Build Your JKU the Right Way with RPM Steering Stage 1-3 Kits
When it comes to building a 4-door JKU Wrangler, most Jeep owners want the same thing: a rig that performs hard off-road without sacrificing drivability on the street. That’s exactly where RPM Steering & Suspension comes in.
RPM has spent years building a reputation around heavy-duty steering and suspension components for serious Jeep enthusiasts. Their long arm suspension systems for the 2007-2018 4-door JKU are designed for builders who want strength, articulation, ride quality, and durability all in one package. Whether your Jeep is a weekend trail toy, a full crawler, or an all-around adventure rig, RPM’s Stage 1, 2, and 3 kits give you a clear upgrade path depending on how far you want to take your build.
Why RPM Steering Kits Stand Out
RPM doesn’t just throw together generic lift kits. Their systems are built around premium components that are designed to work together.
Across the lineup, RPM uses USA-sourced and machined 7075 T6 aluminum control arms paired with Rock Jock Narrow Johnny Joints for impressive articulation and excellent road manners. Their heavy-duty track bars use massive 1-3/8-inch DOM tubing with Rock Jock joints for durability and stability on and off the trail. Even better, RPM backs many of their components with a lifetime bend-or-break replacement warranty.
The result? A JKU that feels planted on the highway but still flexes hard when the terrain gets technical.
Stage 1 – The Perfect Foundation
The Stage 1 JKU kit is ideal for Jeep owners who want to move beyond basic short-arm suspension systems and start building a serious trail-ready platform.
RPM’s Stage 1 system includes a front 3-link and rear double-triangulated long arm setup with 4.5-inch dual-rate coil springs. You also get heavy-duty aluminum control arms, adjustable sway links, extended brake lines, crossmembers, weld-on brackets, and more.
This kit gives your JKU:
- Better suspension geometry
- Improved ride quality
- Increased articulation
- More stability on larger tires
- Serious trail capability
For many Jeep owners, Stage 1 is the sweet spot. It delivers huge performance gains while leaving room to grow later.
If you’re planning to run 37s or even step into 38s with the right wheel setup and fender clearance, this system is built for it.
Stage 2 – Step Into Coilovers
If you want your JKU to feel more controlled at speed while gaining even more suspension performance, Stage 2 is where things get exciting.
The Stage 2 system upgrades the suspension package with ADS 2.5 Race Series coilovers up front and ADS rear shocks with remote or piggyback reservoirs depending on the configuration.
Coilovers are one of the biggest upgrades you can make to a serious off-road Jeep. Compared to traditional spring-and-shock setups, coilovers offer better damping control, improved tunability, and more consistent suspension performance in rough terrain. They also help reduce body roll while improving stability during high-speed desert runs, technical rock crawling, and uneven trail conditions.
This is the kit for Jeep owners who:
- Wheel hard regularly
- Want premium suspension tuning
- Need better control in rough terrain
- Want improved damping and ride comfort
- Are building a more aggressive trail or overland setup
RPM also designed the system with serious articulation in mind thanks to the triangulated rear suspension setup. That means improved axle movement and less reliance on rear track bars.
And let’s be honest, coilovers completely transform the way a built JKU feels both on and off the trail.
ORI Struts – The Ultimate Blend of Suspension and Simplicity
For some Jeep builders, ORI struts are another option worth considering when building a high-performance JKU.
Unlike traditional coilover setups that require separate sway bars, bump stops, and limiting straps, ORI struts combine multiple suspension functions into a single unit. They use nitrogen pressure and oil damping to control ride height, compression, rebound, and body roll all in one package.
The biggest advantage of ORIs is simplicity and incredible articulation. They allow the suspension to flex naturally while still maintaining stability on climbs, side hills, and technical obstacles. Many hardcore rock crawlers prefer ORIs because they can provide a very predictable feel in slow-speed technical terrain without needing as many supporting components.
ORI-equipped JKUs are often known for:
- Massive articulation
- Excellent low-speed crawling control
- Reduced body roll without sway bars
- Simpler overall suspension design
- Easy ride height adjustability
That said, ORIs and coilovers each serve different purposes. Coilovers tend to shine in higher-speed applications and offer more fine-tuned damping performance for mixed-use rigs. ORIs are often favored by builders focused heavily on crawling and maximum suspension movement.
The good news is RPM’s long-arm geometry and triangulated suspension design create an excellent foundation for either style of suspension depending on your goals.
Stage 3 – Full Send
For Jeep owners building no-compromise rigs, Stage 3 is the top-tier setup.
The Stage 3 JKU system combines front and rear ADS coilovers with RPM’s complete triangulated long arm suspension package for maximum performance.
This is the kind of setup you build when:
- 40-inch tires are in the plans
- Hard trails are the norm
- You want maximum articulation
- You expect race-inspired suspension performance
- Your Jeep is evolving into a serious crawler or ultra-capable trail machine
RPM engineered these systems for builders who demand strength and suspension performance without sacrificing quality. The combination of massive aluminum links, premium joints, heavy-duty crossmembers, and coilover suspension creates a setup that’s ready for serious abuse.
Built for Real Jeep Enthusiasts
One thing that stands out about RPM is that these kits aren’t watered down for casual bolt-on installs. These are real long-arm systems built for real performance.
Many of the kits require cutting, welding, axle trusses, and fuel tank relocation depending on the setup.
That may sound intimidating to some people, but experienced builders know that true high-performance suspension systems require proper engineering and fabrication. RPM builds these kits for Jeep owners who want capability first.
And the payoff is worth it.
Choosing the Right Suspension for Your Build
The best suspension setup ultimately comes down to how you use your Jeep.
If you want a capable daily driver and trail rig, Stage 1 offers incredible performance with proven long-arm geometry.
If you want better ride quality, more control, and premium off-road handling, Stage 2 coilovers are a major upgrade.
If your Jeep is headed toward one-ton axles, 40s, hardcore trails, and maximum capability, Stage 3 delivers the kind of suspension performance serious builders demand.
And for dedicated crawlers looking for a unique suspension feel with incredible articulation, ORI struts can be an excellent alternative path when paired with RPM’s proven suspension platform.
Ready to Take Your JKU to the Next Level?
Whether you’re building your first serious trail Jeep or transforming your JKU into a full-blown off-road weapon, RPM Steering has a suspension system designed to match your goals.
Stage 1 gives you a strong foundation.
Stage 2 brings premium coilover performance.
Stage 3 delivers the ultimate long-arm suspension setup for hardcore builds.
No matter which direction you go, RPM’s systems are built to help your Jeep perform better, flex harder, and handle the abuse that comes with real off-road driving.
Check out the full lineup of JKU suspension systems and steering upgrades at RPM Steering and start building the Jeep you’ve always wanted.
