I've had my XJ for a couple years now and I think I've realized how impossible it is to resist modifying it in some way. I'm going to use Bilstein because they've always performed so well and proven reliable on my vehicles in the past. Plus my friend has the 5100's on his Tacoma and seems to like 'em pretty well. So stick to what you know I guess. I'm only looking to get 2 to 2.5 inches of lift, and I know how important it is to have the right spring for the right shock, but 4x4 is an animal i'm not familiar with so I need some advice on putting together a good kit with Bilstein 5100's for around about 2.5" lift.

Thank you to all input

 

I went with ome after rough country.
Depends on your budget, for 2" even spacers and shackles would be a good idea.

 

Check out Seriousoffroadproducts.com. he is a vendor on this forum and has shock packages on his website with a forum discount.
I picked up a set of the 5100's from him a while back.

 

thank you for the site, those are the shocks I'm looking for, part number matches what i got from Bilstein, I like that you can just buy the 4 in one package. I will be purchasing my shock from serious off road for sure.

I dont see coil springs though, so I still need to match a set of springs. Any opinions on Rancho 2.5" springs / leaf kits?

I'm pretty sure i'm also going to do the Crown HD tie rod/drag link kit. read good things about it. Looks like you cant beat it for the price.

 

The best coils and leaf springs are going to be from OME.

I wouldn't waist your time with that Crown steering. The stock drag link is fine, you could upgrade to a V8 ZJ tie rod.

 

The OME springs are pretty sweet. I have heard good things about RE, but have no firsthand experience with thier springs. I am running Rusty's leafs and coils and they have held up very well for the past few years.

X2 on the crown kit. Not a bad one, but you can pick up a zj tie rod from a jy very cheap or even a new one from AZ, Advance, etc... for ~$75.

 

Ive read that you can use the ZJ tire rods, I need new ends and dampers, so the Crown kit is just really convenient.

 

Your coil spring choice matters a lot less than your leaf spring choice. So as mentioned above I would try out OME leafs. You could even just run spacers up front.

 

You won't be disappointed...Frank runs a tight ship, he has my business. Don't forget to type "cherokee forum" into the discount code box when ordering for 10% off.

 

I was checking out the suggested OME suspension, curious as to how much I can expect the 2.75" leaf springs to settle? I see the front coils say 2" medium duty.