with their lift kits, and would often wear out after 3 years. Nowadays, the newer NX2's that come with the BDS kits are greatly improved and the design is more akin to the Rancho 5500X's (if you compare their specs). I may give the nod to the Rancho due to the larger diameter twin-tube body.

But, for now I'm going to put my trust in BDS that they have thought this out well, that shock length and dampening is nicely matched with their springs that are supposed to flex nicely on and off road. I'll also be doing the adjustable JKS links (looks like you may need them from above) and NX2 steering stabilizer. Here are the JKS links if you haven't looked at them before.
http://jksmfg.com/c-381038-shop-by-vehicle-wrangler-tj-lj-97-06-swaybar-swaybar-end-links.html
(P.S. event though JKS recommends 2.5" lift for these, the local BDS installer says they use them with the 2" BDS kit with good success as well)

Thanks, I will see how this setup is. Thanks for the link to the jks end links. I appreciate it!


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[mots]

Sorry, looked at your pic again. The adjustable links I posted are for the rear. That looks like the front link since it is curved.

 

[Bruce20]

Sorry, looked at your pic again. The adjustable links I posted are for the rear. That looks like the front link since it is curved.

Do I need adjustable links front and rear for 2.5”?


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[mots]

Do I need adjustable links front and rear for 2.5”?

I don't think you need either. The rears were just recommended by my installer. For the front, folks typically get the quick disconnects. I'm not going to be wheeling mine very hard, so I don't need that right now.

 

[Bruce20]

Ok, thanks!


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[Bruce20]

Usually no. I didn't.

How much of a transfer case drop did you need?


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[mots]

Here are the adjustable fronts by JKS. There are other brands of links as well, just want to be clear I am not pushing this brand per se.
http://jksmfg.com/c-381020-shop-by-vehicle-wrangler-tj-lj-97-06-swaybar-swaybar-disconnects.html

 

[jjvw]

How much of a transfer case drop did you need?


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I've never lowered the t case. I didn't go above ~3" of lift until I got adjustable arms.