DS-Matt

Hi All -

I posted this over on the Lift thread but was concerned it might get lost in the massive thread, so I'm reposting here.

Looking to put a 3.5 - 4.5" lift on my 2001 Cherokee sport. I've done a lot of reading online and I think I've narrowed it down to two manufacturers (RE and Zone Off Road) and three different lift options, but would like some feedback as to what is the best lift option for my needs (80% - 90% DD and 10-20% off road). Also, none of the kits seem to include EVERYTHING you need to make the suspension lift complete so I've also tried my best to find all the additional items I'd need for each lift and come up with a total price for each lift (including the extras) so I can get an accurate price comparison.

UPDATE - I'VE REMOVED OPTION 1 - NOW DOWN TO TWO OPTIONS - SEE BELOW!

Option 2 Zone Off Road 4.5" Lift Kit ($749.94 base price as of this post)

1. Black Steering Stabilizer (pn# 7400) +44.95
2. Qty. 4 Shock Boot - Black (pn# U3100) +$14.00
3. Crown Industrial 5 Layer Custom Extended Brake Lines - Are these needed? If so, are these a good product and are they made in America? +84.99
4. JKS Front Adjustable Track Bar - Over 4" Lift - XJ-MJ-ZJ-TJ -The RE Track bar for 4.5" lifts requires a front bracket would this need a front bracket also? +240.00

Would this lift need a SYE kit? If so, is the RE kit a good kit?

Total Cost for Zone Off Road Lift Kit before install: $1133.88 or 1233.87 if I need a SKY kit and go with the RE kit.


Option 3 4.5 Inch Super-Flex Short Arm Lift Kit with Rear Leaf Springs - No Shocks ($1049.99 base price at the time of this post)

1. Rubicon Express Replacement Stabilizer +$34.99
2. Slip Yoke Eliminator Kit +$99.99
3. Track Bar Bracket Front XJ/ZJ 4.5"-7.5" +$79.99

Total Cost for RE 4.5 Inch Super-Flex Short Arm Lift Kit before install: $1264.96. Still need to buy shocks which I budget for $200.00 at least.

Rational -

The least expensive option is a 3.5" Super-Ride lift, but for the money and the extra inch the Zone lift is the best bang for your buck. The benefit of the 4.5" Super Flex is that I can upgrade to a long arm if I ever wanted.

I'm leaning towards the zone Lift, but does anyone know if they are a quality lift? Also, I'd like to buy American if possible, is the Zone Lift made in the USA?

Thanks for any Advice!

DS-MATT

ksrummel

I have a 3" ZONE kit with AAL and nitro shocks. I like it. It's my DD which sees way more pavement than dirt but it does awesome Offroad. I also went with a rough country track bar and lower control arms with ZONE quick disconnects. I like how it sits but rides a little rough, but not bad, but hey it's a lifted jeep not a Cadillac lol your best bet would be to piece together a lift. Amazon usually has good buys on RE. Also, if you go RE look up Andy Carter on Facebook or go to ironman4x4fab.com. He is an RE dealer and he doesn't post his prices so he can basically beat any price you find! Hope this helps!

ksrummel

Oh and RE usually net higher than what they say. At least that's what's happened to all the people I know that's put them on and that's people I talk to off the Internet lol

xjboy14

^^ I have a 3.5" RE full leafs full springs extended brake lines the whole deal, i am currently running 33" tires with this lift. When this lift was put on my jeep it measured 4-4.5" comparison.

Now to make my point, my lift was put on my jeep a good 7-8 years ago. It has had its time to settle and im still running 33s, and this lift came from a guy who had it on his jeep for 2 years and he got it from someone who had it for almost a year. *Note all bushings and shocks have been replaced as needed since last install*

I very much recommend rubicon express.

kgm

Yeah I have RE rear leafs because I had read how cheap ones sag in 2-3 years. They are definitely higher than I wanted (3.5 as listed; netted 4.5) but I'd rather not ever have to do it again.

DS-Matt

So I'm down to two options now:

Option 2 and Option 3 (see original post). With those two options and the additional accessories I've listed, am I missing anything or should I have EVERYTHING I NEED to lift my jeep successfully and run BG Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO Tires - LT265/70R17/E 121 R on Black Rock Viper 900s 17" wheels (matte black with machined finish)??? Or are there any additional Items I'll need for my jeep's suspension for the ride to be comparable or better than the current manufacturer ride?

Thanks!

DS-MATT

XJmike0122

While both of those kits are fine other than on option 3 I don't think that track bar bracket will work with the TB the RE kit comes with. I Figure I will stir the pot a bit. You said your XJ is going to be your DD and 90% street driven. At 4.5" with short arms its not going to ride very nice. I'm going to suggest this kit. Its more than the option 2 but less than option 3 with good shocks.

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=XLK

Some guys will say its to weak, but unless that 10% offroad is going to be extream I say it would be fine and a better ride. Check it out if you have not seen it.

Vonguido

If it was me I would go with the RE kit or if your gonna be spending that amount I personally would go with the Currie 4.5" kit. It's $200 more than the RE but so much better. Do it right the first time and you won't go wrong.

I ARE EL1TE

Just remember that when you add a SYE, you also will need a driveshaft and probable leaf spring shims to correct pinion angle. Also, extended brake lines are REQUIRED when going 4.5"

McCaffrey

#3 is what I bought but with the shocks included. You don't need a new trackbar bracket. The kit uses the stock bracket. However I'm starting to think a single-sheer bracket is not the way to go if you "wheel" moderately. The frame side is torqued to 115 lbs and has to be re-torqued after each trip or it will move and make a popping sound. Other than that it has been a great kit.

XJmike0122

Double shear is the way to go.

DS-Matt

Hi All -

Thanks for all the feedback. I know this sounds crazy after reading all the posts, but I'm going with the 4.5" Zone lift. I'm purchasing it from Allen's Offroad for a great discount! I went with Zone 4.5" lift with Nitro Shocks, black steering stabilizer, and adjustable track bar from Allen's. I purchased the Green brake line extenders from Quadratec. I wanted the Green lines because I'm wrapping the whole Jeep in Green/Gray/Black for my printing company.

My decision came down to the fact that Zone is a sub company of BDS and they have a good reputation and are substantially less expensive then the RE lift option.

I'll make sure to post build pictures and let everyone know how I feel about my decision when the lift is installed!

Thanks!

DS-MATT

ksrummel

You will be pleased with it! I forgot about Allen lol I've got quotes from him but shipping was always expensive!