Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Rough Country 4” lift questions

Ptm

Ptm

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May 27, 2021
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45
Location
Lewisville texas
So I bought a used 2006 Rubicon recently and as far as I can tell it has the 4” rough country lift which also as far as I can tell is trash. At least the shocks are. This thing is so rough if I had fillings they would be gone for sure. I also get the driveline vibration above 55 mph or so even with the tcase drop. I’d like to get rid of the case drop and get a better ride. Is there any part of this lift worth keeping? I like the 4” even though I’m currently running 31’s. (They’re new) if I just ditch the shocks is the rest of the lift worth saving? It’s all in good shape. Do I HAVE to get a CV ds to get rid of the tcase drop or will a motor mount lift suffice until I can afford one? I assume the Tom Woods one is recommended? Or should I just get rid of all this crap and pick up some almost free JK springs and shocks for a while until I can afford a quality lift. Yes I know I won’t get much if any lift with it but it’s cheaper than stock parts… It’s a DD right now but I have some pretty heavy off-road trips I want to do too. (Mostly rock crawling) Thanks in advance.
 
I. Had that lift and hated it, I would make it drivable for now while I save up for my end goal. New shocks like some ranchos may really improve the ride in the mean time. May...
 
To get rid of the tcase drop with a 4in lift you'll definitely have to get a CV driveshaft and yes tomwoods is awesome. As above Ranchos could help a lot. Also seen as of recent that the Skyjacker Black Max series shocks are a good smooth riding shock.
 
If you go with a CV driveshaft you'll need at least adjustable rear upper control arms to set the pinion angle. So, go with a CV, run better shocks and make sure your tire pressure isn't too high.
 
All good posts...I have a rubi with a rough country arms...I did some johnny joints where i needed better connections, rancho shocks, jks links....i’ll let @Claybirdd or @Hog vouch for how it rides and drives.
 
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Rubicon88 said:
Tire pressure...is?

Vibes? U-joints changed when?

Rough Country spring are good. One of their strong points.
Their shocks however suck.
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Ah, that’s for sure one thing I haven’t checked, tire pressure. U-joints look and feel ok but I have no idea the last time they were changed. Probably couldn’t hurt to just do em anyway.
 
CodaMan said:
If you go with a CV driveshaft you'll need at least adjustable rear upper control arms to set the pinion angle. So, go with a CV, run better shocks and make sure your tire pressure isn't too high.
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I wasn’t aware I’d need adjustable rear uppers. Good to know. The solid lowers from the Rough Country will be ok otherwise?
 
AndyG said:
All good posts...I have a rubi with a rough country arms...I did some johnny joints where i needed better connections, rancho shocks, jks links....i’ll let @Claybirdd or @Hog vouch for how it rides and drives.
Click to expand...
Johnny joints? Not familiar but I’ll do some research. When you say JKS links are you taking about sway bar links? Disconnects?
 
Ptm said:
I wasn’t aware I’d need adjustable rear uppers. Good to know. The solid lowers from the Rough Country will be ok otherwise?
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Yes, you have to rotate the rear axle to set pinion angle for the CV driveshaft. Adjustable uppers and lowers would be best but you could live with only adjustable uppers.
 
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Ptm said:
Ah, that’s for sure one thing I haven’t checked, tire pressure. U-joints look and feel ok but I have no idea the last time they were changed. Probably couldn’t hurt to just do em anyway.
Click to expand...
U-joints are something that can be impossible to tell good or bad from appearance. Even gripping it and ripping it ....

Pry bar...maybe...but even then maybe not if weight and tension are on them.

If you do change them...

Use Spicer
 
Rubicon88 said:
U-joints are something that can be impossible to tell good or bad from appearance. Even gripping it and ripping it ....

Pry bar...maybe...but even then maybe not if weight and tension are on them.

If you do change them...

Use Spicer
Click to expand...
Good deal. Like I said, it couldn’t hurt.
 
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Joe Biden said:
I think what he meant to say was you could live with only adjustable uppers for the rear.
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Oh I understood all right. Now I’m looking at all the good stuff on the JKS website and I’m thinking I’d like the bar pin eliminators, the rear lowers shock extensions, etc.
 
I've had that lift on a few Jeeps I've owned. Get better shocks first. That lift comes with a dropped pitman arm. If it was installed, remove it and go back to a stock one. Adding a MML will allow you to drop the huge t case drop that comes with the kit and replace it with a smaller one (thick washers will work). This Jeep had that setup on it for 7 years.
GREEN JEEP.jpg
 
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AndyG said:
All good posts...I have a rubi with a rough country arms...I did some johnny joints where i needed better connections, rancho shocks, jks links....i’ll let @Claybirdd or @Hog vouch for how it rides and drives.
Click to expand...
I can vouch for @AndyG jeep, I didn't drive it but maybe a mile and it rides and drive great!!!

I have the same RC lift on my 02, ditch the dropped pitman arm if it's on it, get better shocks.
 
TheBoogieman said:
I've had that lift on a few Jeeps I've owned. Get better shocks first. That lift comes with a dropped pitman arm. If it was installed, remove it and go back to a stock one. Adding a MML will allow you to drop the huge t case drop that comes with the kit and replace it with a smaller one (thick washers will work). Then you can do the sye when/if you want to. This Jeep had that setup on it for 7 years with no sye or issues.
View attachment 256891
Click to expand...
He's got a Rubicon, he won't need a SYE. :ROFLMAO:
 
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