So i have a 99 2dr XJ that i drive about 62 miles a day back and forth for work. Now i really want to lift it but don't know how big to go and what lift. I was originally thinking about the 4.5" lift from rough country, but i really dont want to mess with a SYE kit. So i was thinking about a 3" lift from rough country also but every person i talk to says after they did there lift they wish they went bigger. So the next problem is what lift on the less expensive side. Also has anyone used the Zone offroad kits???? I know these questions have been asked here a ton of times but i searched for a while so please don't flame me.
Mike G.

 

Dont go rough country they dont get any thing but bad reviews. And dont go add a leaft either its a rough ride and can sag rather quickly get full leafs and shackles. I say go for 4.5" of lift off the bat with some 33s thats what my goal is and i drive my xj 40 miles a day. Its really all about your preferance if you dont want to go SYE right off the bat you could do a t case drop. Look for the best deals a round and find one that fits your budget and your preferences

 

I do not like rough country at all. Zone is made by BDS suspension. Bang for your Buck is great. 4.5 lift you will want to have adjustable track bar and SYE for sure. Id go for zone over rustys or RC any day. Just my $.02

 

Im going 3.5" on mine, piecing together my own lift. I got a set of barely used Quadratec HD leaves off craigslist (which gave me 1.5"), some 2" shackles for free, and bought some new 3.5" Rubicon Express coils. And Ive got shocks that will work off another project of mine. $225 for new front and rear springs, and shackles. That's less than the RC 3", with better components.

 

its hard to screw up a 3" lift. Its really hard to go wrong with any company, just get full leaf packs.

Once you get into the taller lifts and/or tend to beat on your rig harder, then you should look into higher quality components.

 

get a 3.5 inch lift, you wont want/ need too go any higher, put 31s on it, you will mob deep and still be able to dd

 

If its a DD, and you dont plan on wheeling it, id save my pennies and do an OME 2.5" lift. they have excellent reviews, and its a low enough lift you wont have to change much, except maybe your brake lines but you could just relocate the bracket. Rough country's leaf packs are notoriously too short and ride like a brick with wheels glued on. Good luck.

 

Id go with the 4.5" lift. When I bought my XJ it already had a 3 inch lift and 31" tires and I found myself rubbing my tires on the wheel wells. I now lifted my XJ 4.5" and cut out the front fenders and installed TJ fender flares. In the lift I took Dodge Dakota leaf springs and mixed its leaf springs, with the XJ's leafs. then for the front I got Grand Cherokee coil springs and a spacer ( soon to be 4.5" Rubicon coil springs). Then I did a 3/4" Transfer Case Drop. While I was at it I also relocated the bracket for the front soft brake lines and put adjustable lower control arms in. After a year of driving, I dont have a SYE and don't get vibrations on the highway. Along with this my 31" tires have plenty of space to move around. Just my $.02 but Id go with the 4.5" lift rather then the 3". BUT its your choice.

 

Ya I was planning on getting full leafs in the back. Is everyone that has a 4.5" running a SYE????

 

Im not.

 

I have a 4.5in lift with a transfer case drop. I don't need a sye but got a great deal on one off Craigslist so I am. It really depends on your jeep and how it settles

 

I daily drive my 01 Sport with 3.5" RE Superflex (w/ full packs) on 32x11.5x15s and I think its perfectly fine. I could opt for some new gears to reestablish my powerband (at 75mph I barely make 2000 rpm). I've got an SYE/CV shaft, and adjustable upper/lower arms.

Obligatory photo:

 

I understand a lot of people like to repeat what they hear others say. I would never bash a lift kit I haven't owned myself. With that being said, I have the RC 3" kit with add a leaf. I couldnt be more happy with it. Ride quality is good and it has held up well.

 

i bought and installed rustys 3" on my 92

i bought already 3" rough country lifted 98

i bought already 3.5" Rubicon express lifted 98

the 98 with the RC lift is due for new lift, goin with RE 3.5"

 

What's everyone's thought on rough country lifts?????