So I've been reading lots here about people wanting to lift their jeep and looking for recommendations. I just had one installed so I thought I'd offer my experience.
First, this would be my first "lifted" jeep, so I did a fair amount of research before buying my kit. Lots of posts here about the pros and cons of Rough Country/Rubicon Express/Old Man Emu/ etc., plenty of videos on Youtube about installation, ride, build quality, durability and such. While the RC seems to be the most popular (probably due to the $499 price tag) and the RC got some good feedback, I chose the OME 2.5" kit. It universally seemed to get the best reviews overall with one caveat- it's pricey.
Now, let me say this upfront. I'll probably never take this jeep seriously offroading. I'm not looking to spend beacoup $$$ adding all sorts of accessories and add-ons. It's basically driven locally and to the beach. I park it in a heated garage for the winter because the first thing I did to this jeep when I got it home was to take the top and doors off and store them away, never to be seen again until someday if I sell it. And my wife has to be able to drive it.
Since the jeep came with 31's, a 2.5" lift would be a nice way to make the jeep look like a jeep should. The kit was almost $700 more than the RC at $1100, and $300 more than the RE, It was worth every penny. I've been driving around for almost a week since the install and couldn't be happier. It has a nice ride, not too harsh, not to soft. I ordered my kit with the "light duty" option at the recommendation of someone here on this forum and it probably rides better than new. It certainly rides better than the 25 year old suspension with 186k miles on it rode when I bought it.
Truth be told, I had a local shop install the kit. It cost me an additional $350 for that. While the kit looked pretty straightforward with just shocks and new leaf springs, I really just didn't have the time to do it.
Now, I don't want knock the other kits. They are certainly more affordable and they wouldnt be as popular as they are if they sucked. Every lift kit has its own issues. I chose to wait and save the extra money over the winter for the OME kit, and I'm glad I did.
PS- when I ordered the kit it was a 6 week backorder. I received it in 4 weeks.
First, this would be my first "lifted" jeep, so I did a fair amount of research before buying my kit. Lots of posts here about the pros and cons of Rough Country/Rubicon Express/Old Man Emu/ etc., plenty of videos on Youtube about installation, ride, build quality, durability and such. While the RC seems to be the most popular (probably due to the $499 price tag) and the RC got some good feedback, I chose the OME 2.5" kit. It universally seemed to get the best reviews overall with one caveat- it's pricey.
Now, let me say this upfront. I'll probably never take this jeep seriously offroading. I'm not looking to spend beacoup $$$ adding all sorts of accessories and add-ons. It's basically driven locally and to the beach. I park it in a heated garage for the winter because the first thing I did to this jeep when I got it home was to take the top and doors off and store them away, never to be seen again until someday if I sell it. And my wife has to be able to drive it.
Since the jeep came with 31's, a 2.5" lift would be a nice way to make the jeep look like a jeep should. The kit was almost $700 more than the RC at $1100, and $300 more than the RE, It was worth every penny. I've been driving around for almost a week since the install and couldn't be happier. It has a nice ride, not too harsh, not to soft. I ordered my kit with the "light duty" option at the recommendation of someone here on this forum and it probably rides better than new. It certainly rides better than the 25 year old suspension with 186k miles on it rode when I bought it.
Truth be told, I had a local shop install the kit. It cost me an additional $350 for that. While the kit looked pretty straightforward with just shocks and new leaf springs, I really just didn't have the time to do it.
Now, I don't want knock the other kits. They are certainly more affordable and they wouldnt be as popular as they are if they sucked. Every lift kit has its own issues. I chose to wait and save the extra money over the winter for the OME kit, and I'm glad I did.
PS- when I ordered the kit it was a 6 week backorder. I received it in 4 weeks.