That is really awesome that your club members pitched in and got it done so quickly. You have a great bunch of friends there! Your rig is ready to tackle any trail now! Can't wait for some videos with the new lift!
@@TrailRecon I'm watching this 5 years later and wondering how you feel about the Rock Crawler lift kit now? I saw the video that you done on 6 different lift kits on 6 2020 Wranglers, but I'm wondering, after all this time, how you feel about the Rock Crawler today verses the Tera Flex? I think in the comparison, over all, you chose the Tera Flex. I wonder what your thoughts are today? I'm planning on buy a Wrangler Rubicon this year, and I've been watching your videos on axles and drive shafts and lift kits, and I know you are always out on the trails, so I wonder how you feel about the Rock Crawler lift kit today over the Tera Flex, and if you still feel the same way about the Tera Flex as you did in the comparison? Thanks for sharing the content! and what a great bunch of guys helping you install the lift kit! Thanks for the content!
I really love your Channel. You make great content, as well as do a great job of explaining things whether it's components/installation or trail tips and down right good knowledge for attacking the trails!
love how its sitting now. In the very near future I'm removing my 1-1/4" body lift and removing the 3" trailmaster lift in favor of the 3.5" RK lift. I'm already running the track bar and i have beat it on a bunch of stuff and it's very solid.
To help with the link suspension install, yes, remove the track bar to be able to articulate the axle to remove/toss in the coils. If you need more room, disconnect the drag link (disconnecting anything that pulls the axle sideways rather than up/down). Putting the drag link on after suspension is assembled is not that bad as you can rotate the steering wheel to get the pitman arm over. No ratchet strap is necessary. To reinstall the track bar, real easy, no ratchet strap is necessary. Think of the purpose of the track bar. Its designed to keep the axle centered under the frame. The steering is rigidly attached to the frame and the axle. If you don't have a track bar, the frame will move side to side over top of the axle due to the tires friction contact on the ground. So once you get everything buttoned on, put your tires on, and lower to the ground. Wiggle your steering to align the track bar in the axle mount. Put bolt in. Straighten tires forward, measure tire distance against same frame point both sides, and remove and adjust the track bar to give you the 'center' axle under the frame. Torque all bolts to spec, and adjust the drag link to center the steering wheel with a toe measurement. Caster adjustment can be done at home, especially with adjustable length control arms. If you know how to measure the caster and adjust for it correctly. Always get a professional alignment once you are done to verify your install and measurements. Do note, not many alignment shops understand the adjustable CAs/track bars, and may adjust at the alignment point of the Jeep. On the JKU, it should be the lower CA axle mount. Upgrade mounts usually don't allow for adjustment there, but through the upgrade adjustable CAs.
Rock krawler makes some great stuff and Northridge4x4 has some awesome prices(where i get most of my stuff) It's always fun doing garage parties with SDJC.
Awesome job guys!!!! I'm so happy with my 2.5" OME HD lift with the 35s. I've been saving to get me the front and rear upper and lower control arms from Rock Krawler suspension as well. 👍👊💥
That’s a sweet pit crew y’all have with the Jeep group in Cali. Should’ve watched this video prior to swapping out my coils to bump up my lift from a 2.5” to the 3.5” MC true dual rate suspension lift. Awesome install video!
Love the videos Brad. Keep up the good work. TrailRecon videos have helped me out a lot. Just one word about this video. "Safety Glasses" Stay save and keep on trailing
Thank you! Really glad they have been helpful. You are right one, safety is always important and we should have been more aware of it during this project.
I'm looking to upgrade from a rough country spacer lift. Was going to go with the teraflex lift but for not much more coin this seems to be the kit to have. Brake lines, track bar, control arms. I'm Sold! Lol
What a nice set up. I'm looking forward to a review of the ride on and off road. I did a ton of research and decided on the Mopar 2 inch lift mainly because it will be covered under my Mopar max care lifetime warranty.
Great job Brad! I'm running the Rock Krawler 2.5" Max Travel Lift in my Rubi Unlimited Hard Rock. I also got mine from Northridge 4x4. Those guys are great. The Rock Krawler lifts are awesome, strong and I love the fact you can add on to it later if you want. Worth every penny in my opinion!
