ta2tony

So I've been trolling on here for almost a year, got a lot of research done but it almost seems the more I know the more questions I have.

First, my ride: 1996 Cherokee 4dr, 4.0l, AW4, NP242, Dana 30 HP up front, Chry 8.25 in the rear.

My plans? 3-3.5" of 'actual' lift, full leaf packs, lower control arms, discos, adjustable tracbar, and enough left in the budget for a SYE, just in case (I have another front DS on my donor in the garage). Tires will be 31x10.5 A/T's on 15"s with 3.75-4" of BS.

My application? Mostly a DD for about 25 miles of highway roundtrip, but want to occasionally have a little fun when camping at the lake, fishing at the river, or messing around with my family out in the sticks...

So the decision came down to the RC 3" and the RE 3.5" and I had decided on the RE, even though it was more $ it sounded like a better product. However, now I'm not so sure. I've read that RE's springs are too short, leading to more lift and improper shackle angles that requires SYE's, shackle relocators, and incidentally even MORE lift than planned for.

I have also read that RC leaf springs have the issue of being too short and leading to bad shackle angle. Again, I shouldn't have to buy relocators for springs I just bought.

That being said, here's my question: Are there any leaf springs out there that result in 3-3.5" of actual lift AND mount properly with the correct shackle angle?

Its looking like I'm going to be piecing together components from different companies to make my own lift kit, so any recommendations on the parts I plan to buy (listed above) to reach my desired lift hieght and application would be awesome.

Thanks in advance, hope I put in enough detail to not get blasted with the obligatory "use the search function" response...[ducks]

Xj88

Buy all this:
Old man emu 2 inch leaf packs.
Rubicon Express Boomerang Shackle
RE coils
Good shocks (if you can afford em)

Later you can upgrade that lift with new lower arms (which I would suggest)..

danXJ

I'm looking for the same thing 3" leafs

I hear the RC are too short...

are OME longer? or is that why you need the shackle?

Xj88

OME are nice *** leafs, will ride great.

An extended shackle along with a leaf pack will flex better offroad. Its better to run a leaf + shackle then just a full leaf setup with a stock shackle.

ta2tony

XJ88-thanks for the tip, I'll look into OME leafs. Money isn't that tight, I mean, heck, I was considering the RE 3.5 which would end up around over $1200 before wheels n tires...lift + shocks + tracbar + SYE...

I just want a good setup combination, and hopefully keep it under $1000 or so...

I've also been looking at Rusty's and Zone rear leafs...haven't been able to find any specific info on the fitment, resulting lift or shackle angle yet...but I'm still looking.

Xj88

Here ill do all the work for you. Buy this and youll be a happy camper:

2 of these: http://www.quadratec.com/products/16...FQZV4AodJi4A0A

These: http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co....5-4.5in.-Lift

These: http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...ings-XJ-MJ-3.5

These: http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...REAR-BOOMERANG

And these (or you could go for the superflex ones, or adjustable): http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...er-TJ-XJ-MJ-ZJ

That should keep you under a grand.. and youll have a very nice setup.

ta2tony

Xj88, is this the setup you run? How level is it in that configuration? From what I've read the RE 3.5" coils net about 4" of lift in front and the setup you recommend with OME's looks like about 3" in the rear. I really don't want to keep the negative rake my worn out rear already blesses me with.

I'd also still like to get a little more info on the Rusty's and Zone leaf's before deciding, but I'm not opposed to a lesser lift leaf combined with shackles or relo brackets...

Xj88

I do not run that setup, no.
Almost all coils will net you a bit more than advertised, its normal.

Rustys leafs are pretty good, I live near enough to rustys to pick them up from them and not pay shipping..ive ran rustys leafs on my last 2 rigs..no complains.

However, on my most recent build ive decided to opt for rubicon express leafs.

ta2tony

How do the Rusty's leaf's fit? Do the 3" leaf's mount up to the stock shackle & bracket and give you the proper shackle angle? Thats what I'm really after.

If I had to pick right now, I'd prolly go with the Rusty's 3" lift and then add the RE lower arms, adjustable tracbar & discos...unless Rusty's leaf's have the same issue of being too short as RE & RC does.

Xj88

Most all leafs will give you a crappy shackle angle without an extended shackle.

Bluebyu

I have rustys 3.5" leafs and they are great. Good shackle angle too

Bossokee

X2

Power73

pics of shackle angle?

Bluebyu

I'll try to get you a pic later tonight when I get home

Solomon7

BDS hands down.
I've had my 3" packs for 5 years now. Haven't lost any height at all.
They're rough for a month or 2 till they break in then nice n smooth.
No ?s lifetime warranty too. They said if I get tired of em, snap them however and send them in for new ones. I like that warranty!