I started with a 98 bone stock XJ. I installed an RE 3.5" SR with DT3000 shocks. Tires are Treadwright 31x10.50x15 on the BFG AT-KO carcass but with the MT style tread. Balancing the tires went well, with a range of weight from 1/4 ounce up to 2 3/4 ounces. Not bad. There is a slight vibe between 30-40mph that is only noticed on the skinny old tires. Please take note of the wheels in the after pic. They were on this Jeep when I bought it in December. The PO abused them so bad that I took them off as soon as I got home and put on an old set I had laying around. Last week I wet sanded them with 2000 grit and buffed them out. A couple nights work saved me about $400.

I need to catch up on the MAD money for the SYE and CV shaft

Before


After


The front part of the lift install was uneventful. The rear was a different story. Being my third XJ I took a different approach this time getting the rear springs off. It went better that the others I've done, and quicker with no busted knuckles.

Get one of these


And make your first cut like so


Then turn the left over part 180º and make another cut. Peel the whole thing out of the way and quickly cut the metal sleeve covering the rubber bushing with the same tool in two places and peel it off. Next use a razor knife to cut the rubber in two places and remove. Now you have access to the pesky bushing that the bolt is frozen to. Spray it with some PB and whack it a couple of times, then the bolt will screw right out. Both sides took thirty minutes total. SO, please don't cut holes in the floor

Summary:
The Lift
I like the RE kit better than the RC kits I've had before. I really can't bad mouth the RC kit, but the RE kit seems to be beefier, yet it rides better. I think the standard shocks with the RE kit are better on the road than the one that came with the RC kits.

The Tires
The cost of the four tires I bought from treadwright were $338 delivered. They do make a lot of noise on the road, but that's alright. The guys at the tire shop chuckled a bit when they noticed they were retreads. But, they just about crapped themselves when they ran the first tire and it only needed a 1/4 ounce. The next bay they were balancing a set of Yokahamas with 6 ounces and counting with wieghts on both sides of the wheels. The tire size mounted and on the ground is actually 30", and does not seem as wide as one would expect a 10.50 to be. If they hold up under normal conditions for 30-40k, I'd buy again.

The wheels
Polishe aluminum can be reborn as seen here. These wheels were really in bad shape. Shall I say "Thank you Mr Power Ball invennnnntor"

The Shocks
I did quite a bit of research on shocks, but in the end, price it how I decided. I'd read a number of folks say the DT3000 weren't very good. I accepted that. However, they are better than expected.

One last thing
My son laughs because he can still tell me his "unit" is still bigger than mine. (My name is on the title, heheheheh)

 

Nice looking rigs, thanks for the article

 

Thanks for the write-up, the advice on removing the rear springs is super valuable. I've been dreading doing that. It sounds like it's pretty uneventful the way you're describing it.

 

Nice XJ's almost makes me want to come out of the Renix years.

 

I agree those are nice looking rigs. Keep us updated for the future improvements as you make them.

 

Nice...........

 

Sweet rigs!! Both yours??

 

nice rigs and a good article

 

Nice Jeep!

But, I like the before rims better.

 

I'd be happy to sell them to ya

Had the front alignment done today. Caster and Camber were both with tolerance. Tow of course was off. Now it drives smooth and straight. Very Happy so far!

 

looks great man, oh and i have the same treadwrights on the way right now, cant beat the price man.

 

Those lift, tires and wheels really made the big difference...
Nice rig...

 

It's pretty but you should get a better paint job =D

 

very nice rigs! Keep it up!
good write up also