Apologies for being the know-it-all, but BILSTEIN is originally pronounced “beelshtine” (at least in Germany, where the company is based, as it is part of the Thyssen Krupp company). The S is pronounced as a sh, not as a single s like in “steel”. Greetings from a native jerry living in CA. I have a RK X-Factor too. Came from RK 2.5 to 3.5 but still had way too much sagging in the rear due to the AEV rear gas tank. Hope that overland rear springs work out better for you Brad. After changing to Rubicon Express 4.5 springs, the setup now works as I want and the ride is still smooth and most important, it is up still. Enjoy your upgraded ride Brad.
Sorry, I have not done a video on lockers yet, but hope to in the future as the XJ will need them. I don't know anyone using the Aussie Lockers, so I can't provide you with an informed opinion. Thanks!
I put a rock krawler 3.5 lift on my ok unlimited. Very happy with the ride and performance, but....I have some issues with bump steer. Did you guys wind up doing a drag link flip kit? And if so what brand did I you go with? Lewis
I just bought the 3.5 pd in full installation may 10th (2023) estimated 1500 to 1800 for labor on top of the lift but rock crawler is supposed 2 be the best so buy once 😢 once as they say
Curious as to what you had on it before this lift. Teraflex budget boost? I've seen a good number of your videos, thoroughly enjoy them. I'm pretty sold on this lift after the John bull and rubicon runs. Nice job!
Hi Brad. Thx for this video. I just received my RK 2.5" X-FACTOR system and I plan to install it. Did you torque the jam nuts 200 - 300 ft-lbs before placing the arms on your jeep, or after installed, or did the alignment shop torque to those specs? This is not clear to me in the directions. I'm located in San Diego, can you recommend a competent alignment shop? Thanks and keep up the great videos!
So I had an old set of dust boots that got all dirty/muddy inside and they kept slipping off, so I just prefer to run without them.... personal choice.
Any update/further review of your Cooper STT Pros coming? If you don't mind me asking, how many miles have you put on them so far since the last review?
Thank you for the update and helpful review. I have heard good things about these tires, but it really hits home to hear it from someone running the same size on the same rig with a similar setup.
Hey Brad, I recently installed the Rock Krawler Max flex 2.5 inch kit and my rear sway bar is now squeaking like no other. Did you have this issue too and did you relocate the sway bar brackets back an inch?
I bought the 2.5 springs front and rear for my 2 door, the driver side springs ended up 2 inches higher than the passenger. Was very disappointing, I only hear good things about RK
Are you running 35's on stock wheels? What spacers are you using? I have 2015 Willys and want to lift it, but want to keep the original wheels for now. Great video!
Hey Brad, I see you have recently moved to coil overs (I think I have that right), but after installing this kit were you a bit surprised/disappointed it only provided a 1/2" lift ib front versus the advertised 2 1/2"? I was thinking about buying this kit, but now I am not so sure. I have a two door jk with a stubby bumper and winch installed. Second question, what would you recommend? Okay, I'm done. Have fun at the Easter Jeep Safari!! Thanks!!
I bought the same suspension beacuse of this video! Thanks.. do you have/know any tips or even any hands that can help me out? (its my first putting one on)
Having an extra set of hands is really helpful. Don't tighten your control arms down completely until the Jeep is back on the ground, and be sure to double check all your bolts before you hit the road. Honestly, the install is straight forward, just time consuming.... I'd have a whole weekend set aside if you are doing it by yourself.
currently running Teraflex 2.5" coils on 2018 JLUR with 37's and Falcon 2.1 JL shocks, seems to be a rough ride on the dirt / gravel trails. was thinking of using RK 3.5" triple rate coils in stead, also looking at Metalcloak 3.5" Dual rate coils, whats your opinion on the triple rate ?
I’ve been looking at lift kits for my 2018 Rubicon JKU. Regarding the gained measurements measured at front, middle and rear. What was gained by such small increases in height? Is this kit just for more articulation?
