I think everyone would agree but I think this is how a xj should have sat straight from the factory. perfect

 

I definitely agree with that.

 

idk on that one i had a 3 in there for some time, and i like how it sat, but then again not having a 4.5 in and looking to go bigger after i get my tries payed off. but it was stat nice a 3'' and drive nice as well. the only thing i dont like is the leaf springs in the back would rather have coil spring or coil over in the back. but thats just me

but nice looking jeep

 

Reefmike, did those rear shackles come with zerks by chance?

 

Unfortunately no. I would have preferred that but for $79.99 it was hard to pass on the Fat Bob's kit. Wouldn't be hard to drill & tap for zerks but by the time I thought about it they were already mounted.

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to soak mine for days with penetrating lube.

I plan to go with this lift and a little fender trimming to fit 31" tires.

 

I tend to soak anything I can for a day or two before I work on it, esp if I know in advance that work needs to be done.

PB Blaster FTMFW!

 

I used "Seafoam Deep Creep" every day for a week. Did wonders on the front stuff. I hate to think what those upper shackle bolts would have been like without it.

 

Maybe would've snapped off?

Oxy torches are also really nice to have for getting off stuck nuts/bolts. Just have to be careful to not damage surrounding parts.

 

Great job, my install took about 5 hours with mounting the 31's on the stock wheels and installing.

 

Xj looks good,springs have seen better days but thats common.Not to degrade your lift or anything this is why I dont like extended shackles (my opinion only) they invert your leaf springs. This is on all xjs you see it.But great job.

 

Whats better for a small lift like this, one with spacers and shackles or one with spacers and add a leaf?

 

It would depend on your budget and what you intend to do with the truck, but probably shackles and spacers.

 

So why are shackles better than add a leaf? Is it because they are easier to put in or do they last longer or are more durable? And just looking at some prices it seems like both lift kits are around the same (Canadian 80 - 90 bucks) so what are the advantages?

 

Beside shackles being easier to put in, I chose them because to me an add-a-leaf makes your spring arch farther than it normally does so that the spring is constantly trying to pull the AAL flat.