Originally Posted by NewKindOfClown

Thanks, forgot about shocks. I'd say wait and see at 3", but it's almost certain he'll need it at 4.5". It's a '99.

You can use a stock front DS in the rear once you get an SYE.

Originally Posted by Mr_Grimm13

Fellow XJ brethren, I think it is time to start planning ahead!!! Right now I have a budget boost (3" front spacer, 2" lift shackle) on my XJ, these were purchased because of price and I had to get the Jeep off my new tires because they were rubbing. With all that said I now have seen the err of my ways , the ride quality is horrible and I know those spacers won't last forever, but I want to use this time to my advantage and prep my girl for a bigger full lift (looking for a 4.5" lift this time) and I want to know what I need to get done to the Jeep before I install this lift. What upgrades would you all suggest that I do before installing this lift?

Originally Posted by XJmike0122

It has been said before a BB does not really effect ride quality much. I could not imagine a Zone 4.5 inch lift riding better than a BB lift. Stiffer coils, stiffer leafs, steeper CA angles and cheap shocks.

Originally Posted by Parsnip

I'm at 6.5-7 in the rear without one and have no vibes pinion angle is perfect for one though...just don't have $$ to spend on it yet lol

Originally Posted by NewKindOfClown

I can tell you his current setup of stock leaf springs and 2" extended shackles is riding a helluva lot worse than the Zone kit will.

Originally Posted by XJmike0122

Elaborate please.

Originally Posted by XJmike0122

Guess your build thread is out of date because it does not look like you are sitting at 7 inches.

Originally Posted by NewKindOfClown

For starters, the stock leafs suck. They're flimsy, and they break easily. Add a 2" shackle to that, and you're guaranteed to break your leafs. They don't have the range of motion required to properly use a 2" shackle, and it causes them to wrap while also severely limiting the ability to absorb bumps. Additionally, the extended shackle multiplies the lateral forces applied on the spring eye.

Originally Posted by NewKindOfClown

For starters, the stock leafs suck. They're flimsy, and they break easily. Add a 2" shackle to that, and you're guaranteed to break your leafs. They don't have the range of motion required to properly use a 2" shackle, and it causes them to wrap while also severely limiting the ability to absorb bumps. Additionally, the extended shackle multiplies the lateral forces applied on the spring eye.

Originally Posted by a_shirey

I would also bet that his shackle angle is more like 90 degrees rather than 45 degrees. That makes a huge difference in ride quality.

Originally Posted by NewKindOfClown

To be clear, extended shackles are great with lift springs cause it gives them better range of motion.

Ideal 4.5" lift:
3.5" leafs
1" lift shackle
Relocation brackets

Originally Posted by XJmike0122

Hmm thanks for all the input. Still seems strange to me. I guess its a good thing I plan on getting rid of my shackles.

Originally Posted by sycoglitch

Not saying shackles are a bad thing. A slightly longer than stock one may not try to stretch out the springs as oppose to a longer one. I did like mines. But need a sturdy set of springs below it to not let the leaf springs stretch and bend as they compress

Originally Posted by XJmike0122

I know your not. I have 4.5 in OME leafs with a leaf removed. I'm at about 4 inches and rides pretty good even with a bad shackle angle. I want to try the LII leaf sliders. Hear they make for a nicer ride.