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Old 02-23-2014, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Programbo
I just bought a used XJ that had a LOT of problems and have slowly taken care of them. It has a very basic 2 inch lift. Blocks in the rear and coil spacers in the front. It also has/had bad wheel hubs/bearings on BOTH sides of the front. Is it possible the 2" spacers led to this or is it just a coincedence? I'd hate to replace the hubs just to have them go bad again soon but kind of want to keep the 2" of lift
X2, Spacer is no problem. While you're replacing the hub, it may be a good idea to replace the axle u-joints, and it is a good idea to buy quality parts (timken, SKF, some Moog hubs, spicer u-joints.)
Old 02-23-2014, 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by JerrytheJeep
Way too much lift, way too much tire to dd it. Xjs do much better with smaller lifts and large tires. 14" is way excessive. What kind of locker was it?
It was a lock rite, from what he said
Old 02-23-2014, 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by EvstaG
X2, Spacer is no problem. While you're replacing the hub, it may be a good idea to replace the axle u-joints, and it is a good idea to buy quality parts (timken, SKF, some Moog hubs, spicer u-joints.)
Thanks for input guys. I'm in the truck parts business so can get most of those brands at our cost plus 10%
Old 02-23-2014, 11:36 PM
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okay guys I need some help and input form the pros... im running a 3 inch zone kit AAL and coils with a t case drop, want to jump to 4 inches with spacers ad shackles and need a list of things I need. will I NEED a SYE or can I pass with the t case drop. I know I need lcas ucas and drop pitman as well as trac and brake extensions but will my same shocks work and what else will I NEED for the jump? im only planning on running my 31. 10.5s not bigger until later so, thanks guys.
Old 02-23-2014, 11:59 PM
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Originally Posted by morningstretch87
okay guys I need some help and input form the pros... im running a 3 inch zone kit AAL and coils with a t case drop, want to jump to 4 inches with spacers ad shackles and need a list of things I need. will I NEED a SYE or can I pass with the t case drop. I know I need lcas ucas and drop pitman as well as trac and brake extensions but will my same shocks work and what else will I NEED for the jump? im only planning on running my 31. 10.5s not bigger until later so, thanks guys.
Need is fairly subjective. Can you slap 'er on there an just go? Probably. Should you want to do the job right? Definitely.

For the SYE, depends on the XJ. For some, the TC drop will suffice- but regardless, at 4" it should be a priority no matter if the TC drop does the trick or not.
You may not NEED upper control arms, but it isn't a bad idea, if not to get an ideal set-up now, but to also accommodate for the future. Lower control arms for sure, adjustable recommended. Then you can dial in your caster and pinion angle properly.
The key with the steering is that your track bar and drag link are parallel. Don't get a drop pitman arm unless you are also getting a drop track bar bracket. And for the track bar, get a double shear bar, much sturdier.

Brake line extensions will certainly also be necessary, I used all three soft lines from a YJ. Works great, and is on the cheap. Obviously stainless extended braided lines are going to be ideal.

For your shocks, yes you can use the same ones. Get some bar pin eliminators, that will compress the shock about an inch (some BPE's are designed specifically to be longer to act as a spacer as well as a BPE) which will leave you with a similar shock set-up as your 3" lift. The downside to these is that your shocks will have less travel than a full-length shock. But yes, you can use the same ones. Measuring how much extension/compression you have when your vehicle is sitting can often be a good indicator about which route you need to take with shocks.

Finally, don't expect much in terms of ride quality or longevity with the AAL and shackle set-up. Do realize that you will likely have to cave and buy a full leaf pack sooner or later.

Evan.
Old 02-24-2014, 01:46 AM
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Default 97 XJ Bone stock

Getting a 97 XJ, it's bone stock, and needs shocks replaced, so I figured I'd go ahead and lift while i'm at it / getting new tires. Lift budget is roughly 400-450 at the most, what route should I take with this? Wanting the best height for the money.

So far, I'm aiming for this, but I'm open to suggestions entirely.

Lift: RC 3" ful leafs pack

Wheels: Cragar Soft 8's, 8 in. wide/ 4 in. backspacing

Tires: Treadwright Guard Dog M/T 31x10.50x15

Last edited by VFQuake; 02-24-2014 at 02:17 AM.
Old 02-24-2014, 07:47 AM
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Default 4.5" RC List and 33" Tires

Hello everyone,

I wanted to bring something up that I did not come across prior to installing my lift and wheels.

First off, I have a 4.5" RC lift. I have some "dirt" cheap 33" tires.

My 33" Tires do not fit under my 4.5" lift. I have done some trimming. To really make sure that my wheels clear I would have to trim a ton. Is that normally the case?

After a weekend of wheeling and ripping off a stock fender flare, I had to purchase a set of bushwacker flat style flares.

