Hey guys I went to a local off road shop today and the guy there recommended getting a BDS lift kit, or if I'm low on cash for the Rubicon Express kit. Before talking to him I was looking at getting a Rusty's 4.5" lift kit. My question is what brand do you guys recommend I buy, money is not that much of an issue when it comes to the quality of the parts.

Also when going with a 4.5" lift what tire size do you guys recommend going with? I don't mind trimming my fenders at all. I did do tons of searching before posting. Thanks

 

If money is not an issue and quality components are... scratch Rusty's off the list.

I dont know much about the BDS kit, but i hear that some love it.

If i was doing it all over again... Claytons OffRoads LongArm setup.

I run RE, have been happy but i'd opt for Claytons setup.

 

out of all of them i personally dont care for Rustys, but to add to that i have nothing personally bad to say about them. they just have a notorious bad reputation.

BDS makes great stuff, but its expensive, they make one of the only TRUE 4 link Long arm setups out there. and the rare occasion i see someone with a BDS lift, they normally have nothing but positive things to report.

RE is probably the biggest known name in suspensions with Jeeps, i would say 60% of people on these forums have a Rubicon express lift. with probably about a 90% satisfied customer feedback. Like any large company they have the normal complaints, Some cases of Bushings that wear out quick, Leafs that sag, missing parts when your shipment arrives, It all happens to any company really..

if you have the money, i suggest looking into a BDS Long arm kit. If not, then i suggest looking into RE or RC. Rough country is comparable quality to rubicon express, but take 20% of the cost off. Kind of like the difference from Tommy Hillfiger and Levi's.


EDIT: Like overland said, Check out the Claytons kit. they have a great reputation. I have yet to see a single real complaint!

 

would you guys recommend the rear coil over conversion?

 

Do the rear coil conversion. And dual dana 60s, While we'r at it, lets get some 39.5s.

Hey man, I can advise you $30k worth of parts by morning.

but its my opinion the coil conversion is a waste of money as im much happier with how stable the leafs in the back make the XJ

 

What will the primary use of the vehicle be? What terrain and local?

I also wouldnt suggest the rear coil conversion, not yet anyway. I'm sure theres other things you can use that money for.

 

I have been running BDS springs and shocks for about 3 years now. Work pretty nice, flex well. ride nice. I'd buy again

 

I'd say RE. I have the long arm kit from them and I love it. Clayton's also makes a great kit too.

 

Is it worth the extra money for the long arm kit?

 

It was totally worth it to me. Way smoother on road ride, and hella flex offroad.

 

hey xjjeepthing! redmuck from south bend here.

 

x2 let it go. but back on topic i been runing a rubicon express 5.5 lift for 6 years with no sagging its a great kit easy to install and i don't know much about the bds kit

 

Back on topic, what size tire can I stuff under the Jeep with the 4.5" lift and retain maximum flex? I was thinking a 31 or 32?

 

31s maybe 32s with just a little trim and welcome to the forum

 

32's in a 4.5" is what I would run. 31's just look funny. also put a SYE and driveshaft into your budget.