Help Me Out With Lift...3 or 4.5?

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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:09 PM
  #1  
im getting a lift soon but i got alot of concerns and stuff i cant make my mind up between a 3 inch and a 4.5, i like the rough country stuff and there prices so thats what i was looking at but my cherokee is a daily driver with occasional off road goofin around, i currently run 235s but i was wanting to run 31s with my lift, some procomps or BFGs or something... now is there any pros and cons between the two like is the 4.5 a bit more of a pain in the **** to get right? and how much more extra crap would i have to buy in order to make it all work good? and as far as i know the 3 inch kits are they gonna come with all i need to just be able to drive it afterwards? thanks
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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:13 PM
  #2  
If its a DD Id say 3... Just to avoid the gas mileage drop and the ride/top heavy. But thats me. I went with a 1.5 just because its a DD and I want it to just look sporty.
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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:14 PM
  #3  
i got my RC kit 3" with AAL's with 31"s so far not a problem,, i thought the ride was gonna be real rough but its not to bad,, i dont have any complaints with it at all
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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:17 PM
  #4  
yea i really like the look of a 4.5 lifted cherokee but as long as the gas didnt drop down that bad than i wouldnt mind, as long as i get like 12mpg then id be ok, and the ride quality doesnt have to be real nice, just not like anoying or dangerous and im good, trying to figure out if i should just do the 3 or just go big and get the 4.5 even though im afraid its gonna be like twice as pricey and that im gonna have to buy a bunch of extra crap besides what the kit includes in order to make it work...
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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:22 PM
  #5  
I would say 3 because once you get into the 4.5 inch range you might need a slip yoke eliminator maybe extended brake lines ect. not real sure though all jeeps are different but i have a 3.5 from rubicon and 31's not a problem fit fine looks even better.
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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:27 PM
  #6  
maybe ill go with rubicon then, i see its 403 bucks shipped but that doesnt include shocks...hmm
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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:37 PM
  #7  
I can't decide either...

For me, it's a total toss-up between the Rubicon Express 3.5" or 4.5" Super-Flex kit. Rough Country make some awesome kits as well!

From what i've gathered, going 4.5" is gonna call for a SYE and an Adjustable Track Bar, and possible more Front End parts to avoid "The Death Wobble"...

So hey, why not go all-out and do a 6.5" Long Arm kit then???
$$$


Really, i'm quite happy now with my 3" lift and 31's. My XJ's steering is still stock and it drives like a dream.

I just want more articulation.

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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:40 PM
  #8  
yea idno i cant decide, i would imagine the 6.5 wouldnt be good for a daily driver lol
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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:44 PM
  #9  
If its gonna be a DD and a weekend offroader then I would go with the 3"...I had an RC 3 " with 31 and I liked that combo so much that I am going for it again...and yea if your going with 4.5 why not just go 6....Just my opinion..
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Jan 19, 2010 | 08:48 PM
  #10  
guess ill just do that, the rough country 3 inch lift is there any special variation of that lift kit i should get and where i should order from? and other parts ima need? thanks
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Jan 19, 2010 | 09:29 PM
  #11  
I'm thinking that the RC 3" kit has everything you'll need. I still have a stock T-Bar with mine and my Brake Lines are plenty long enough.


Next question... AAL's or new Spring Packs???

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Jan 20, 2010 | 11:38 AM
  #12  
spring packs!!!
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Jan 20, 2010 | 12:11 PM
  #13  
rc 4.5 and leafpacks, go to carpats.com they have it for like $ 450 less leafpack. think i will go with that.
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Jan 20, 2010 | 12:22 PM
  #14  
It has been my experience that the more you drive it then the closer to stock you should keep it. 3" lift and 31's are a great combo without getting into too many headaches. The taller you lift the more headaches you'll have unless your wallet has no bottom...

$7K worth of migranes later, my 8.5" Long Arm, High Steer system w/ 35"s is a great daily driver... It's all about perspective
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Jan 20, 2010 | 12:43 PM
  #15  
Just from my experience.

I did the 4.5" RC lift. Everything went together very well, I did spring packs, and the drop brackets, i think it was like $700 for the whole thing shipping included.

I am currently getting ~ 16MPG on average, (mostly city driving), and can get ~18 with highway. Only upgrade I have is CAI, and Re did the stock Exhaust.

Honestly the only thing I would change (other than going bigger) Is I wish I did a long arm rather than the short arm kit, but at the time money was the factor.

Hope that helps with any decision
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