What lift should I use
 

So I'm new to the lifted xj community and wanted to get some input on what lift to buy before I do so, I have a 1990 xj and am looking too make it more aggressive. I am going for on/off-road capability with good handling for a cheap price, the two I'm looking at, the Rubicon Express 3.5 inch super flex, and the Rough Country 4.5 inch with full leafs, are the top two in my consideration, I'm going to run 33s, suggestions?

Hands down, the RE

Rubicon express. Don't cheap out if you want a quality driver

I'm running the RE springs with long arms and they're great, only issue i've had is my leafs are kinda spreading, but i do beat the **** out of it and jump it often. My RC stuff sagged more than an inch in less than a year. it was a aal, but the front sagged too. And like they said dont cheap out if you expect quality, and note that the 3.5" springs are gonna get you over 4", and youll likely need a TC drop or preferably a SYE.

PS, go with 35s because wheeling with the 33s for a couple months are gonna make you wish you did.

It's going to be more of a DD with the occasional off-road expedition, what kind of shocks do you recommend? I was thinking 3.5-4.5 but for more flex should I go bigger? Also how much TC drop. Thanks

Skip RC if you want it to last.

Expect more than 3" of lift from the RE kit. Also, the RE 3" coils are very stiff. I want to change mine out to something softer. I'm sure Fred will be along shortly to recommend Rustys. You'll hear this a thousand times but you get what you pay for.

Old Man Emu (OME) is said to sell some of the best riding springs out there. They're made by ARB.

Zone or Iron rock Offroad is a good all around 3" base lift in terms of spring rate, quality, and price. I've heard the nitro shocks (zone) aren't too horrible either. As for length of shocks. You want to go longer if you plan on running larger tires for the lift (31"+). That way you net down travel and keep the up-travel to a minimum with the smaller clearance you'll have with the larger tires (You should always bump stop however so you don't over compress your shocks).

The RE kit tends to sit higher in the rear than the front as well. Which kind of makes it more difficult if you're wanting to do shackle relocation brackets in the future or any kind of longer shackle.

Also add a leaf will always sag. You're relying on one arched leaf to lift your whole jeep mounted to a pack that is factory arched.

So if I get the RE kit would you suggest getting 1 or 2 inch cool spacers to even out my xj? Or would you just leave it

I would just leave it. Their factory setup isn't too much of a height difference. Although if you're trying to get more out of your leaf springs, it will become more of a factor. If you did spacers up front you'd definitely have to run more components.

Why do you need so much flex for daily driving? Also, do not even consider a transfer case drop. Do it properly right away and get an sye

A TC drop will be fine if hes not doing any crazy wheeling.

And to the OP, there's no need for more lift to achieve a lot of flex, its the other components that will allow it. And for reference, this is how the RE springs can potentially flex(more if shackles are set up better. this is where my back tire stops touching the ground from maxing out the shock.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...b49567ad0f.jpg


on 35s


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...95382bfa1b.jpg

on 31s w/ stock brake lines