I plan to keep my 2000 XJ primarily stock, I need rear shocks, my buddy's here are pushing me to add a lift vs just replacing shocks, I do not plan on doing any serious off roading, maybe a occasional run through some mud, what shocks should I install and is a Kit really necessary for what I plan on doing,

 

Don't worry about shocks till you make the lift decision. If you go 2" or less of lift the stock size shocks will be fine. As far as brand I'd go Old Man Emu or bilstien.

 

I'd recommend a small budget boost lift. Like 1.5-2". Then get shocks to accommodate. The shocks the previous poster recommended are both very reputable brands.

 

I have a 99 XJ and installed a 3 ' rough country lift which I suggest... Its not to high but yet high enough and jeep handles like a dream..

Just a thought

Ant....

 

old man emu and blistien are not in my budget, I will research the rough country, I also read in a few posts, guys using oem shocks and monroe, Also sounds like the consensus is lift it because I can?

 

http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-sus...70-config.html
will this ok with stock tires?

 

this one too?
http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Lift-Kits-Je...-Kit-with-Add-
A-Leaf.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=38&t_pt=3533&t_pn=T%2fMTM3730-40013

added leaf spring or spacer ?

 

Link no worky.... Personally I would avoid an AAL type lift.. especially if your current springs are saggy. Measure your ride height, let see how much your XJ has lowered itself: http://www.mike-g.net/jeep/yinyang/tech/rideheight.

If I were doing 3" BUDGET lift I would go spacers or NEW springs in the front, and a Bastard pack with longer shackles in the rear and a GOOD set of shocks. Maybe some Takeoffs or OEM JK shocks.

 

bad link description = Trail Master 3.0 Inch Lift Kit with Add-A-Leaf 239.99

 

I;m such a newb, what does AAL type lift refer to, and " Bastard pack" is this just a variety of parts? wouldn't a kit be better ?

what is the advantage or disadvantage of the added leaf spring vs spacer

 

AAL means "add a leaf" where you just add a small helped leaf to your leaf pack to gain lift. A bastard pack is when you take leafs from several sets of leaf springs and combine them till you have the desired effect. Disadvantage of an add a leaf is that it will add more arch to your leaf pack, making the spring itself stiffer and shorter. Because the spring is shorter the shackle angle will be negatively effected, making for a rougher riding spring. Also, AAL's tend to sag after awhile. Lift blocks are kinda taboo for people who do a lot of wheeling because you get what's called axle wrap, which is when the leaf spring bends into an S shape. I don't think it would be too detrimental for you though. This is what I'd recommend. http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-sus...it-680-20.html

Then the next time you buy tires you can get some that are a little bit bigger, probably 30x9.5 or whatever the metric equivalent is

 

Don't lift it is another option, remove unnecessary sheet metal and flares



I loved my jeep with this configuration and wished I would have never lifted it. Stock height with 31's and no flares/trimmed sheetmetal. Took it all over the Sierra Nevada mountains. If your not gonna rock crawl don't lift it!

 

Don't lift it is another option, remove unnecessary sheet metal and flares



I loved my jeep with this configuration and wished I would have never lifted it. Stock height with 31's and no flares/trimmed sheetmetal. Took it all over the Sierra Nevada mountains. If your not gonna rock crawl don't lift it!

 

My opinion is that lifting a daily driver is asking for trouble, considering the suspension geometry changes and wear issues that brings. A weekend warrior, purpose built 4x4, rock crawler, etc. Then Go For A Lift!

I have been very pleased with my Monroe Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting shocks.

Sold in pairs on Rockauto for $85.79
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...636&cc=1373666

They are a stock type replacement, increased my towing ability and stability. No degradation to regular ride but stiffens up when you have heavy cargo or towing tongue weight. Keeps the rear of the Jeep leveled out nicely instead of that sagging rear end I see a lot of XJs with. Kinda the same effect as adding a helper leaf to your existing leaf spring pack, but a whole lot easier to accomplish.

Of course the next thing to deal with is the rear shock mounting studs breaking off. There are already tons of posts on dealing with that little hiccup.

 

right now I'm leaning toward no lift because I'm not rock crawling, mud maybe, but no rocks, if I am going to lift it some day, I will be with the rough country mentioned above or trail master 2" with cgs shock. Both are the same price $249.00

now that I ahve determined based on your posts not to lift it, other than "Monroe Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting shocks" what else do you suggest ?