I didn't want to hi-jack the last thread on the subject, as I am also looking to purchase a budget lift and shocks to get me by for the summer until I save up for full spring packs (OME) and shocks.

Here is my question.... What would be the advantage or disadvantage to shackles vs an aal (full length) in the rear? I have a 96 XJ and am right at 17.5" right now from center wheel to wheel well lip, but I get a bit of sag when loaded. I was thinking the aal would help when towing my boat, along with some new (albeit cheap) shocks, but it would be nice to already have shackles and spacers if I decide to go higher than the standard OME lift once that is installed later this year...

People complain of stiff aal's, but my experience is that if you get a full length one, it's not bad. I'm not sure shackles would help with sagging under load but that would be my preferred route for future upgrade capability...

 

The only thing that will help spring sag is a new spring pac in the rear not a AAL.

I might suggest you save a bit more money and buy a complete lift with springs like Rustys Off Road 3" it includes "everything" you need for the install and just a little over $400. I have used this kit for over a year now and zero problems, if fact just based another 1 1/2"'s of lift on it for a total of 4 1/2".

 

Thanks for the info. Fred. Although I politely disagree with the aal statement. I installed Rusty's aal on my last XJ and it held up fine. It was still at the same height when I sold it almost a year after install. I will say that I never towed anything, nor installed any aftermarket bumpers, etc..

I guess my question should be phrased differently. I know an aal with do what I need it to do for the short period of time I'll be using it for, but would a shackle (and new shocks) do the same thing? If so, I would rather go that route and keep the shackles to go with my ome spring pack.

Thanks again