I have been lurking the site for quite some time…finally got around to joining when I got my XJ. It’s a 94 2wd Cherokee Country. I know I will catch some shat for lifting it, but im dead set on it. My dilemma is the brand lift to buy. Please take into consideration that I will be driving this daily about 10 miles to work and the occasional weekend trips on the highway. I will NOT be rock crawling or mudding. I wont lie tho, I might hit a few mud puddles if they are tempting me.

My options are the following:

Rustys 4.5 lift with full rear leaf packs, steering stabilizer, and shocks

Rubicon Express 4.5 super flex with add a leaf and lift block…no shocks.

The Rustys come with everything ready to go. I have not heard anything bad about Rustys, but have heard lots of good on Rubicon. Price is not the issue right now, because I can get both for the exact same price down to the cent. I don’t know if I should get the RE and buy shocks for another $100 and hope the back doesn’t sag. Or go with the Rustys.

I will be putting on 32” x 11.50” on 15x8 procomp wheels (which i need to figure out a good back spacing for this too)

Please give your opinions with valid reasoning to back up your choice. Thanks in advance!!

 

IN my opinion you cant compare the quality of the two I think that RE is a much better product then Rustys.

 

will the add a leaf sag in a yr? I think its only $100 more for the full leafs on RE...but I still would have to buy shocks and debated on a steering stabilizer.

 

Check out Rough Country.

As far as Customer service and satifaction there is no rival.

You do not want BLOCKS.

http://www.roughcountry.com/

 

The rough country 4.5 was the first kit to catch my eye...but I can get the RE for almost as cheap. BUT I have to buy shocks still.

***Note to self***
NO BLOCKS!

 

ALso note to self the RE had blocks and AAL. Not a great Combo It will sag.

 

If you are not wheelin it and you just want looks. Might consider the 3in lift 31in tire combo. Makes a nice looking Jeep and still keeps a lower center of gravity.

I am not sure the tire size you want but if you start getting into 33's on stock gears you are gonna hate it.

 

The RE does have a full leaf kit for $100 more.

I am pretty set on 32" tires...and dont want 33's.

I dont like the look of a 3.5 and 31's...buddy of mine had one and it looked great, i just like the beefier look of the 32s on a 4.5.

 

I have an RE superflex 3.5 on my 91 with 33s and I love it

 

Ok when you start looking into 4.5 inches of lift there is a lot more that needs to be done that arn't included in some kits.

Extended Brake lines.

Adjustable trackbars

Adjustable control arms or Drop Brackets.

Longer driveshaft and Sye.

Beefier gears to turn the 32's (not necessary but might want after you take in on the highway)

Ofcourse a steering alignment since your steering geometry will change more with 4.5 inches of lift.



3 inches of lift is always a good starting point since it cost less and you need very lil stuff other than what is in the kit.

You could always add a Shackle in the rear and spacers in the front to achieve the 4.5 inches of lift once you have the other parts.

Alot to think about when going stock to 4.5 inches.

 

you will definatly need a steering stabilizer

 

i run rustys as do alot of people on here ,those guy at rustys make there own parts and test them on there own jeeps and its made in the U.S.A your not talking to somebodt behind a desk that pushes buttons all day and drives a volkswagon.ther product are of high quality ,from what ive used i have no complaints

 

I was told that I wont need longer driveshaft or SYE....
I think the RE comes with an adjustable trac bar and upper and lower control arms.

hmmm now im second guessing ordering my lift tonight.

 

I wouldn't debate that RE has a great lift, but if your not going to be going off road with it, Rusty's would work just fine.

 

you dont need a SYE. waste of hard earned money in your case