Experience with Rock Krawler 2 inch Lift Kit

BobK

TJ Enthusiast
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Apr 11, 2019
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Parker, TX
While I have plenty to do on my project 2003 TJ X, I am still planning out a lift kit. There are no rock valleys and full articulation in this Jeeps future, just moderate off-road and trails planned with the Dana 30/35 (although chromoly axles are a future possibility). When I combine the fact that most of the bushings need replaced, I am taking the advice I've already read here and planning on replacing all the control arms instead of trying to press bushings into place.

Here is the lift kit I'm thinking about since it have virtually every part that needs replaced in a modest lift and solves my bushings problem at the same time (or most of them). Does anyone have an experience with this kit or manufacturer? https://xf_vendor_spam_management/p...m-lift-kit-w-twin-tube-shocks-97-06-wrangler/

Given the component in this kit, what other bushings would be left to do? I already know the bump stops all need replaced too, they are a mess.
 
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That doesn't come with a rear track bar, so you'd either need a new rear track bar or replacement bushings.

Then of course you have the steering and the tie rod ends, though I'm not sure those count as bushings.
 
No experience with their 2 inch lift kit. Most folks here are gonna push Old Man Emu. They are tried and true.

The biggest issues with lift “kits” are the questionable shocks that come in the packages. Rancho 5000x’s are the best for our TJ’s/LJ’s.
 
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They are packaging some long travel shocks for a 2" kit. I think you'll have to bumpstop that about 2+" which means your uptravel is going to suffer a bit. That can have a tendency to make the ride a bit rough. Also, stuffing 33's in under 2" of lift means you're putting "excessive" (IMHO) bumpstop in to keep the tires out of the fenders.

The other offputting thing I see is a dropped pitman arm. Not sure why they think that is necessary for a 2" lift. I'd get details on that...its almost enough to make me move on to another lift.

For that money, I think you could do something better...

Think JKS Tracbars, OME or JKS springs, and Zone Offroad Tier 2 Control Arms. If you want Disconnects, run some Rubicon Express or JKS. Get some cheap 40 dollar Extended Sway bar links for the rear. Add a ZJ tie rod upgrade. The price on all that stuff is going to be close to the 2500 dollar price tag on the Rock Krawler stuff. It might even be less.
 
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They are packaging some long travel shocks for a 2" kit. I think you'll have to bumpstop that about 2+" which means your uptravel is going to suffer a bit. That can have a tendency to make the ride a bit rough. Also, stuffing 33's in under 2" of lift means you're putting "excessive" (IMHO) bumpstop in to keep the tires out of the fenders.

The other offputting thing I see is a dropped pitman arm. Not sure why they think that is necessary for a 2" lift. I'd get details on that...its almost enough to make me move on to another lift.

For that money, I think you could do something better...

Think JKS Tracbars, OME or JKS springs, and Zone Offroad Tier 2 Control Arms. If you want Disconnects, run some Rubicon Express or JKS. Get some cheap 40 dollar Extended Sway bar links for the rear. Add a ZJ tie rod upgrade. The price on all that stuff is going to be close to the 2500 dollar price tag on the Rock Krawler stuff. It might even be less.

I'll try to build a shopping list from your recommendations, although I'd prefer to have "one throat to choke" with a kit from one supplier, but it doesn't have to be Rock Krawler. Honestly, I was looking at them because of how complete the kit looked (with a few exceptions mentioned earlier in this thread).
 
I this kit better or worse (not counting its price)

https://xf_vendor_spam_management/p...nd-9550-shocks-97-06-wrangler-tj-lj-teraflex/
 
I this kit better or worse (not counting its price)

Ouch! That is pricey IMO. I think (know) you can build a "kit" your self and save some cash. I did mine for about a grand. 2" springs, 4 shocks, frt and rear adj track bars, new control arms and quick disconnects. Oh and add 4 - 32's for 650.00 and I am less than 1700 bucks. The results are dead sexy and smooth as butter.
 
I got the rockcrawler kit w/o shocks. 2004 TJ X. With 33x12.5 KO2. (32.5 nominally) 2" body lift too.
I used Fox 2.0s. I bought the smaller kit with springs, front track bar, lower arms, rear tb bracket, and front sb disconnects. It is high quality and beefy. Installed well. Front discos are a little long. Might be a little rough, but that could be firm shocks too. I Iike it. Rockcrawler has good tech support too.
Might do it again, but I might also try to find springs and shocks that were dialed in for each other. Just to see difference.

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While I have plenty to do on my project 2003 TJ X, I am still planning out a lift kit. There are no rock valleys and full articulation in this Jeeps future, just moderate off-road and trails planned with the Dana 30/35 (although chromoly axles are a future possibility). When I combine the fact that most of the bushings need replaced, I am taking the advice I've already read here and planning on replacing all the control arms instead of trying to press bushings into place.

Here is the lift kit I'm thinking about since it have virtually every part that needs replaced in a modest lift and solves my bushings problem at the same time (or most of them). Does anyone have an experience with this kit or manufacturer? https://xf_vendor_spam_management/p...m-lift-kit-w-twin-tube-shocks-97-06-wrangler/

Given the component in this kit, what other bushings would be left to do? I already know the bump stops all need replaced too, they are a mess.

I’d go with this kit for the same price.

https://www.quadratec.com/products/16251_0011.htm

Sell the 4” Currie springs which are pretty pricy and buy a set of old man emu springs if you prefer the 2” lift. Selling the curries will probably cover most of the cost of new springs and a set of rancho shocks and you’ll end up with a top of the line setup for a similar price (plus an anti rock which most people love).


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I this kit better or worse (not counting its price)

https://xf_vendor_spam_management/p...nd-9550-shocks-97-06-wrangler-tj-lj-teraflex/
If you don't mind a three inch lift...

https://savvyoffroad.com/product/ce-9801sc1/
Spec'd out as that Terra kit, it's 2400 bucks. Still need shocks though, so add about 350 for the savvy foxes. Way better parts.
 
I will continue to look around for a good brand and kit that contains most of what I'm looking for to upgrade. I'm certainly willing to add a few components if the kit doesn't have it. But as I find options, I will come back here for opinions and advice. More to come....
 
I also have a 2018 JLUR. The plan for the TJ is a fun Jeep. It has a soft top vs the JLUR with a hardtop that has and will likely never come off, same with the doors. The JLUR can be driven anywhere it needs to, the TJ is going to be for some trails and moderate odd road.

Since I want to bedline the TJ, I may only put carpet in the seat areas, leaving the cargo area exposed. In fact, I'm debating even putting the back set in at all.

As for a lift, all I want to do is run 33's on the existing chrome wheels and want the lift to accomplish two things. 1) give the clearance for 33's and, 2) allow me to replace enough parts that all the worn our rubber bushings are replaced - and they are all worn out, even the bump stops.

I'd consider parting out a kit of my own, but the choices and compatibility issues are overwhelming. I've worked on my Jeeps for years (this is my seventh) but it is the first that is a "project". Typically I replaced or upgraded bumpers, lights, tires/wheels, etc. This is a bit more of a medium-duty overhaul and update.
 
Since the body bushing need replaced too, a Jeep friend has suggested a 1 inch body lift kit and this would replace the OEM bushings.