**PROGRESS UPDATE 8/06/13**
I am currently in the market for stock "un-molested" 97-01 xj to start my first 4x4 build. Its something I have always wanted to do. ive got roughly a 7k budget to complete the purchase of the jeep and build it. 7k for now that is..

Ive done a lot of research because I like to do things right the first time. but as this is my first build I know there is still a lot that I do not know! and that is why I am here! lol

End result I want a well built/reliable jeep that I could DD if I wanted to (do not need to). but that can keep up with my buddies on the trails..

This is the build list I have compiled so far..

RC 6.5 long arm lift: $1450
http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_6xla.html

Front Bump Stops: $52
http://www.jegs.com/i/Prothane/311/19-1704/10002/-1

Rear Bump Stops: $57
http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/...ate-p-208.html

SYE: $200
reccomended by RC

Drive Shaft: $300
Reccomended by RC

Shocks:i want the Bilstein 5150s but i do not know what length or the best place to buy them???

Wheels and Tires: $1533
Wheels: Pro comp 152
http://4wheelonline.com/Images/Categ...ack_152_Md.jpg

Tires: Wrangler MT/R 33x12.50x15
http://www.productwiki.com/upload/im...ith_kevlar.jpg

I have the cash ready to go, I just have to find the right jeep to get things started!!

any input on my build so far?? things I am overlooking? cheaper alternatives? how bout the shocks? how bout the driveshaft / SYE combo?

I understand rough country is not the best longarm lift to go with , but I am not gonna beat it up to insanely hard. and it fits in the budget..

keep in mind I do not have very much fabrication skills and I can not weld either..

EDIT:
Ended up going with a Serious Off-road long arm suspension kit.. Progress started slow, but has picked back up..

I'd either go with bigger tires or a smaller lift. I run 33s on a 3.5 inch lift and I just trimmed the front fenders a little bit. Here's a pic I'd get at least 35s with a 6.5 inch lift, an you may want to consider a lift other than rough country, their leaf springs are often too short and require use if shackle relocation brackets which ads another 200 dollars, their track bar tie rod ends wear out quick which they will replace for free, and their flex joints are low quality and wear quickly. If you have the money but rubicon express or bds or something.

thanks for the input man. I was planning on goin with 35s later down the road is why I was gonna do the 6.5 lift. I just felt I need to build my axles before I go with 35s? isn't that correct? I am really contemplating on goin with the RE long arm lift, its just hard for me to justify the extra 600 bucks for it! ive heard that they have stated using better joints and ends with their kits recently??

Welcome to the club. It's good that you have a good build plan already going. I have a RC 4.5 on my xj with 31's. I've already considered/wished I went bigger with a long arm. I'm not all that crazy about my RC but it is nice for the price. I'd check out some smaller fab shops that build tough stuff about the same price. I've ordered parts thru Iron Rock Offroad and think they make nice stuff. Count on catching the urge to buy more parts for it tho haha

I am happy with my Zone 3" kit for now when all said and done with axle swap and leveling I will be closer to 4-4.5 inches. I have 30x9.5 BFG ATS on it in this pic. Next tires I buy (before summer) will be 33x12.50 ! The 30s were too new to replace right now. I got this Jeep in a trade ,wife got a new car I got this 01 XJ with just shy of 200k wife bought this jewel new in July of 01. Ive put 400 bucks into it so far not counting the 8.8 I scored for 50 bucks plus a few other goodies. I too wished I had gone alittle bigger but I dont want to cut the fenders up and I want a Low center of gravity with some killer flex so I will have to do alot of home work.

Check out seriousoffroadproducts.com for good prices on rubicon express. The owner of the site is a member here and also builds and sells long arms. His are 700 a set and every bit as good as any of the big lift companies.

This is what you need. http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...650d201fcf25d5 it's a 5.5 inch lift it has everything you need to lift te jeep. Sye driveshaft long arms shackles springs trackbar brake lines bilstein shocks... Everything.

holy *****! I just check out their site, but I did not see that. that looks like a great kit! I was really wanting to go with a 5.5 kit too! Thanks man!

I wonder if they would be able to switch out the shocks for the 5150's for a lil extra... and I did not see a drop pitman arm on their list either, but I think I am def gonna go with that setup. it only comes out to like a 200-300 dollar difference than the setup I configured. and from what I heard the difference in quality from RE and RC is well worth that!

Talk to frank, he will probably swap the shocks to 5150s for you. And you won't need a drop pitman arm unless your track bar as drag link aren't parallel. I'll figure out how to contact him real quick an let you know he is a great dude. And usually has a discount for cherokee forum members.

Those long arms aren't RE, they are his design that he builds. I have never heard a complaint about them, and he uses the best flex joints in the market.

oh ok, good deal. I just thought that anytime you lifted more than 3-4 inches. it would require a drop pitman arm..like I said I am still learning tho..

and that would be great man! now I just have to find the right jeep. This money is starting to burn a hole in my pocket..lol hopefully I will find one this weekend sometime.

You can go to that website and click the contact us link on the right side of the page, or message him on here to find out about changing out the shocks. He is SeriousOffroad on here.

or just wait for him him to stick his big melon in the door and snoop around.....

Speak of the devil...

As far as swapping out the 5100's for 5150's....no can do.
Bilstein quit making 5150's last year.

Oh Damn.. What about their successor?