istickem

Hey everyone,
I just purchased my first XJ. 1989 4X4 Laredo. No mods YET! I want to lift it 3" and plan to go with 31 x 10.50's. My question is this.. I dont want to break the bank so I have thought about the budget lifts (F150 coils and S-10 bastard packs) but I want it to be reliable and last and I do not like the look of the front being higher than the back. What is your oppion on budget or buy from Rusty's or something? I am new to the lift idea so one more question. Which shocks to install when I do the lift? Any help or past experience would be greatly appreicated!!!

fishunterx

Ok, before everyeone get's on the debate about F150 coils, I'll let you know now, 90% of people who use them get rid of them. They ride rough and don't flex as good as other front coil options. Take that under advisement, if you want to you can try, but everyone is going to tell you not to. Also there are mixed reports of how much lift you actually get from them, I've heard anywhere from 2" to 4" Keep that in mind.

With a 3" lift, you should be able to get away w/o having to extend your break lines all thought it might be recommended.

A bastard pack from S10 should give you the desired lift and alot of people on here use them, just dont include the add a leaf if you get a pack with them.

Take a look at the list of parts that match for suspension. Good article, you could go with the ZJ V8 Upcountry Coils and a spacer and get near what your looking for with more flex than F150 coils.

Also keep in mind that you might be maxing out the length of your shocks, so plan on upgrading those as well.

I'm sure more people will chime in, that's just my .02

And you can fit 31's on a 3" lift w/o trimming, but the cut happy fender surgeons will tell you to trim to fit them. Try em first, trim second if needed.

Ianf406

I would go with a full kit... something that is built to go with itself. I mean 340 bucks isnt alot of money... and then you have a warrenty for most of em...
i just answered the same question in a thread like 3 under yours.. so here was my answer

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=PFX
IROS 3" lift...comes with all you need 340$

http://zoneoffroad.com/product?ki=34&gr=-1
One i have never seen.. doesnt look terrible.. 300$

http://www.full-traction.com/detail....ID=97&NOTES=20
full traction- around 500.. dont know anyone that has tried them?

http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_3x.html
Rough countrys good 3" lift (also have a cheaper one) 345$

http://www.warriorproducts.com/catal...ion-lift-kits/
warriors lifts... around 600 if you shop around for it

http://www.ruggedridgeoffroad.com/je...-lift-kits.php
rugged ridge lifts... cheap 3" for 420 most places, good 3" around 600$

http://www.tuffcountry.com/suspensio...lift-kits.html
they offer 3" with new leafs or with blocks.. 500 being blocks, 700 being new leafs

http://www.blackdiamondoffroad.com/l...ype=5&liftid=5
used to be superlift.. now blackdiamond... around 500 on most places

http://www.teraflex.biz/shop-by-vehi...e-xj-84-01?p=1
terraflex.. offers a few 4" lifts from 400-900.. also offer transfercase lowering kit and stuff...

http://www.skyjacker.com/
they offer like 5 different 3" lifts.. all around 800$

http://www.rockkrawler.com/?r_intro=1
they offer a half A$$ 3" lift... its only like 200 bucks though

http://www.4wd.com/jeep-parts.aspx?c...id=357&plID=60
they also offer their own 3" lifts... 500-800$

http://www.rubiconexpress.com/SuspensionSystems/XJ.aspx
also have two versions.. ("super flex") or standard ride

http://www.procompusa.com/prodDetail...5491&plID=1808
procomps... 500$-800$ two different versions again..

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchan...ode=sus_xj_kit
rusys... around 400 for what you need...

http://www.quadratec.com/products/pr...70X&h=&spg=&cv=
couldnt find ranchos web site but theres a link to their 3" lift around 600$

now #1.. find a lift you like and simply put it in google shopping search.. set to price lowest and there you go
#2 theres a few more out there i just got tired of looking for em
#3 I would get a kit with new rear leafs, but many people like add a leafs just fine
#4 I love ironrockoffroad.. i have their 6.5 LA kit and its the best kit ive ever had.. the customer service is great too! (why its first on my list)

fishunterx

I agree with everything he said except for this, dont go add a leaf, go full spring pack.
Unless like me, you don't have over $300 to spend. Then go budget and heck F150 coils will do.

alaskan

Don't waste your time with an AAL or block+shackle lift in the back. Get a 3" spring packs for the back, 3" coils for the front, cheap hydro shocks and some longer swaybar end links or quick disconnects.

If you shop around on the forum you can probably find a pair of used fixed lower arms for the 3" Rough Country kit that is $510 with real springs in the back:

http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_3.html

It would be a good place to start.

freegdr

no rubiconhttp://www.rubiconexpress.com/

Ianf406

I did say "I would get a kit with new rear leafs, but many people like add a leafs just fine" .. psssh making me look dumb

istickem

After all of your imput, I think I will save a bit more green and go with a full kit. Research I have done shows the AAL's have left alot of people disappointed, and my leafs are sagging anyway. Just wanna say a big THANK YOU to all of your for your imput, I am new to this forum and think I am really going to enjoy it and will post my pics as I progress with the build of the minor beast!! Thanks again to all who post here!!

fishunterx

I knew what you were saying, just wanted to make sure he knew.

I would also stay away from the rough country 3" that has either shackles or AAL's and spacers. You want full leaf packs, and full lift coils.