Hi again guys. So my brother finally came around and realized his leaf springs were shot. He surprised me and said he wanted a lift because he typically likes his vehicle stock. He found the rustys 3inch advanced kit and asked me about it. I told him I don't know never seen it but I'm sure the forum will be of help. Is this a good kit? It comes with upper and lower control arms, extended brake lines and adjustable trackbar. Opinions appreciated

http://www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-suspension/jeep-suspension-lift-kits/xj-cherokee-84-01-jeep-suspension-lift-kits/rustys-xj-cherokee-3-advanced-kit.html

 

I have ran the Rustys 3" full leaf/coil/shock/hardware entry level package for about 4 yrs. now they are made in NA and high quality leafs/coils no sag even after this long with being heavily loaded all the time.


The reason I bought the kit that I did was because I wanted to add to it later with better parts than what came in the kits like HD Adj. U/LCA's, Adj. Dbl. Shear track bar, better shocks, etc. and increase the lift height later using the original leafs/coils also.


With that kit all that's needed is an Adj. track bar added and the proper wheel if larger tires used. I had stock CA's with 33x12:50x15's and a 15x8" wheel with 3.75" of BS no rubbing CA's or frame fenders were trimmed. The bracket for the brake lines can be dropped down and stock lines used for a 3" lift also. Sway Bar disconnect or ext. is needed also for full flex. All of my current lift and steering is from Rustys and have zero problems in 4 yrs.


He needs to make sure his front end is in good condition before installing a lift also and if tie rods are needed upgrade to the mid 90's ZJ V-8 one a lot stronger and direct bolt-in.

 

The advanced kit includes an adjustable trackball. For $850 I don't think it's a bad kit

 

You can also upgrade the control arms to adjustable ones. I might consider this kit for my jeep.

 

I run his Adj. U/LCA's on mine also. Does the advanced kit have the sway bar disconnects with it?

 

Not that I saw for the 3 inch kit. The advanced 4.5 inch does

 

His disconnect fits all size lifts and fits several different Jeeps, mine works fine. All I had to do when I increased my lift was readjust the linkage from the 3" to 4 1/2".


As I said I pieced my lift together from the entry level one and still using the leafs/coils for my 4 1/2" with Boomerang shackles and ACOS adj. spacer in front coils. It flex's excellent now and my next upgrade is going to long arms, for improved ride on/off road.


The Rustys lifts have a better ride than a lot of the kits because of the leafs being the proper length also you have a choice of what front coils you want the std. ones or ones for a winch/bumper combo same price just choose when ordering.


Here is an older photo of my XJ with the 3" Rustys lift and still his shocks also. My fenders are trimmed for a bigger tire to fit 33x12:50x15's but you can still tell about the lift. All lift kits as well as the new XJ's when delivered sat higher in the rear than the front in order to carry a load in the cargo area or tow a trailer, I have a rear tire carrier bumper/with tire and weight in the rear so mine looks level in photo.

 

I have the Rusty's 3" advanced with HD coils, forged flex adjustable U/L CAs, sway bar disconnect, and standard shocks. I am happy with the overall quality, but I found the leaf springs settled in quickly. It's possible this is a result of the fact I carry more gear on top and in the back than most day-trippers. I added IRO's adjustable boomerang shackles and have them in the taller setting. I like the way the suspension feels and works in all conditions. I needed to modify the SW QDs, and look forward to adding Bilsteins. If you get the forged flex control arms, make sure the joints are snugged up really well before install.

Happy wrenching

 

My rear bumper, 60" Hi-Lift, Spare tire Wheel just under 250#. In the cargo area lots of recovery gear we wheel alone so we need a lot, spare parts way to many, Adv. Trauma First Aid kit, Air Compressor, Air Tools, tool box's, chain saw, etc. at least 500# give or take.


When we leave for a longer stay like several days in the mountains I have a boat fuel tank 30 gal. its rectangle shape and 10" height fits in the roof rack fine. On top of that I strap a 30 gal. oil barrel that I cleaned out, when at the camp site I drain all the fuel from boat tank to the barrel and fill the gas tank on the XJ with a transfer pump.


I wonder why mine have not settled yet that much even after adding the 1 1/2" Boomerang shackles 3 yrs ago. BTW you will like the Bilstein shocks if you add them.