So, I'm starting to get some parts together for my future build...


97 XJ country



Plan is to lift 3-3.5", on 245/75/16 (31"). Eventually, want to move to a 265/75, and that will be as big a tire I want. Already have a set of TJ moabs w/near new MTRs. Will be doing lockers/armor later.

Want to keep the xj looking stock, and very streetable, so want to keep the stock flares. Don't mind trimming ends, or even slight moving up the flares, as long as they stay.

I ordered the HDE relocation brackets last night. That should give me 1" in lift height and fix the shackle angle so I get an improved ride.

Now, how do I go about piecing the lift height together?

For the rear, I'm also going to get a longer shackle, which will probably add another 1", so I'd be around 2" w/stock leafs. Should I go w/OME 2" packs, or MJ leafs? I was also thinking of trying to fab some longer explorer leafs to improve flex, but not sure what to do for when I need to get the rear to 4" when I move to 32s. Don't want to have to buy new leafs again. Will be doing 8.8 which adds another 3/8" lift.

For the front, I'm either looking at Rusty's 3" coils, and later on a 1" puck, or RE 3.5 w/maybe a 1" puck later on. Rustys have a softer spring rate 150/180 which I like, but I'm also thinking of mounting a winch I have, and bumper which will bring the height down. I guess I could always do a 1.75" puck w/the rustys. The REs have a 241 lb rate. Much stiffer ride.

Or am I making this too complicated and should just order an RE 3.5" full leaf kit?

What do you guys think?

I think your thinking too much bro! You drove my jeep when it was on an R.E. 3.5 Inch and 33s...it drove better than stock, and that was with aals. I say go RE and dont look back. Most of your ride comes from shocks anyways.
My opinion and im sticking to it!

haha.. thanks Dustin!

Would be a lot easier to just buy a whole kit. I know I dont want joints in the arms though. And w/the shackle relocators will flex and ride better for sure!

you'll love those HDO brackets, I know I do. The brackets add 5/8" of lift using stock shackles, plus roughly half of the length difference from longer shackles (so a shackle that is 3" longer than stock will give you about 1 1/2" lift).

As for your plans, if you plan to go bigger in the future, go for the 3.5" packs in the back for now. I agree on the Rusty's springs, but get the 180# coils, and full 3.5" packs
http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchan...ode=sus_xj_kit
Using the stock shackles with the HDO boxes, plus those springs should put you at about 4" in the rear, and 3.5" in the front from the HD springs. That way there's room to add a spacer in the front and reasonable length shackles in the back when you want more lift.

why on earth would you not want orbital joints on the arms?

245/75/16 are not 31's....

Look it up theyre like 30 or something.

265 are like 31s. Just so you know

Great little tool for you http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

I had the super ride kit.....
no flex joint

thanks for the info. all the jeeps ive had w/joints started to rattle. i hated that, and will sacrifice flex for a better ride.

im going to install those brackets first and adjust the front from there. i think i can fit 32s on 3.5, but i am going to wheel this thing so need to make sure so i keep the stock flares.
rarely will a tire size be it's true size. it all depends on the manufacturer. so even though BFG, or GY, or Interco says 31x10.50, they wont really measure 31" tall. In most cases, they are under and just rounded up to 31", 32", 33" etc.. Same goes for metric. Just FYI.

That's why you go for the good joints, or nothing. I will only run authentic Currie Johnny Joints.

i agree w/you there. Ive heard currie and teraflex hold up the best. but i dont want to spend that much.

im thinking of the ironman4x4 arms w/flex bushings. although, might be overkill for 3" of lift.

IronMan Andy def puts out some good stuff. Also look at Romken arms. I have no idea why but they aren't given the notice in the XJ community as much as they should, and I have no idea why - the TJ guys go nuts for them. http://www.rokmen.com/suspension/con...ehicle_type=40

This.

There are multiple 3" budget lift kits out there that will work fine, just get springs and add a leaf and not spacers.

So they all round up?... Cause my dads 265's are actually 30.5?

That's all a question, not just me being a *****. Hahah

for the most part, yes. https://treadwright.com/p-71-265-75r...dog-m-t-c.aspx

when i had my 34" LTBs.. the site said they were 33.6, and I measured under 33.5...