jtg0210

I'm looking to finally lift my 2000 XJ. I don't want to go over $300 on the lift. I originally wanted to do a 3" lift, but due to my budget, a 2" seems to be the best option. I'd like to fit 31's on it if possible . My leafs are also sagging pretty bad so I want to get whole new leaf springs rather than AALs or new shackles. Any input on what to get would be much appreciated.

Martlor13

you won't fit 31s without trimming or bumpstopping a bit. I know, I just did a 2 inch lift earlier this year haha....heres what I did. I went "cheap" as well because I want a bigger lift soon. I got a killer deal on a rustys 2 inch lift kit. Almost for free. Also scored some new Dorman leaf springs for a great deal. They give about 1.5 inches of lift. So I used those leaf springs with the add a leafs from the lift kit...absoloute horrible ride. I ended up removing the add a leafs and put in adjustable lift shackles at their lowest setting and am sitting right at 2 inches in the rear. For the front I used the 2 inch lift coils from lift kit and they are real nice.

now if you want to be cheap as possible, you coukd use coil spacers on the front springs. But going through the hassle of having to remove the coil springs anyway to put the spacers, why not just put new lifted springs? And again in the rear, you can use the Dorman leaf springs with iron rock off-road shackles of something similar. Crown also sells leaf springs that give an inch or so of kify, but you have to buy and press in the bushings separately. One more thing. Rancho sells some 2 inch lift leaf springs, but I really didn't find much reviews on them.

jtg0210

Thanks! So what size tires were you able to fit? And could you send links by any chance?

EZEARL

Martlor,what lift position are you at on the shackles to get 2"?

Here's the Dorman's he used;

I'm using Crown w/a bushing kit:


You should also replace the u-bolts which are axle specific. Plus you still need lift shackles.

Martlor13

I run 235s...many will tell you to run 30s, but I work at a tire shop and I always steer people away from 30s. This is because the height difference is minimal, it's less than half an inch. Plus 235s are cheaper and more tire options.

Martlor13

thanks for helping with links EZ. I think I used some rc lift shackles I had laying around and I'm on their lower lift setting. I think it's. 75 inch of lift.

and op either leaf spring above will be fine. Let me find a link to the rustys I used up front.

Martlor13

http://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-...j-2-front.html

those are the coils I used. And like EZ said get new bolts. I forgot to mention that because they had already come in the kit I used. After that all you would need is your choice of shock..... I went out and spent the money on bilsteins. Pricy compared to others but I love them.

EZEARL

No problem helping with the links. I still have them saved cause I'm not finished mine yet. Got the rear done. Good to know your shackles are at 3/4". Mine (IRO's) are set at 0" right now but go to 3/4". Haven't ordered front parts yet so after reading your post I'll go with Rustys 2"coils instead of Moog's and 3/4" spacers.

jtg0210

Thank you guys so much.
If I were to try to stuff 31s in there, what kind of trimming would I have to do?

Martlor13

I honestly didn't even know a 3 inch coil was made until stumbling on the Craigslist post where I found the rustys kit. My very first jeep I did a budget lift with spacers. Never did like it and was glad I found 3 inch lift coils this time around.

Martlor13

you would have to trim the fenders enough to clear at full compression. Or add longer bumpstops to limit uptravel.

EZEARL

2"?

Kymasabe

I'm planning on a 2 inch lift with a kit from Rocky Road.
http://www.rocky-road.com/xj-budget-lift.html

Martlor13

I haven't heard good things about rocky road. But make sure you don't get the kit with blocks. Imo shackles over blocks. Hopefully your current springs aren't in too bad of shape though.

mikesignal

Also just wanted to add that you can use shocks off of a JK or JKU for a 2" lift. I found a set on Ebay for $60 for all 4. That should save you money and give you a decent ride.