msb0103

Hey everyone! I have a 98 xj which is current sitting on a 4.5in RE lift and 33s. I have about 2500 to put into it and I'm trying to decide between IRO 6.5 IN lift or a regear to 4.56. Its currently stock gears at 3.55. I've already got an sye installed and now I just want to figure out what to do next, I live in Alaska so labor is expensivvvvvveeeee. To regear both axles it'll cost 2500, while I can get the lift kits here for more like 2200. I'll be leaving Alaska within the next 2 years so I was thinking about waiting to regear until I'm back in the lower 48 where it wouldn't be too bad. Any thoughts are appreciated!

PocketsEmpty

Regear and leave it at 4.5. 8" is too high IMO.

TwoXJS

^^^ x2 ^^^ At 4.5", you're probably running 35's? I'm sure your driveline would thank you for a re-gear, especially your engine or transmission. 3.55 sounds like a rather high gear to me for that height and possible tire size, so there's probably a decent load on the engine or trans, am I right? Not to mention you might gain some MPG back, I believe! According to my build sheet, I've got 3.54 and would LOVE to go to at least 4.10! Even on just 31's, my little four banger doesn't like getting up to speed....

Not to mention if you go to 8" lift, you'll probably get bigger tires. Then you'll probably wish you'd gotten gears instead....

msb0103

I edited my first post, the 8 inch lift was too much after doing some research. I really like how the iro 6.5 looks sitting on 33s. I do really want the regear but would saving 1000+ on the cost of gears be worth waiting a year? Again thanks for any insight!

TwoXJS

Well, I think it would be worth the wait, personally. That's a good bit of money that can be saved in case something were to happen, knock on wood....

msb0103

Yeah I'm only running 33s and I won't go bigger until I can afford a regear and axle shafts. Its just that labor is so expensive up here and regearing is the one thing I'm not comfortable figuring out myself. That being said I do wish it was up a little higher and had more flex, the IRO kit looks amazing in that regard and I've read nothing but good things about them. I'm leaning towards lifting it and waiting until next tax season for a regear when it won't kill my wallet.

ohio95xj

Try lifting to 5.5 not 6.5. And if you haven't heard anything bad about iron rock, you haven't searched very much.

msb0103

Have you personally had a problem with IRO or is this something you read?

ohio95xj

I personally have not had a problem with them. I have r in a track bar and brake lines from them. I was just saying that if you haven't heard anything bad about them. You haven't looked very hard.

caronaxtr

I'd recommend regearing too, I've got new axles locked & geared to 4.56, just waiting for nice weather to slide them under. I know you're at 33's now & don't want to go taller, but trust me 35's will prob. Be in your future. I said the same thing & now I'm planning on 35's.

You could always buy the gears now & possibly buy long arms (if you don't have them already). Install the long arms & save a bit more then install the gears. I buy what I can afford until I've got a pile of parts then start installing. Just my .02. Higher lifts usually mean more issues/wear on parts.

Good luck, wish I had $2,500 burning a hole in my pocket.

msb0103

Thanks for all the input! I think I'll be doing the regear first, hopefully the MPG gains are enough to help my save a little extra. Gotta love tax season

Rogue4x4

Good choice. Regearing will do SO much more for you than a lift will, but it's tough doing the stuff that can't be seen. There's a little more gratification when you visually see your rig lifted. Are you doing lockers at the same time?

msb0103

I won't be locking it yet, like I said, these gears are gonna clean my pockets out

Rogue4x4

Welcome to Jeep, LMAO

PurpleToxin505

Rear Coil Conversion!