I bought an '03 rubicon this summer, and took it off-road for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and now I'm wanting to lift it and run 33s. I've been doing some research on lift kits and have narrowed my choices down to the 3.5" Rubicon Express Super-Flex lift and the 4" Fabtech Performance System, but I'm new to Jeeps and off-roading, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My questions are:

Does anyone have either of these lifts and would you recommend them or any others? The RE lift doesn't come with shocks - do I need aftermarket shocks? What other things will I need to buy that won't come with these kits? Do I need a CV driveshaft? CV yoke?

Also what do yall think about wheel spacers? I've read some articles that say they cause the bearings to wear out rather quickly.

Thanks for any suggestions!!!

Both kit's that you are looking at are good buy's. Yes you will need new extended shocks. If the kit that you get lowers the transfercase then you may not need new drive shaft's. I put a 4" single flex short arm Skyjacker lift on my 04 Rubicon because everything came with the kit and I have not changed the drive lines and they seem to work fine. Make sure that you get a new front track bar and a rear track bar relocation bracket with the kit that you buy. Other wise your axels will not be centered under your Jeep. If you use the stock wheels, wheel spacers are OK. It's not much different than getting new wheels with less backspacing. Do not use spacers and new wheels with less backspacing together.   

I have the 3.5" Rubicon Express Superflex kit on my 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport.  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.  It was installed by High Country Performance 4X4 here in Colorado.  I put Bilstien shocks on it, the JKS sway bar disconnects and a Rancho steering stabilizer.  I am running BFG All Terrain ATs that are 33x12.5 on 15" rock crawler wheels.  I can honestly say that it rides better than factory!  As far as the FABTECH lift goes, from what I've heard, you can't go wrong with that either.  Just mind your wallet as it's a bit steep.  I think the RE lift is retailing for about $879.  You get springs, lower control arms, t-case droping kit, track bar mounting brackets and all the hardware required to install it.  You will need to purchase shocks, OMEs are good, as are Bilsteins.  You should also get the sway bar disconnects to maximize your articulation.  Good luck!

Bubblehead,

I'm in the market for a good shop in Colorado. I have looked at four wheel parts but it seems they may have spred themselves out to far and know a little bit about a lot of different vehicals but they do not know much specifics about Jeep. A good jeep specific shop would be great. Are there any other shops you know of or is High country it. I have a stock 05 TJ and want to set it on some 33's. I know at some point I want to do a body lift so I can lift the transfer case and gas tank up a bit but I do want to start with the suspension lift. If you or anyone else has a good idea of what direction to take I would be gratefull.

thanks,

Jscheb