Zone 4.25" Combo Lift Questions

[ngreene9]

I personally wouldn’t do the t case drop. It’s low enough as it is from factory and gets hung up on everything. With the body lift and motor mount lift in the kit, it is cheap but it’s effective. I have had zero issues with those parts. If you do want a more premium option this company moar makes lifted motor mounts and savvy has a aluminum body lift available.

Do you think that the BL is a better and safe, or should I steer away and stick at just the 3 in of suspension?

 

[ErikOffroad]

The body lift is perfectly safe. I’ve had zero issues with the kit from zone

 

[ngreene9]

The body lift is perfectly safe. I’ve had zero issues with the kit from zone

Is the BL+MML combo enough to eliminate vibes?

I guess at this point, my biggest concern is being complete, and then working towards upgrades for it in the future.

If I am safe with a BL+MML from vibes then that seems to be the best route for me. If the 3in+T-Case Drop Kit is better at reducing vibes, then that seems to be a better fit at this point.

 

[Cheetokps]

I'm hearing you, and a few others express a little concern over the BL on the combo lift. Do you think that getting the BL is worthwhile? Does it make more sense to get the whole 4.25 Combo from Zone with the RS5000X Shocks, or just get Zone's 3in Lift Kit and also get the RS5000X Shocks?

Besides the BL, the only other difference I think there comes with the fact that the 4.25 uses a MML, whereas the 3in has a T-case drop.

Based on everything I have seen on this forum, there are a ton of benefits from a body lift. It allows for a motor mount lift (which also gives more oil pan clearance in front) without modifications to the fan shroud, it allows for a future tummy tuck, it allows for less bump stops, more room for wheel travel, etc. Another thing to consider is it raises the body from the rear bumper, so you could fit a larger spare tire that otherwise would have been stopped by the bumper (although this is probably not a good idea on the stock hinges, I got a morryde hinge kit for mine).

However, I am very worried about installing my body lift. I have seen a lot of people who have broken the body mount bolts, and have had to cut access holes to get to the nut on back. This almost makes me want to not install mine, but I think if I am careful it will be worth it. Anyone have any tips about making sure the bolts don't snap and how to get them out afterwards if they do?

 

[Cheetokps]

Is the BL+MML combo enough to eliminate vibes?

I guess at this point, my biggest concern is being complete, and then working towards upgrades for it in the future.

If I am safe with a BL+MML from vibes then that seems to be the best route for me. If the 3in+T-Case Drop Kit is better at reducing vibes, then that seems to be a better fit at this point.

Here is an example of where it is not enough, but every jeep is different with the vibrations. Adding a few washers under the skid plate should be enough to fix it, even if not preferred.

 

[ngreene9]

Here is an example of where it is not enough, but every jeep is different with the vibrations. Adding a few washers under the skid plate should be enough to fix it, even if not preferred.

Can I drop the T-Case and use the body life and MML at the same time if I have a manual transmission, or will this give me issues shifting into gear?

 

[fourpointzero]

I don’t think it’s that cut and dry for anyone to say, ‘you just need’ to really dial in your Jeep once it’s lifted.

Set your budget bigger, just in the case. If you’re not doing the work yourself, easily add another grand. Depending on parts and labor, it will go up no doubt.

 

[ngreene9]

I don’t think it’s that cut and dry for anyone to say, ‘you just need’ to really dial in your Jeep once it’s lifted.

Set your budget bigger, just in the case. If you’re not doing the work yourself, easily add another grand. Depending on parts and labor, it will go up no doubt.

Luckily, I'll be doing the work myself.

I think that the Zone kits are a great start, and they are both open to upgrading in the future. But I sure would like to wait for the future to get there...

In the meantime, I'm just trying to determine whether I'll be more set up for success with the MML to reduce vibes, or a T-Case drop.

 

[Cheetokps]

Can I drop the T-Case and use the body life and MML at the same time if I have a manual transmission, or will this give me issues shifting into gear?

I do not know for sure, hopefully somebody more experienced can chime in here. However I currently have a transfer case drop and I do not have any issues shifting (I have the 5 speed manual). I think I have seen people that have had issues heat up the shifter and bend it a bit so it's not in the way

 

[GEEP4ME]

I'm hearing you, and a few others express a little concern over the BL on the combo lift. Do you think that getting the BL is worthwhile? Does it make more sense to get the whole 4.25 Combo from Zone with the RS5000X Shocks, or just get Zone's 3in Lift Kit and also get the RS5000X Shocks?

Besides the BL, the only other difference I think there comes with the fact that the 4.25 uses a MML, whereas the 3in has a T-case drop.

Lot's of people have put the plastic spacers on. But there are better options if someone wanted a body lift. It's up to you if you need the height. My short legs didn't allow it, LOL. Plus, it sat up with the suspension right where I wanted it.

Another option I looked into, which comes highly recommended here, is one of the Old Man Emu hybrid kits, much like the Zone Combo. DPG OffRoad Sometimes it's good to have options. The flip side is overthinking something.

I tend to read up on everything I can in making most decisions. But ultimately, all you can do is go with your gut or flip a coin.

