Guys i just bought a "new" 2000 xj. My last one just got totalled out. Well with this one i am wanting to do a 4.5 inch lift as opposed to the 3 i had on the last on. i was planning on buying the zone kit with full leafs but i've read several times on here that you can piece together a better lift cheaper. Oh and for now i'm gonna just do a Tcase drop. When i graduate college here in may ill do the SYE route. This will not be a rock crawler, just a daily driver/ weekend toy.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks

 

oh forgot to say, i have a 7-800 dollar budget

 

You can check out serious offroad for his rubicon express lift kits. Generally a better out of the box lift near your price range. Or you could get a zone 4.5" with leafs and it'd serve you well. I got rubicon 4.5" coils but my rear is hacked with an add a leaf and lift block which I wouldn't recommend

 

If you go for a nominal 4.5", you may discover you need a SYE. I don't think
$800 will cover a kit and leave enough to deal with the issues that come up.

For your budget, go with a 3" kit. Otherwise read the budget lift thread and start hitting up your local junk yard.

 

RE 4.5" springs from Amazon $75
Bastard pack and Chevy shackle in the rear $50-$100
New u bolts and center pins $40
YJ front brake lines and Dakota rear line $60
97 F150 rear shocks use in front $50
95 F150 rear shocks use in rear $50
Adjustable lower control arms $180 or find used
Redrill track bar hole
Iron rock off road hack and tap $100
Junkyard front XJ shaft use in rear $50
That will run around $700 and cover your absolute basic requirements for 4.5" and doesn't include tires and wheels or other miscellaneous consumables, tools, busted bolts, etc...
It's doable but be prepared to shop around for the best deals and don't be afraid to look for good quality used parts from others who are upgrading. Also plan on a good track bar, upgraded steering, upper control arms, regearing, etc... down the road

 

so what all would i need that doesnt already come in the kit? i know about regearing and all that. I'm planning on doing the sye and gears/lockers after i graduate and get a better job in my feild. Just need something that'll be a good foundation for later.

 

Most people install a SYE because they need to. The level of "need" is dependent on your jeep and your lift. At 4.5" nominal (you may end up with more), your level of need is likely to be fairly high. You might get lucky but don't plan on it.

 

X2 Well said.
I went 4.5" with transfer case drop and had terrible vibration. SYE was necessary to drive it.