I have a question for you on the overland kit. does it ride a little rougher? Bounce or kick up in the rear when you hit a bump? I have a motorcycle rack I put on the back of my jeep and thought it would be an option for me but I don't always have it on. Thanks! Great videos!!!
I do notice it's a little rough when I don't have any gear in the back on the trail, but when I've got the tent on and all my gear in the back, it's seems to ride great on and off-road.
@trailrecon aloha it's been awhile now since you had your RK suspension how do you like it on road and off road and would you add or change anything with the suspension
People used to come together to raise the barn... now it's to add a lift to the ride. So great.
Brad, you make the very best Jeep content videos, period. Thanks for sharing your passion with us all. Good Times!
That is really awesome that your club members pitched in and got it done so quickly.
You have a great bunch of friends there! Your rig is ready to tackle any trail now!
Can't wait for some videos with the new lift!
mariodesmo These guys were awesome, so thankful for all their help. I am up in Big Bear this weekend putting the suspension through its paces.
@@TrailRecon I'm watching this 5 years later and wondering how you feel about the Rock Crawler lift kit now? I saw the video that you done on 6 different lift kits on 6 2020 Wranglers, but I'm wondering, after all this time, how you feel about the Rock Crawler today verses the Tera Flex? I think in the comparison, over all, you chose the Tera Flex. I wonder what your thoughts are today? I'm planning on buy a Wrangler Rubicon this year, and I've been watching your videos on axles and drive shafts and lift kits, and I know you are always out on the trails, so I wonder how you feel about the Rock Crawler lift kit today over the Tera Flex, and if you still feel the same way about the Tera Flex as you did in the comparison? Thanks for sharing the content! and what a great bunch of guys helping you install the lift kit! Thanks for the content!
SDJC & TrailRecon, together and as a team, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. Thanks, Brad!
I've been following your videos for about year and half now, and its really cool to see your rig evolve!
jacobalfredstate Thank you for following the channel for so long, really appreciate it. Lots more to come on the Jeeps evolution!
Brad thanks for your service in the military. Beautiful Jeep my friend.
So awesome to see a strong club!
Seen all your upgrades videos. Excellent craftsmanship. You have some great friends. . Your jeep is looking awesome. .
Great video!! So nice to be part of a club... with all that help!!
I really love your Channel. You make great content, as well as do a great job of explaining things whether it's components/installation or trail tips and down right good knowledge for attacking the trails!
love how its sitting now. In the very near future I'm removing my 1-1/4" body lift and removing the 3" trailmaster lift in favor of the 3.5" RK lift. I'm already running the track bar and i have beat it on a bunch of stuff and it's very solid.
Jeep -N- Nation A RK 3.5" will be a nice upgrade... great to hear your track bar is holding up well!
Wow what a nice bunch of guys. your jeep looks allsome great job guys
jose rosario The best group of friends a Jeeper could ask for. Thanks!
Northridge is good people. I love their selection and prices.
To help with the link suspension install, yes, remove the track bar to be able to articulate the axle to remove/toss in the coils. If you need more room, disconnect the drag link (disconnecting anything that pulls the axle sideways rather than up/down). Putting the drag link on after suspension is assembled is not that bad as you can rotate the steering wheel to get the pitman arm over. No ratchet strap is necessary. To reinstall the track bar, real easy, no ratchet strap is necessary. Think of the purpose of the track bar. Its designed to keep the axle centered under the frame. The steering is rigidly attached to the frame and the axle. If you don't have a track bar, the frame will move side to side over top of the axle due to the tires friction contact on the ground. So once you get everything buttoned on, put your tires on, and lower to the ground. Wiggle your steering to align the track bar in the axle mount. Put bolt in. Straighten tires forward, measure tire distance against same frame point both sides, and remove and adjust the track bar to give you the 'center' axle under the frame. Torque all bolts to spec, and adjust the drag link to center the steering wheel with a toe measurement. Caster adjustment can be done at home, especially with adjustable length control arms. If you know how to measure the caster and adjust for it correctly. Always get a professional alignment once you are done to verify your install and measurements. Do note, not many alignment shops understand the adjustable CAs/track bars, and may adjust at the alignment point of the Jeep. On the JKU, it should be the lower CA axle mount. Upgrade mounts usually don't allow for adjustment there, but through the upgrade adjustable CAs.
