Thank you sir!

Thanks for the support and that is a GREAT question. The answer, while generic, has some variables that you touched on such as added weight to the vehicle. The first thing to determine when trying to figure this out is your uses. If you are using the vehicle for the street or some mild dirt roads to camping spots…then a spring (let’s say a 3.5 inch lift spring) will work fine with a shock that fits that range (often advertised as a 2-4 inch lift shock). If you are rock crawling and want the most flex, then you’ll have to set it up with only 5 inches or so of uptravel or shiny shock rod exposed at ride height. That is all you want for rock crawling. It will give you enough up travel for the street (speed bumps, etc) but will give you more down travel and “flex” Offroad. The way you figure that out is essentially to put your new spring on the jeep. Or find someone that has those springs on the same jeep you have. Have them measure from a point that you can actually measure. Top of axle tube to bottom of frame is a good start (that eliminates differences from different tires). Then you can usually estimate that if you are loaded down with lots of equipment…you might sit a half inch lower…it’s a bit of an estimate…but you can also put a 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch spacer to lift you back up. You essentially just need a shock that will give you that 5 inches of up travel for that height. Just understand that buying a shock directly for the lift spring usually won’t give you that. It will give you more. So if you buy a shock that is slightly longer (or for a slightly taller lift) it will usually be fine and provide you with the 5 inches up. If it doesn’t, you can usually return and exchange them.

@@WarPaintOffroad Thanks, very good suggestions. I don't need to "maximize" travel. Simply want to make sure shock length is such that it doesn't end up being damaged at either extremes. Much appreciated.

Yea buddy! Thanks for the support!

Almost identical. The 4wd actuator on the front axle doesn’t exist on a Jku. So in a way it’s easier. But it’s a VERY similar install.

Haha. Yea. Basically just wanted the look. Tbh, for someone who just keeps is on the street or even light trails. This kit would be fine. It’s not enough of a lift to need extended brake lines or a new front driveshaft. And when you get it with an aftermarket set of good shocks…I mean it would flex way better than factory. The Rough Country stuff has a place. It’s not with the extreme guys. But for this type of owner..it’s really perfect.

@@WarPaintOffroad yes even it being a completely stock Jeep, it would be capable of doing light trails. and being a Sahara is better than a sport for off road.

I haven’t had to change the chain. But I have done cam phasers and rocker arms. Basically just have to take note of the position of cams and mark them with a paint marker. Then take the phasers off as well as everything else on the front of the motor and swap it out.

@@WarPaintOffroad well, it sounds like my jeep is done then. I can't fo any of that. I'm sure it will cost more than I want to put into it at this point. Maybe I just need to put a 5.9 diesel in it lol

Yea! Not for the extreme…but for a guy that stays on road…or even does light trails….it’s really not a bad idea.