Just got an XJ budget, what should I do?
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Nevada
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6, 4.0L (High Output)
Yes - but don't skimp on the shocks. My experience with the DT3000s, Ruogh Countrys and Pro-Comps are sub-par. I won't buy any of them again.
I currently have a set of Rubicon monotubes and they RIDE awesome (also not cheap) but I haven't had them long enough to comment on any sort of longevity out of them.
I think if you want a shock that is gonna last AND has concrete data to back them up go with the Bilsteins. They will cost you more up front but save you money in the long run because you don't have to keep replacing them.
As for my old RE 3.5" lift - we installed it in the fall of 2003. The Jeep has never been a daily driver but it has always been driven fairly regularly (both myself and the current owner drove/drive it on average 1-2 times a week) and it has been wheeled reasonably hard.
The springs have not sagged front or rear (My lift was a full leaf pack so I can't comment on the AAL version). The bushings are still tight in the control arms and it is just a solid all around lift - probably one of the best investments made on that Jeep.
The only 2 weak links are the lack of a track bar and the swaybar discos. I would also budget for an adjustable track bar and some different disconnects (unless the newer RE ones come with it now).
I currently have a set of Rubicon monotubes and they RIDE awesome (also not cheap) but I haven't had them long enough to comment on any sort of longevity out of them.
I think if you want a shock that is gonna last AND has concrete data to back them up go with the Bilsteins. They will cost you more up front but save you money in the long run because you don't have to keep replacing them.
As for my old RE 3.5" lift - we installed it in the fall of 2003. The Jeep has never been a daily driver but it has always been driven fairly regularly (both myself and the current owner drove/drive it on average 1-2 times a week) and it has been wheeled reasonably hard.
The springs have not sagged front or rear (My lift was a full leaf pack so I can't comment on the AAL version). The bushings are still tight in the control arms and it is just a solid all around lift - probably one of the best investments made on that Jeep.
The only 2 weak links are the lack of a track bar and the swaybar discos. I would also budget for an adjustable track bar and some different disconnects (unless the newer RE ones come with it now).
As to the shocks, I would never buy Rough Country, or ProComp, but what about Skyjacker?
I've heard they pair with the RE lifts pretty well, and are decent shocks?
I'm going with a full pack no matter what lift I get, I would never do an AAL.
Exactly, so also part of the question I asked above:
What kit would you recomend for me? The SuperRide, or the SuperFlex?
This is going to be a daily driver/offroad vehicle. So it is defintely going to see some moderate offroad driving.
I'm not going to be rock crawling, but I love the look of flexing XJ's Is it worth the extra for the flex kit?
Also, the new RE SuperFlex kits come with flex arms ($209 a pair) and a pair of their genII quick disco's ($149 a pair) which I have heard are nice.
So it would be $584 (SupeRide kit) or $760 (SuperFlex kit).
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
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From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I rode a rustys kit on a tj for over a year...I'm not claiming I know everything about every bolt that rustys makes...you jumped out In a "douchey" comment that I have ZERO experience when you had no clue yourself what my experience was with the product
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Nevada
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6, 4.0L (High Output)
The difference between the 2 kits is the SF kit doesn't give you swaybar quick disconnects and it uses the rubber bushings at both ends of the control arm.
I think the big difference is in the disconnects. The extra flex in the SF kit comes from disconnecting them easily.
You will still get enough flex out of the SR kit to hit your fenders.
I think the big difference is in the disconnects. The extra flex in the SF kit comes from disconnecting them easily.
You will still get enough flex out of the SR kit to hit your fenders.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Wilmington, NC
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Just like you jumped out in a "douchery" comment assuming that you A) had a better idea and B) he hadn't already looked at, and ruled out Rusty's products.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 93
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From: Nevada
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6, 4.0L (High Output)
Can we please stick to subject of ideas. BOTH OF YOU.I really appreciate the help from both of you, all I want is ideas, not an argument.
I have heard good and bad stuff about Rusty's. I have heard mostly good stuff from RE. So I am just going with what sounds best.
Last edited by dustyeye; Sep 8, 2011 at 02:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 93
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From: Nevada
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6, 4.0L (High Output)
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 598
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington, NC
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
OP - I have no experience with Skyjacker shocks and have never known anyone who ran them so I can't comment.
My old XJ is on Ranchos now however and he seems to like them.
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,652
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From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
OP: I'm sorry on drews part for turning the thread into something other than what it was intended..the setup you listed is a badass setup...i was going to recommend rustys package deal where you get lift, tires, and wheels all together...every rustys 3 inch kit I've seen nets 3.5-4 inches..if $ isn't really a factor check out bds..if your wanting good value consider rustys. Ill be following your build..good luck..do you plan on installing yourself?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 93
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From: Nevada
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6, 4.0L (High Output)
I am not taking sides, I'm not favoring one of your opinions over the others.
I am just going with what I've heard most about, and what I originally planned on doing like I stated above.
Thanks guys, if you have other ideas, I still want to know. Both your opinions matter to me.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 93
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From: Nevada
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6, 4.0L (High Output)
OP: I'm sorry on drews part for turning the thread into something other than what it was intended..the setup you listed is a badass setup...i was going to recommend rustys package deal where you get lift, tires, and wheels all together...every rustys 3 inch kit I've seen nets 3.5-4 inches..if $ isn't really a factor check out bds..if your wanting good value consider rustys. Ill be following your build..good luck..do you plan on installing yourself?
So Rusty's lift net that much? I was comparing pictures and it really seemed like RE was higher, but it could have been my eye's.
Yes, I do plan on installing myself with the help of my dad who is a mechanic.
I'll start a build thread when I get the stuff, thanks for the interest!
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
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From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
No prob..I've heard nothing bud good about treadwrights..an their prices are awesome..I'm half way through my install now doing it solo...total pain..got lucky with your dad being a mech..going with a roof rack or new bumpers?
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,652
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From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by Xj88
No prob..I've heard nothing bud good about treadwrights..an their prices are awesome..I'm half way through my install now doing it solo...total pain..got lucky with your dad being a mech..going with a roof rack or new bumpers?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: SIERRA VISTA AZ
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6 CYL
The Rubi kits are good i have one on my ZJ and i ahve used diff parts on the xj. the only thing i ran into was the rubber end would wear out real fast i was told it was a bad compound for their supplier. Now 4 wheel parts owns them so not sure who they have to supply the bushings. Other than that i enjoyed their product and would buy again. My .02 worth.