Im set on first thing, getting the biggest cost of my Jeep build out of the way and thats Lift. My plans are to do this on a 2k budget. So my pick between lifts is either a R.E. XD 5.5" short arm kit or a Rustys 6.5" long arm kit. To me it seems the long arm kit from R.E. looks like alot of hassel where the Rustys looks no so complicated. So from experience with these two diffrent company lifts, what are yalls imput on this?.. Also ive noticed some options like with Rustys lift is a 6.5" spring pack or 4.5" spring pack with a 1.5" lift shackle, i take it the 4.5 spring pack is less stiff then the 6.5" inwhich makes for better flex right? The one thing i dont wanna slack on is a lift under my Jeep.

 

Bump... ? Imput needed...

 

I cant tell you much about the 6.5 But I am almost done installing my rusty's 4.5 spring pack kit. I must say I am very impressed with the quality of components, especially the control arms, they are friggin massive and very nicely made. The only thing I am disappointed with are the standard shocks. I would upgrade those if doing it again.

 

R U by chance the same Swamp Donkey that was on Ford-diesel.com a couple years back?

 

i think that RE and rusty's use pretty much the same leaf springs.

 

I have Rusty's control arms on my TJ. I'm very happy with the quality and price.

 

I have had the Rusty's 4.5 inch lift kit on my XJ for 4 years now. Their coild springs are outstanding as soon as you get them new. The ride great on the road and flex like mad off road. Because they are soft you will want to keep your front sway bar on and connected when driving on the road. The kit comes with an adjustable track bar. Their rear 4.5 inch leaf springs are stiff as hell when you get them new. Mine have finally settled down after 3-4 years of on and off road use. The complete kit both front coils and rear leafs ride awesome on road and flex awesome offroad, now. the only issue I have had with this lift kit is the adjustable tierod end at the top of the track bar, breaking. I have broken 3 of them to date. I believe that is my fault, though. I have added a daystar BB 1 3/4" spacer in the front and 1" shackle in the rear. Risty's says that if you lift any higher than 4.5 you should switch to their HD track bar mount and track bar end. As soon as I feel I have $85 to put towards that I will. Right now it's easier to just replace the tierod end when it breaks since it is idential to the OEM rod end on the tierod at $35 a pop.

 

Rusty's
I also have the 4.5 spring pack lift and i am fully satisfied.

 

i pieced my RE kit together with their leafs, coils RC shackles and procomp shocks, and home made la's

RE for me.