Has anyone ran into any problems installing those fender flares?
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Old 02-24-2014, 08:09 AM
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Originally Posted by VFQuake
Getting a 97 XJ, it's bone stock, and needs shocks replaced, so I figured I'd go ahead and lift while i'm at it / getting new tires. Lift budget is roughly 400-450 at the most, what route should I take with this? Wanting the best height for the money.

So far, I'm aiming for this, but I'm open to suggestions entirely.

Lift: RC 3" ful leafs pack
well, this kit is already over your budget and the opinions are always pretty back and forth on quality. RC was known for their leaf packs being too short, but i think thats been corrected. either way, id say wait and save. you'll be happier in the end. you can part together a really nice lift for a few hundred more. or go all out and get a long arm kit..
Old 02-24-2014, 08:40 AM
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Originally Posted by VTJeep

well, this kit is already over your budget and the opinions are always pretty back and forth on quality. RC was known for their leaf packs being too short, but i think thats been corrected. either way, id say wait and save. you'll be happier in the end. you can part together a really nice lift for a few hundred more. or go all out and get a long arm kit..
Their 4.5'' leafs are still hit or miss
Old 02-24-2014, 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by my89xj
Their 4.5'' leafs are still hit or miss

My RC 4.5 leafs were the right length for my rig, but they were super wonky tall until in threw my jcr rear bumper with tire carrier on. Now the leafs sit perfectly and I still have about 4.6 inches of lift after 5 months. My guess is that's why they have the extra arch.
Old 02-24-2014, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Wiley Riley
Hello everyone,

I wanted to bring something up that I did not come across prior to installing my lift and wheels.

First off, I have a 4.5" RC lift. I have some "dirt" cheap 33" tires.

My 33" Tires do not fit under my 4.5" lift. I have done some trimming. To really make sure that my wheels clear I would have to trim a ton. Is that normally the case?

After a weekend of wheeling and ripping off a stock fender flare, I had to purchase a set of bushwacker flat style flares.

Has anyone ran into any problems installing those fender flares?
Normally people trim at least a moderate amount AND add bumpstops (hockey pucks work well) to the front. Pound down your pinch seal also. Some will say bumpstop A LOT and no trimming and it's all about down travel but in my experience that isn't sufficient.
Old 02-24-2014, 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by EvstaG
Need is fairly subjective. Can you slap 'er on there an just go? Probably. Should you want to do the job right? Definitely.

For the SYE, depends on the XJ. For some, the TC drop will suffice- but regardless, at 4" it should be a priority no matter if the TC drop does the trick or not.
You may not NEED upper control arms, but it isn't a bad idea, if not to get an ideal set-up now, but to also accommodate for the future. Lower control arms for sure, adjustable recommended. Then you can dial in your caster and pinion angle properly.
The key with the steering is that your track bar and drag link are parallel. Don't get a drop pitman arm unless you are also getting a drop track bar bracket. And for the track bar, get a double shear bar, much sturdier.

Brake line extensions will certainly also be necessary, I used all three soft lines from a YJ. Works great, and is on the cheap. Obviously stainless extended braided lines are going to be ideal.

For your shocks, yes you can use the same ones. Get some bar pin eliminators, that will compress the shock about an inch (some BPE's are designed specifically to be longer to act as a spacer as well as a BPE) which will leave you with a similar shock set-up as your 3" lift. The downside to these is that your shocks will have less travel than a full-length shock. But yes, you can use the same ones. Measuring how much extension/compression you have when your vehicle is sitting can often be a good indicator about which route you need to take with shocks.

Finally, don't expect much in terms of ride quality or longevity with the AAL and shackle set-up. Do realize that you will likely have to cave and buy a full leaf pack sooner or later.

Evan.

Thanks for the help!
Old 02-24-2014, 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by BoomStickTmo

My RC 4.5 leafs were the right length for my rig, but they were super wonky tall until in threw my jcr rear bumper with tire carrier on. Now the leafs sit perfectly and I still have about 4.6 inches of lift after 5 months. My guess is that's why they have the extra arch.
As I said, hit or miss.....
Old 02-24-2014, 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by VTJeep
well, this kit is already over your budget and the opinions are always pretty back and forth on quality. RC was known for their leaf packs being too short, but i think thats been corrected. either way, id say wait and save. you'll be happier in the end. you can part together a really nice lift for a few hundred more. or go all out and get a long arm kit..
Let's say the leafs have been corrected, why exactly would I be holding out instead of just getting the 3" lift?
Old 02-24-2014, 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by VFQuake
Let's say the leafs have been corrected, why exactly would I be holding out instead of just getting the 3" lift?
RC sells a low quality product and doesn't respect their customers.


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