That was a great, fast install overview. Well done.
What, no nap after that lunch???!!! Thanks for the video, looking forward to the first after action report
ratled1 After all that hard work, a nap was sure in order. On the trail action coming soon!
Rock krawler makes some great stuff and Northridge4x4 has some awesome prices(where i get most of my stuff) It's always fun doing garage parties with SDJC.
Awesome job guys!!!! I'm so happy with my 2.5" OME HD lift with the 35s. I've been saving to get me the front and rear upper and lower control arms from Rock Krawler suspension as well. 👍👊💥
This is the way it should be with a club.
That’s a sweet pit crew y’all have with the Jeep group in Cali. Should’ve watched this video prior to swapping out my coils to bump up my lift from a 2.5” to the 3.5” MC true dual rate suspension lift. Awesome install video!
what a great "pit crew" you have! great video Doc and good luck!
Gary Wagner Thank you!!
Congratulations on the lift brother! Jeep is looking great!
Thank you! Very happy with it so far!
Love the videos Brad. Keep up the good work. TrailRecon videos have helped me out a lot. Just one word about this video. "Safety Glasses" Stay save and keep on trailing
Thank you! Really glad they have been helpful. You are right one, safety is always important and we should have been more aware of it during this project.
Like the work on stuff videos. Keep up the awesome work Brad.
David Leupitz Thank you!
Looks like a ood set up man. can't wait to see how it handles for ya 😊👍
Great video! Awesome how all the guys jumped in and got it done! Looks great to!
Rocky X TV These guys were working at a NASCAR pit crew pace!
Awesome video and lift nice to see your Jeep evolve as you also do.
Nice having friends to help out, instead of friends that only come around when they want something.
Another fine piece of work. Lots of information, great stuff! Looks like a great group of guys there. Keep em comin!
You guys made it look easy. Loving your videos.
Great video bro. Love the lift kit. Keep up the great videos.
BKAGOSTO Thank you!!
About time you get a real lift on there!
Long overdue for sure!
Great install video Brother! Can't wait to see the Rubicon in action.
We hit some serious trails this last weekend in Big Bear... the suspension performed very, very well!
I'm looking to upgrade from a rough country spacer lift. Was going to go with the teraflex lift but for not much more coin this seems to be the kit to have. Brake lines, track bar, control arms. I'm Sold! Lol
The Grim Jeeper I am very impressed with the quality of this kit... highly recommend it.
Saw the rig on the 8 near Hotel Circle on Friday. It looks great and way too clean!
I try and keep it clean, but you should see it now after spending the weekend in Big Bear!
Great video and a great group of guys...
When friends take a weekend to come help you wrench on your rig, you know they are good honest folk!
The SDJC seems pretty top notch! And if you need a place to send the old lift kit.....
WxGuy They are truly great folks!
What a nice set up.
I'm looking forward to a review of the ride on and off road.
I did a ton of research and decided on the Mopar 2 inch lift mainly because it will be covered under my Mopar max care lifetime warranty.
Great job Brad! I'm running the Rock Krawler 2.5" Max Travel Lift in my Rubi Unlimited Hard Rock. I also got mine from Northridge 4x4. Those guys are great. The Rock Krawler lifts are awesome, strong and I love the fact you can add on to it later if you want. Worth every penny in my opinion!
Outlaw 923 Great to hear you are happy with your RK kit! Agree, the folks at Northridge are true professionals! Thanks!!
Apologies for being the know-it-all, but BILSTEIN is originally pronounced “beelshtine” (at least in Germany, where the company is based, as it is part of the Thyssen Krupp company). The S is pronounced as a sh, not as a single s like in “steel”. Greetings from a native jerry living in CA.
I have a RK X-Factor too. Came from RK 2.5 to 3.5 but still had way too much sagging in the rear due to the AEV rear gas tank. Hope that overland rear springs work out better for you Brad. After changing to Rubicon Express 4.5 springs, the setup now works as I want and the ride is still smooth and most important, it is up still. Enjoy your upgraded ride Brad.
