Okay I have been looking at componenets of various lifts avalible from different manufactures and I think that I can peice one together from components from lifts and jy finds for much cheaper ( that is until I acctully put it all together) the plan would be to purchase 1.5'' or 2'' coil spacers w/ zj springs for the front and 2'' or 1.5'' extended shackles w/ xj aal in the rear and of course extended brake lines. Now the question that I have is what is the benefit to new lower control arms I have noticed that some of the cheaper kits do not include them are they mandatory for a 3'' lift? Also if I do not use them what are the adverse effects? I am not one to cut cornners how ever if I am able to save money and do the job right I am all for that. So any imput at all will be a big help.

 

New control arms are designed to keep the tire centered in the wheel well. As the vehicle is lifted higher, the stocks arms are set at an increased angle moving the tires toward the rear of the fender. This offsets the balance of the vehicle as well as the look. There won't be that much offset with only 3 inches, but new arms are suggested. Going above 3 inches would be ill advised without new arms, preferably adjustable uppers and lowers to adjust caster for alignment.

 

The more parallel your lower control arms are to the ground, the smoother ride.
As soon as you start to lift, the LCA angles, causing bumps to be a bit rougher.

I have a 3" lift on mine. And the ride is just tollerable. Any higher and I do not think I could drive it. The axle is a little out of center of the wheelwell, but like the LCA situation, its tollerable.
Any higher and I would mostlikely go with adjustables.
Just so everyone knows....Lil Red is a DD.

It has been mentioned, countless times, that 3-3.5" is borderline before needing alot of "extras" (Adj control arms, adj.trackbar, longer brakelines, SYE)

 

+1

I have a 3" kit with stoc LCA's and its fine.

 

Thanks guys this is very helpful I am not sure as to what to do still but it sounds like this might be possible.