 

[jjvw]

Lot's of people have put the plastic spacers on. But there are better options if someone wanted a body lift. It's up to you if you need the height. My short legs didn't allow it, LOL. Plus, it sat up with the suspension right where I wanted it.

Another option I looked into, which comes highly recommended here, is one of the Old Man Emu hybrid kits, much like the Zone Combo. DPG OffRoad Sometimes it's good to have options. The flip side is overthinking something.

I tend to read up on everything I can in making most decisions. But ultimately, all you can do is go with your gut or flip a coin.

The problem with the DPG kits is the JKS body lift.

 

[GEEP4ME]

The problem with the DPG kits is the JKS body lift.

I have heard/read that the guy down there, will work with someone if they were wanting to change/leave something out of the kits. That is to say, I think I recall reading that. If not, one could always sell the provided body lift and get what they want. I weighed the difference in advertised heights between the OME and the Zone, and took a chance I'd get by with the taller springs and not need an SYE. I lost, LOL. But the SYE, rear shaft AND adjustable control arms are upgrades I am not unhappy having. It just added cost and additional skinned knuckles. Rusty body mounts and difficulty removing bolts caused me angst, but once the suspension was on, the goals were reached. Had I taken the other path, and had to have the body lift, I might have been disappointed. Might not have needed the SYE though.

Ahhhhh those late nights scouring the web for answers are coming back to me now, LOL.

 

[Cheetokps]

Lot's of people have put the plastic spacers on. But there are better options if someone wanted a body lift. It's up to you if you need the height. My short legs didn't allow it, LOL. Plus, it sat up with the suspension right where I wanted it.

Another option I looked into, which comes highly recommended here, is one of the Old Man Emu hybrid kits, much like the Zone Combo. DPG OffRoad Sometimes it's good to have options. The flip side is overthinking something.

I tend to read up on everything I can in making most decisions. But ultimately, all you can do is go with your gut or flip a coin.

I've read a lot that soft body mounts are bad because they will flex, but I am pretty sure the ones included in the zone lift are a rigid plastic and should not cause the same problems as the soft ones, although probably not as good as aluminum.

I am still not sure if I will install mine (at least at first), I am scared of breaking the body mount bolts on mine, and I am not sure if 4.25" will be too high for me. I think I'll end up doing it, but will start soaking the bolts with penetrant way in advance (same for my rear upper shock mounts, worried about those)

 

[TheBoogieman]

I've read a lot that soft body mounts are bad because they will flex, but I am pretty sure the ones included in the zone lift are a rigid plastic and should not cause the same problems as the soft ones, although probably not as good as aluminum.

There's no issues with the Zone BL. I had one installed on my old Jeep for 7 years and it's still on there. Too many people overthink things.

 

[fourpointzero]

“But ultimately, all you can do is go with your gut or flip a coin.”

I concur. When I was searching for a kit, I thought it through too much and researched it to hell and back. It took me almost 2 years. After doing it, I wished I had done it sooner. FR!

 

[ngreene9]

I concur. When I was searching for a kit, I thought it through too much and researched it to hell and back. It took me almost 2 years. After doing it, I wished I had done it sooner. FR!

Overthinking it? Maybe. I realized that last night. So I said screw it and bought it. Hopefully, it comes in soon.

But now, the next search is on to the wheels and tires. It is always what is next. I saw that the kit recommends 15x8 with 3.5 backspacing. Is there anything wrong with getting a wheel with more backspacing--say 3.75? What could be the disadvantage of doing this, if there are any?

 

[Cheetokps]

Overthinking it? Maybe. I realized that last night. So I said screw it and bought it. Hopefully, it comes in soon.

But now, the next search is on to the wheels and tires. It is always what is next. I saw that the kit recommends 15x8 with 3.5 backspacing. Is there anything wrong with getting a wheel with more backspacing--say 3.75? What could be the disadvantage of doing this, if there are any?

Don’t worry, I spent months looking into mine. I even overthought simple stuff like what paint to use on my fender flares.

 

[Ron505]

I've had my Zone combo for several years and no issues. I second everything that Boogieman has said. If you're questioning it, go back and read all of his posts.

Get the BL and MML. That's how this kit is done without getting vibes. I too, put about 1/4" drop (Washers) on my transfer case to completely get rid of the vibes.

 

[ErikOffroad]

Overthinking it? Maybe. I realized that last night. So I said screw it and bought it. Hopefully, it comes in soon.

But now, the next search is on to the wheels and tires. It is always what is next. I saw that the kit recommends 15x8 with 3.5 backspacing. Is there anything wrong with getting a wheel with more backspacing--say 3.75? What could be the disadvantage of doing this, if there are any?

I have 3.75 back spacing on 15-8 rims with 33 12.5 15 tires. It is perfectly fine to run that. I would highly recommend getting alloy wheels over steel wheels. Steel is harder to balance and they can bend.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Overthinking it? Maybe. I realized that last night. So I said screw it and bought it. Hopefully, it comes in soon.

But now, the next search is on to the wheels and tires. It is always what is next. I saw that the kit recommends 15x8 with 3.5 backspacing. Is there anything wrong with getting a wheel with more backspacing--say 3.75? What could be the disadvantage of doing this, if there are any?

3.75" backspacing is more common. I had that on my wheels with the Zone lift on my old 03'.