I’m looking at the BDS 2in suspension or their 3in. Any pros or cons when it comes to either suspension? And I’ve also looked at the Rubicon Express coil spacer lift.....I know I know...I’m all over the place.
BDS Suspension?
- Thread starter Cal
- Start date
Jay P
TJ Enthusiast
I have a 3” BDS lift with 3” coils front and rear. Had to add a 3/4 spacer up front. I was advised to do 3 in the front and 2 in the rear. I should have listened. I also have RS5000x all around and a 5/8 TC drop. Did it all my self and it wasn’t too hard or expensive. Took it to Moab and a bunch of other local UT trails, I’ve had 4 Jeeps and this set up on 31s is honestly the best set up I’ve had although I could easily clear 33s, so what I’m saying is that the springs sit high in the rear.
Hopefully this helps
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Hopefully this helps
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OP
Thanks for the info! About how much did the 3” cost? I found the basic 3” lift for around 750.
jmm45
Member
I've got the 2" kit from BDS. I've been very happy with it, and likely due to some sag in the stock springs, it netted at least 2.5" but more like 2.75". I also added 3/4" spacers to the front thinking I could take them out if needed. I haven't needed to, and it sits level which I prefer. Installed in April this year and no settling (yet). Cost was about $420 from Northridge, shipped free.
I don't have a ton of money to throw at this Jeep so I liked the price and reputation with BDS. Easy install with a helper. Good luck!
I don't have a ton of money to throw at this Jeep so I liked the price and reputation with BDS. Easy install with a helper. Good luck!
I run their 2" coils with a .75" spacer in front which leaves about 1/2" rear rake. You do not need new control arms with 2-3" lift but, don't let that stop you if you want something adjustable, with Johnny Joints, etc.
To complete my lift: Rancho 5000X shocks (55239, 55241), JKS track bar, rear track bar relocation bracket, 2" bump stop extensions front and rear, although the rear only needed 1.5" I passed on cutting them due to laziness
To complete my lift: Rancho 5000X shocks (55239, 55241), JKS track bar, rear track bar relocation bracket, 2" bump stop extensions front and rear, although the rear only needed 1.5" I passed on cutting them due to laziness
Jay P
TJ Enthusiast
I got my 2" coils from Fat Bobs Garage, 225 shipped for all 4. Shocks were from Amazon, 200 for all 4.
ETA: Just looked at FBG, 108 for 2" rears, 112 for 3" fronts.
ETA: Just looked at FBG, 108 for 2" rears, 112 for 3" fronts.
2006TJ1
TJ Enthusiast
I've talked to a few other and am about to pull the trigger on BDS 3" front and 2" rear springs. as many on the forum will tell you, the springs don't matter near as much as the shocks do for ride quality- so if you go with rancho you'll be set.
do you know what BDS stands for? I learned from @Jerry Bransford
do you know what BDS stands for? I learned from @Jerry Bransford
OP
And are you just runnin 31s. I eventually want to run a 4in lift and 33s but I have bought this Sahara and it already has 31 BFG KOs with about half tread life and I just want to give a little space for them or the next set of 31s I get.
OP
When going with a 3” lift what all do I need to complete the lift? I know with a 2” ya just need the coils and shocks but I figured with the 3” it’s a bit more involved. The Jeep will be on the road about 80-85% of the time with light wheeling or trails riding for fun and the taking it hunting during the fall/winter.
3" is about the limit for stock arms so you should be good there. Shocks obviously, track bar in front, relocation bracket in rear, extended bumpstops. Mine is close to 3" in front and 2.25" in rear and that is how mine is set up. I also have a motor mount lift to alleviate (most) of drive line vibrations.
2006TJ1
TJ Enthusiast
If you go with the 3 in front/2in rear, you can pair it with a 1-1.25" body lift and be set up perfectly for 33s at a much lower cost than a full 4" lift kit will be. it ultimately depends on what your plans are
if you are going to do a tummy tuck & need an sye and adj control arms, doing the full 4" kit + sye makes sense. if not, or you aren't sure, the 2.5" suspension + 1.25" body lift will be just fine & work great for many if us here
2006TJ1
TJ Enthusiast
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/a-beginners-guide-to-lifting-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.733/
This is VERY useful. I wish I had found it earlier!
This is VERY useful. I wish I had found it earlier!
OP
That’s great advice. I read about guys going with the OME 2.5” suspension lift and the 1.25” body lift but the OME is just crazy expensive compared to the BDS.
2006TJ1
TJ Enthusiast
Jay P
TJ Enthusiast
That’s more accurate. I was going off of memory which is a bad idea
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2006TJ1
TJ Enthusiast
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/replacing-the-coil-springs.8131/
here u go. it's not super clear, and I believe I make a few comments about going w pro comp,
but have since decided on BDS.
here u go. it's not super clear, and I believe I make a few comments about going w pro comp,
but have since decided on BDS.
I went through the same thing recently! I was between OME and BDS and I ultimately called both companies and the tech guys from BDS were very down to earth and really knew what they were talking about. They shared the Pros/Cons between the two and after a few days I went with BDS 2” Kit. I am very happy with the setup. I do light off roading and it’s mostly a daily driver. Here are before and after with 31” tires.
OP
That’s exactly what I needed. Perfect. I’ve thought about doing a budget lift with the Rancho shocks for now and upgrading to the BDS springs in the future. I’m clueless on the sway bars and everything else like that.