Would I need a leveling kit in addition to a lift kit?

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CapeHog

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My 2005 TJ has no modifications presently, and the front sits 2 inches lower than the back. So 2 inches less tire clearance. I would like 33's on it, and for it to sit level.

I know I'd likely need a 2.5-inch lift, but would I also need a 2-inch leveling kit for the front? Or would the lift kit handle leveling that as well?
 
CapeHog said:
My 2005 TJ has no modifications presently, and the front sits 2 inches lower than the back. So 2 inches less tire clearance. I would like 33's on it, and for it to sit level.

I know I'd likely need a 2.5-inch lift, but would I also need a 2-inch leveling kit for the front? Or would the lift kit handle leveling that as well?
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I can’t remember the factory rake, and accessories like winches lower the front- most manufacturers’ tech departments can tell you what to expect.

The rake exists for load capacity. Some rake can be a good thing to prevent squat.

Dirk at DPG is really good to help you get the set up you want - he sells OME and likely other brands.
 
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I am rolling-on JKS 2.5 Springs right now (been only a couple of weeks)and if everything works out my 33x10.5x15 will be on by next weekend. This will be putting a heavier tire on the back tire carrier than stock - I will grab some before and after information then
 
If you don't like the factory rake, you can always add 1" longer springs or spacers up front (when you lift it). If you ride people in the back don't do it.
tan jeep no lift (2017_11_20 00_38_12 UTC).jpg


tan jeep lifted (2017_11_20 00_38_12 UTC).jpg
 
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JustDandee said:
I am rolling-on JKS 2.5 Springs right now (been only a couple of weeks)and if everything works out my 33x10.5x15 will be on by next weekend. This will be putting a heavier tire on the back tire carrier than stock - I will grab some before and after information then
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I'd love to see it and hear how it goes. Thanks!
 
before on 30's and after on the 33's tires. Took a bubble level to the jeep but the shop floor is not flat- so i can only say that bubble on the level is the same between the floor and the door sill- by my eye. I am calling it level

810C3CD8-1B16-4AB2-A22B-F50D932DDBD7.jpeg


E01BA70C-D26C-4171-8BFA-0602560A908E.jpeg
 
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97JadeTJ said:
Not sure about other brands, but Rough Country 2.5” suspension lift levels also… I also have a 1.25” body lift along with it..

View attachment 394067
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Can you measure the length of your springs installed. I used same 2.5 rough country level lift and my rake is worse then stock. Thinking they have me 4 cyl springs instead of 6 cyl ? Mine are 14.5 front back 10.5 inches.
 
cant55jeep said:
Can you measure the length of your springs installed. I used same 2.5 rough country level lift and my rake is worse then stock. Thinking they have me 4 cyl springs instead of 6 cyl ? Mine are 14.5 front back 10.5 inches.
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No can do, sorry… that jeep was totaled back in May and has gone to the great jeep yard in the sky…
 
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cant55jeep said:
Can you measure the length of your springs installed. I used same 2.5 rough country level lift and my rake is worse then stock. Thinking they have me 4 cyl springs instead of 6 cyl ? Mine are 14.5 front back 10.5 inches.
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Your measurements are exactly 2.5" lift front and back. But don't worry,give it some time and they'll sag lower than stock like mine did. No more rough country for me
 
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cant55jeep said:
Can you measure the length of your springs installed. I used same 2.5 rough country level lift and my rake is worse then stock. Mine are 14.5 front back 10.5 inches.
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Your stock springs were worn out. That's exactly what it should be. This is RC 2.5" springs on my old Jeep. They don't level your Jeep unless you add spacers up front.

jeep 666.jpg
 
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Every Jeep is different and then changes over time as stuff is added and uses change. Get springs to get you close and then don’t be afraid to add a spacer to the springs where needed to accommodate your desires.
 
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A level kit would be done instead of lift kit. So a level kit is not needed if installing a lift kit. The level kit is often front springs only. So if you get a full lift kit, it will likely include front and rear springs.
 
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Rickyd said:
Your measurements are exactly 2.5" lift front and back. But don't worry,give it some time and they'll sag lower than stock like mine did. No more rough country for me
Click to expand...

But that measurement doesn’t level. And RC said this was a level kit. So front spring were supposed to lift slightly more then read to balance it out. If I add spacer will that jack up my shocks and I will need longer shocks ?
 
cant55jeep said:
But that measurement doesn’t level. And RC said this was a level kit. So front spring were supposed to lift slightly more then read to balance it out. If I add spacer will that jack up my shocks and I will need longer shocks ?
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Leveling kits are for trucks. Our jeeps get lift kits. The word "kit" is misleading though since most of them aren't complete or come with the wrong parts.like rough country and others including drop pitman arms that ruin your steering geometry. No matter what kit you get its up to you to choose shocks and bumpstops that function properly. Sorry,thats just how it is
 
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cant55jeep said:
But that measurement doesn’t level. And RC said this was a level kit. So front spring were supposed to lift slightly more then read to balance it out. If I add spacer will that jack up my shocks and I will need longer shocks ?
Click to expand...

RC doesn't know how much rake you have. How would they know how much extra lift to give you?
The kit raised it equally front and back.
Maybe they'll send you a heavier spare tire or a full tank of gas to level it out. ;)
 
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LONGJP2 said:
RC doesn't know how much rake you have. How would they know how much extra lift to give you?
The kit raised it equally front and back.
Maybe they'll send you a heavier spare tire or a full tank of gas to level it out. ;)
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This is the gist of it. All of our Jeeps weigh different. We all have different bumpers, rails, spare tires, and other parts.

I had a friend in high school that drove a VW Bug, it was too high in front. I worked at a hardware store and he stopped by for a fix. To level it out he put two bags of 60lb concrete in the trunk. Maybe not as good for gas mileage, but his bug sat flat after that 'mod'.
 
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LONGJP2 said:
RC doesn't know how much rake you have. How would they know how much extra lift to give you?
The kit raised it equally front and back.
Maybe they'll send you a heavier spare tire or a full tank of gas to level it out. ;)
Click to expand...

Just install the 2.5 kit and see what it looks like,you will be adding different spacers as you add additional stuff bumpers winches.a guy on eBay sells great aluminum spacers for cheap.

65808881696__11EB7BFF-B510-494F-9BE9-29F7DA5575C6.jpeg
 
cant55jeep said:
But that measurement doesn’t level. And RC said this was a level kit. So front spring were supposed to lift slightly more then read to balance it out. If I add spacer will that jack up my shocks and I will need longer shocks ?
Click to expand...

Tell them they owe you some 3/4" front coil spacers.
 
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