It's Mister William Stein to you sir! lol. great video, Brad
Congrats on your new lift brad!! Great video
That’s awesome. Looks good. I’ve got a 2.5 econo lift. Thinking about springs. Bilstien shocks are the best. Good job
Awesome awesome video! Wish I had buddies like yours. Jeep wave!
Great team work😘❗️
Awesome vid! I was getting dive bombed by flys at the end of that video, LOL!
great video and a much nicer ride...I'm waiting for my RockKrawler CAs to arrive for my JLU
Loved watching this. Are you still running the rock Krawler with the 5100s? Do you still like that setup?
great video!!! love the jeep. keep it up man.
Thank you!
Great team work guys
Good job guys
Good stuff MCPO !! MA2 here
It looks awesome 👍🏻
Jeep looks great! I want to upgrade to the rock Krawler 3.5" kit
The Bearded Jeeper You can't go wrong with it!
Wish I had a garage. Pea gravel, mud and fire ants. I can live with the first two. Lol Enjoyed the video.
I see this is discontinued on northridge website i wonder why.?
Hey Brad, have you done a video on lockers???? If not, what are your thoughts on Aussie lockers? Thx great info videos, lift looks great
Sorry, I have not done a video on lockers yet, but hope to in the future as the XJ will need them. I don't know anyone using the Aussie Lockers, so I can't provide you with an informed opinion. Thanks!
Are you still loving this lift? you have done alot of trips since the install.
I put a rock krawler 3.5 lift on my ok unlimited. Very happy with the ride and performance, but....I have some issues with bump steer. Did you guys wind up doing a drag link flip kit? And if so what brand did I you go with? Lewis
I just bought the 3.5 pd in full installation may 10th (2023) estimated 1500 to 1800 for labor on top of the lift but rock crawler is supposed 2 be the best so buy once 😢 once as they say
If only my Rubicon was that clean underneath. All the nuts and bolts don't even look rusty.
It's the great thing about living in a place where they don't salt the roads!
Awesome looks great. So if you put a regular lift 2.5 and a tent on the jeep will it sag down?
Curious as to what you had on it before this lift. Teraflex budget boost? I've seen a good number of your videos, thoroughly enjoy them. I'm pretty sold on this lift after the John bull and rubicon runs. Nice job!
Great job great video brad very proud of trailrecon just a tip make sure to take the jeep to the alignment keep strong keep trailrecon
Yaniel Rodriguez Absolutely, an alignment is always in order after a lift kit install! Thanks!
I was just going to say that! Professional alignment needed ASAP.
Yaniel Rodriguez
Hi Brad. Thx for this video. I just received my RK 2.5" X-FACTOR system and I plan to install it. Did you torque the jam nuts 200 - 300 ft-lbs before placing the arms on your jeep, or after installed, or did the alignment shop torque to those specs? This is not clear to me in the directions. I'm located in San Diego, can you recommend a competent alignment shop? Thanks and keep up the great videos!
Great video! I was wondering why you didn't use the dust boots on the shocks. Not necessary or personal preference?
So I had an old set of dust boots that got all dirty/muddy inside and they kept slipping off, so I just prefer to run without them.... personal choice.
Great job!
Always use the box end of the wrench as much as possible to prevent rounding the fastener head. Auto shop 101...
Any update/further review of your Cooper STT Pros coming? If you don't mind me asking, how many miles have you put on them so far since the last review?
Got a little over 30k on them and still lot's of life left in them... very happy with these tires!
Thank you for the update and helpful review. I have heard good things about these tires, but it really hits home to hear it from someone running the same size on the same rig with a similar setup.
How is it handling now and what size tires are you running. This is the exact lift kit I plan to use so any info would be great.
Diego Santos After a week of commuting to work, I am very happy with the ride. Tires are Cooper STT Pros 315's
great video just wondering if you can get that in a 3.5 lift?
I am looking at this kit for my 2016 jku backcountry, Besides the Kit itself, were there any other parts needed? Like exhaust spacers for example?
Hey Brad, I just bought the Rock Krawler 2.5 Max travel lift kit with ranch shocks. Any thoughts on it?
