kbernal1016

Ok, so its coming time for me to do a little upgrading/repairing to my xj. I havent decided on what size lift but I have decided on a tire, 30x9.5. Which lift would be best with that size?

I was thinking of doing the following:
Calling rustys and ordering a new adjustable track bar, new tie rod and drag link, HD steering stabalizer, 2" lift w/ shocks and brake line extenders. Would 2" be enough or should I go with 3.5"? I dont want to get longer driveshafts btw...

I was thinking rustys because they seem to sell everything but is somebody else better or cheaper (i want quality though)? The steering in my car is in bad shape, I get death wobble frequently. Is there another, cheaper upgrade I can do to the steering? ZJ components maybe?

I dont do much wheeling but I would like to take it off road once in a while. I would also like to tow a small boat or car with it someday so what should I do about springs? My chassis has 338k miles on it and im sure all my springs are shot.

What do you all recommend?

Abovetimberline

I have a worn out 2" on the front of mine and 31s fit just fine. Without knowing what has been done to your suspension you need to make sure your suspension like ball joints,bushings are good before you lift it.

mike albo

What is your budget?When I did mine I went wayyyyy over.

kbernal1016

I'm sure most of my bushings/joints could use replacement, that's a main reason why I was thinking only 2".

mike albo

I only did a 2" on mine but I also replaced every bushing, tie rod end, ball joints drag, link brake lines, u-joints,u-bolts.Thats why you need to figure a budget.

mike albo

my wife wasn't happy.

mike albo

Don't forget motor and tranny mounts to.

kbernal1016

My budget is high, however I am only going to be doing a little at a time. Priority #1 is replacing all my steering components then brakes, get the a/c working again, and then a small lift. However I need to decide on what size lift so I can choose the proper track bar and brake lines. Im sure that Ill need to replace all the bushings and joints but I need to find a goal and go from there.

Ive even thought of selling the 88 and buying a newer one. The only thing holding me back is that I only paid $1100 for it and if I spend $1500 on it, ill still be saving money over buying a decent one for $3k. Keep in mind too that I do all my own work except the a/c stuff.

Motor and tranny mounts are shot, but they are CHEAP.

I forgot to add that Ill be buying a steering box brace as well, which one should I get? I see some cheap ones on ebay, are they sufficent?

mike albo

You can make your on steering box brace.There should be a build thread on her some where.And as far as lifts go,I did the OME 2" standered duty kit.Everything eles is JKS, trac bar,adjustable lca,disconects.Stainless brake lines,and all poly bushings,(I like the squeak).Did the lift my self with help from my brother and my oldest son.

4.3L XJ

If you are going to run 30 inch tires, you don't even need a lift as long as you use stock wheels. The thing to ask is:how long am I going to keep it and how am I going to us it?

If you are going to keep it for a while, and it sounds like you will, then I would suggest either a 2" or 3" with full leaf packs. You can get front pucks and shackles cheaper, but those shackles will eventually destroy the temper of your rear springs an you will be back on this forum wondering what to do about it. Secondly, shackles change the pinion angle and can produce a driveshaft vibration, and again you will be back on this forum wondering what to do about it. Do some research on kits that have front and rear springs and shocks and then get back to us and we can discuss it more.

kbernal1016

So if I do a 2" lift should I get new front springs too or spacers? I've read something about zj springs too, can you guys fill
me in?

kbernal1016

Will any zj drag link/ tie rod bolt up to our cars? They are stronger then xj's right?

MdgtRac

It's all really in preference. But since you asked to fit 30's you can get that with a two inch lift easy, but you also said that you want to take it wheeling occasionally. Will you be able to get around the terrain were you will wheel with a two inch lift? For the money that you say you have you should get new shocks and coil springs if possible. I went with an add-a-leaf on my 4.5" but it was cheaper and i'm only sixteen lol. But as far as zj coil springs go. New they will give you around 2" but if they are old worn out and saggy it'd be around a 1" lift. It's all in preference, use that search bar, thats why its made. Theres also a page on here about lift setups, go check that out.

gabe74gt

Thanks for the guidance.

93XJLI

Old Man Emu 2" Heavy kit with their nitrocharger shocks, JKS trackbar and currie's HD steering setup. as far as a stabilizer goes, any cheap one will do, "heavy-duty" stabilizers are a myth since a well setup steering does not need one. You can save a few bucks and go with the ZJ steering setup as well.