In my opinion, Jeep should include a 3-inch lift and 33-inch tires in the Rubicon option package. After all, the package already includes a heavier-duty transfer case with a 4:1 low range, heavier-duty Dana 44 differentials with 4.11:1 gears, selectable lockers, and a front sway bar that can be disconnected on the fly from the driver's seat. So why not include even larger tires and a lift, as well? (Actually, now that I think about it, the Mopar Jeep option package includes a dealer-installed lift and taller tires, so it's a good start for Jeep.)
People who are buying Jeeps for the occasional ski trip, a backcountry picnic or having "the Jeep look" can be satisfied with a Sport or an X model, but those of us who enjoy Jeeping the way it's meant to be enjoyed, want a Rubicon. And most of us will raise and re-tire our Rubicons sooner or later.
This was Robert Foster's thinking when he decided to reward himself with a 2008 Rubicon Unlimited. Having served three tours in Iraq as a U.S. Naval chief medical corpsman in combat with the Marines, Robert wanted to explore and camp in the backcountry without anyone shooting at him for a change. The maroon four-door JK in these photos was just the thing to allow that—except for the scraping, screeching, and sliding over the Arizona rocks that he experienced on any trail rated higher than a 3 on a scale of 5.
The first dry waterfall of...
The first dry waterfall of a local trail called Lost Canyon acts as a “gate keeper” for stock height Jeeps. Body and undercarriage damage are common in stock-height 4x4s. This was Robert’s first trip down the waterfall in his 2008 JK.
Frustrated at not being able to take the trails he really wanted to see — and having a rather restricted budget — forced Robert to explore the Internet instead of the more technical trails. With criteria that included price, quality, warranty, and ease of installation, Robert eventually discovered Daystar (also located in Arizona, which saved on the shipping charges, too) at
www.daystarweb.com.
For a bit of background here, Daystar's lift kits combine the same technology found in the company's leveling kits but with the addition of a rear lift and four Scorpion shock absorbers. According to factory literature, Daystar was the first to enter the leveling kit market in 1995. Although many companies have entered the market since, Daystar's lift and leveling kits offer many advantages that the others cannot.
For one, there's no metal-on-metal contact — Daystar uses polyurethane material in its kits to act as an insulator. It absorbs the noise, vibration, and harmonics that come from the suspension and avoids transmitting them to the passenger compartment (if you take apart any factory suspension, you'll find rubber, polyurethane, and often both). Daystar also offers a lifetime warranty with its kits. In the unlikely event you experience a problem with a Daystar kit; they'll take care of it.
We compared the LT285/75R17...
We compared the LT285/75R17 Toyo Open Country M/T tires to the OE BFGoodrich 32-inch tires. The Toyo tires are two inches taller, much heavier lugged, and grip the trail surface much better.
The Daystar 3-inch JK kit...
The Daystar 3-inch JK kit includes everything you see here, including four Scorpion shock absorbers and all the hardware you’ll need to complete the installation. One note of caution, before you start any project, make sure whatever kit you’re using from whatever manufacturer includes everything that’s listed in the instructions.
With the tires removed and...
With the tires removed and jackstands under all four corners (if you only have two jackstands, do one axle at a time as we did), pull the ABS lines from the brackets on the steering knuckles on both sides.
Remove both OE shock absorbers...
Remove both OE shock absorbers and set the nuts and bolts aside.
Disconnect the sway bar end...
Disconnect the sway bar end links and save the nuts and bolts.
Lower the axle down to remove...
Lower the axle down to remove the coil springs and the OE bump stops. Use a screwdriver to pry the bump stops out. When dropping the front axle to remove the springs, make sure the driveshaft does not rest on the exhaust cross-over pipe. Do one side at a time (you’ll follow the same procedure when reinstalling the springs).
After installing the Daystar...
After installing the Daystar lift spacer over the stock spring isolator, install the bump stop extenders in the factory cups. We discovered using the extra floor jack and some wood blocks eased the task, much like pressing in a bearing. You may need some silicone spray for lubricating the bump stops.
Install the coil springs one...
Install the coil springs one side at a time.
Install the bushings, sleeves,...
Install the bushings, sleeves, and boots on the longer Daystar Scorpion shock absorbers.
Install the new shocks and...
Install the new shocks and sway bar links using the factory hardware. Re-insert the ABS lines into their brackets then install the front wheels and drop the Jeep’s front end.
Chock the front wheels, jack...
Chock the front wheels, jack up the rear of the Jeep, and rest its frame on jack stands. Remove the rear shocks, disconnect the sway bar at the frame, and unbolt the bracket that holds the brake line to the frame. Save all factory hardware.
Using a flat screwdriver,...
Using a flat screwdriver, pry out the rubber bump stop.