It has been a little over a year since the initial install of the TeraFlex ST3 kit. When I first installed the kit it was still a prototype for the JL. A year later not much has changed in the production version. A big shout out to RnR Auto and Off-Road for help with the install. In this business, it’s important to have good partners to work with.
To check out the original review click the link TeraFlex ST3 Suspension – On-Road Review.
Am I still happy with the lift?
The short answer is yes. The everyday ride is spot on. Never too harsh, always controlled, and stiff enough to give excellent road feel and control.
Once I dialed in the adjustable setting to what I prefer I haven’t touched the shocks. The relocation brackets and hardware are handling the weather and wear exceptionally well. No rust or other issues with them at all.
One item that was added to improve the handling over the original kit is a rear track bar relocation bracket. This part is now standard in the production kit. It brings the front and rear axle in line and after it was installed the JL drove in a more predictable line. It still wanders like a drunken sailor but at least it’s on a calm day and not a stormy day now.
Does it work off-road?
Considering that TeraFlex is not the first company to manufacture a kit like this it’s not surprising that it works well on both street and trail.
Reusing the factory control arms has a ton of merit. They are already designed to work on and off-road. They are easy to replace. The factory bushings are built for road comfort. The only downside to this setup is the limit to how good off-road it could be.
The factory bushings resist twisting and rotation much more than better aftermarket pieces. Because of this TeraFlex offers its Alpine Arms with their new Independent Rotation bushing.
The system had plenty of flex off-road while also allowing me to carry a wheel over a hole I didn’t want to drop in. Plenty of traction available, and a smooth ride.
What’s next?
The shocks and springs are staying. No sense in changing them out just to change them. The control arms are getting swapped and the relocation brackets removed to run the aforementioned Alpine Arms with those IR bushings.
What I think will happen is that the new arms will give more ground clearance at the frame, they will flex a bit more, and the ride quality will not suffer at all. At least that’s what I hope. Time will tell.