Hey Brad, I recently installed the Rock Krawler Max flex 2.5 inch kit and my rear sway bar is now squeaking like no other. Did you have this issue too and did you relocate the sway bar brackets back an inch?
I bought the 2.5 springs front and rear for my 2 door, the driver side springs ended up 2 inches higher than the passenger. Was very disappointing, I only hear good things about RK
Are you running 35's on stock wheels? What spacers are you using? I have 2015 Willys and want to lift it, but want to keep the original wheels for now. Great video!
They are Cooper 315's and I'm running 1.25" spacers. Thanks!
Hey Brad, I see you have recently moved to coil overs (I think I have that right), but after installing this kit were you a bit surprised/disappointed it only provided a 1/2" lift ib front versus the advertised 2 1/2"? I was thinking about buying this kit, but now I am not so sure. I have a two door jk with a stubby bumper and winch installed. Second question, what would you recommend? Okay, I'm done. Have fun at the Easter Jeep Safari!! Thanks!!
nice jeep jk, i miss mine but keep the dream alive ,one day i will hav a big rig again,ps love the vids
I bought the same suspension beacuse of this video! Thanks.. do you have/know any tips or even any hands that can help me out? (its my first putting one on)
Having an extra set of hands is really helpful. Don't tighten your control arms down completely until the Jeep is back on the ground, and be sure to double check all your bolts before you hit the road. Honestly, the install is straight forward, just time consuming.... I'd have a whole weekend set aside if you are doing it by yourself.
@ trail recon, this may be a dumb question but, does installing a lift void the Jeep's warranty? I keep hearing so many different things.
After some time, are you still liking the RK kit, Brad?
I KEPT WATCHING THE TOP OF THE GARAGE DOOR CHECKING TO SEE IF THE TOP OF THE JEEP WOULDN'T HIT GOING OUT OR IN!
Nice!! Made it the door... :-)
Which Teraflex lift did you have before replacing it with RC?
Did you reuse the isolators?
currently running Teraflex 2.5" coils on 2018 JLUR with 37's and Falcon 2.1 JL shocks, seems to be a rough ride on the dirt / gravel trails. was thinking of using RK 3.5" triple rate coils in stead, also looking at Metalcloak 3.5" Dual rate coils, whats your opinion on the triple rate ?
I like your channel, but would love to see more xjs professionally done like your sons or the trail walk arounds
I’ve been looking at lift kits for my 2018 Rubicon JKU. Regarding the gained measurements measured at front, middle and rear. What was gained by such small increases in height? Is this kit just for more articulation?
Will the installation be the same for TJ 2002?
Do you feel like the 2.5 lift is enough lift for most trails ?
What position does the front end have to be when installing the trackbar?
What size and make of air compressor do you have for your garage?
Great job! You guys work as if you've done this before. LOL! You all work like a well oiled machine!
It's a great bunch of folks to be in the garage with. We've had many a garage party as someones Jeep always has something to be done to it.
I have a question for you on the overland kit. does it ride a little rougher? Bounce or kick up in the rear when you hit a bump? I have a motorcycle rack I put on the back of my jeep and thought it would be an option for me but I don't always have it on. Thanks! Great videos!!!
I do notice it's a little rough when I don't have any gear in the back on the trail, but when I've got the tent on and all my gear in the back, it's seems to ride great on and off-road.
Did you have to re gear?
what size tires are those?
Im looking to do a 3.5 life on my Jeep and a guy from 4WP recommended Rubicon express. Is that kit good?
@trailrecon
aloha it's been awhile now since you had your RK suspension how do you like it on road and off road and would you add or change anything with the suspension
The lift performed extremely well on the Rubicon Trail this last week... couldn't be happier!
Well now that's done-are we voting for a name now?
Not sure if your rig has got one, if not we'll need to put it to a vote.
AZ TACO I've been calling him Chief for a while... sorry no vote this time.
When are you installing the xrc bumper on the xj?? I'm thinking about buying the same one this sunmee
**summer
Strong Kuntry boy Who respects women Soon, just not enough hours in my week.
TrailRecon sounds good! Love the videos!
The weird thing is this is work but it's fun too